Houston opens coronavirus call center to answer questions about COVID-19

This illustration, created at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reveals ultrastructural morphology exhibited by coronaviruses. Note the spikes that adorn the outer surface of the virus, which impart the look of a corona surrounding the virion, when viewed electron microscopically. A novel coronavirus, named Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China in 2019. The illness caused by this virus has been named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). less This illustration, created at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reveals ultrastructural morphology exhibited by coronaviruses. Note the spikes that adorn the outer surface of the virus, ... more Photo: Centers For Disease Control And Prevention Photo: Centers For Disease Control And Prevention Image 1 of / 5 Caption Close Houston opens coronavirus call center to answer questions about COVID-19 1 / 5 Back to Gallery

The Houston Health Department is responding to local fears over the novel coronavirus with a new call center dedicated to answering questions and offering information about COVID-19.

The department announced Monday morning that the call center would open that day at 832-393-4220.

“While we are all bombarded with a huge amount of information about COVID-19, some people may find certain details confusing or even worrisome,” said Dr. David Persse, local health authority for the Houston Health Department, in a news release. “Our aim is to make sure the public has the facts on how to best protect themselves and allay any fears.”

The call center will be open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the department announced on its website. After-hours callers can leave messages, which the call center will return in the order received.

On Sunday, Harris County officials announced a total of four new COVID-19 cases in the Houston area, bringing the local total up to 12. All of the dozen patients were on the same cruise line in Egypt, of whom 6 are from Fort Bend County and 6 are from Harris County.

Locally, the virus had not changed much of daily life as of Monday. Houstonians went to work, school and the annually popular RodeoHouston events with seemingly little fear.

Despite the trickled down effects of the virus still being low, some have experienced more change than others — on Sunday, Rice announced its decision to cancel in-person classes for the week, and Houston has so far seen two major conferences change plans over the virus.

On March 1, CERAweek organizers canceled the oil and gas conference which brings thousands to Houston. NACE International postponed its upcoming engineering conference Friday.

Nearly 9,000 people had signed a petition by noon Monday to cancel the rodeo events as well.

Rodeo officials said Saturday there are no plans to cancel the event, which is slated to run through March 22. Officials said in a statement that the event draws local visitors unlike the much more internationally attended SXSW, which Austin has canceled in light of the virus.

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The Houston Health Department recommends the following steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19:

Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer when you can't wash your hands.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and throw the tissue away. If you don’t have a tissue, use the elbow of your sleeve.

Don’t use your hands to cover coughs and sneezes.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Stay home when you are sick and keep children home when they are sick.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Get a flu shot. (Although the flu shot does not protect against COVID-19, it is flu season.)

Houston Emergency Operations Center has the latest COVID-19 updates here.

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