SAN ANGELO — Health officials have confirmed the first case of the coronavirus, or COVID-19, in Tom Green County.

On Tuesday, March 24, 2020, health officials said in a news release the patient is a man in his 70s who had traveled. The man drove into San Angelo after traveling internationally and is being treated here.

It is not a case of community transmission, said Mayor Brenda Gunter during an afternoon news conference. Gunter said the city could not release where the man had traveled.

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“We have known that COVID-19 was coming to the Concho Valley,” said Dr. James Vretis, local health authority. “We have been preparing for several weeks for the arrival. I ask members of our community to remember that it is the simple things done correctly that will save lives. Wash your hands, cover your cough and stay away from sick people. Don’t go to work if you’re sick. The simple things you were taught as a child will help us through this disease.”

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As of 2 p.m. Tuesday, the city reported 184 tests had been administered and 69 were returned as negative for coronavirus. There were 114 pending. It can take up to 7 days to get test results, Shannon Health officials have said.

The city said it believes restricting gatherings to no more than 10 people will be sufficient to protect the community. Officials with the City of San Angelo, Tom Green County and the medical community will continue to monitor the situation and will enact additional safety measures if necessary, the news release stated.

Gunter said Tuesday afternoon the city would not be issuing a stay-in-place order, but is asking nonessential businesses to close temporarily. Anyone with questions about what is an essential business should reach out to City Attorney Theresa James by calling 325-657-4407 or emailing theresa.james@cosatx.us.

She also encouraged residents to abide by the guidelines issued by the CDC, such as social distancing and hand washing.

"Social distancing is the No. 1 issue ... 6-foot distancing," Gunter said. "The only way we will move forward and get out of this isolation issue is to follow the guidelines and social distancing."

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Officials continue to urge everyone to help limit the spread of disease through proper hygiene practices:

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

Avoid contact with people who are sick.

Stay home as much as possible, but especially if you are feeling sick.

Cough or sneeze into your elbow or use a tissue to cover it, then throw the tissue in the trash.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

If you have symptoms of respiratory illness including cough, fever and shortness of breath, contact your health care provider. It is important to call ahead before arriving at a medical facility to avoid potential spread of germs.

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“Although we have a confirmed case, we are not surprised and have measures in place to successfully combat this virus,” City Manager Daniel Valenzuela said. “However, we need to be careful not to allow fear to overtake our better judgment. Confirmation of a case in San Angelo should drive us to firmly commit to the CDC guidelines and the declaration issued by the Governor and the San Angelo City Council. In doing so, we can mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and keep our neighbors, friends and loved ones safe. We must work closely together as a tight-knit community to help our city and county recover as quickly as possible. Let us also pray for a quick end to this disease throughout our beloved country.”

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