Virus threat is not imminent

Hays County Local Health Department Epidemiologist Eric Schneider said the coronavirus shouldn’t be viewed as an immediate threat to the county.

“It was expected that cases would show up, so this is not a surprise, nor is it an immediate threat to our community,” Schneider said in a statement. “Should we begin to see cases in the general population, you can protect yourself, your family, and your community by using the same healthy behaviors that prevent a Flu outbreak.”

The coronavirus — COVID-19 — has received significant attention since its development in Wuhan, China. federal, state and local health departments alongside state, city and county officials have been preparing for the illness to show up in the US and Texas.

Coronavirus is known for its crownlike spikes that protrude from its surface. The virus can cause a wide range of respiratory illnesses, including fever, cough and shortness of breath, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. COVID-19 may take up to 2-14 days after exposure to appear. The virus has spread to over 80,000 people in at least 33 countries, including South Korea, Iran and Italy.

The CDC recommends washing your hands for a least 20 seconds with soap and water to prevent the spread of the disease. It is also suggested to avoid close contact with people who are sick; cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash; and clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

Currently, there are zero cases of COVID-19 in the general population of Texas, but we are still seeing a surplus of Flu cases. It is not too late to get a Flu shot if you haven’t already. Contact your healthcare provider or the Hays County Local Health Department at 512-393-5520 if you have any questions about COVID-19.