I know that the spread of COVID-19 across our country and in Texas is of great concern to us all. Over the coming days and weeks, as the availability of tests increases, we can likely expect a sharp rise in the positive cases reported. With news of three cases in Collin County reported earlier today, for many, the impact of this situation is hitting closer to home.
Our office is closely monitoring state and local efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and Tarrant County are centralized resources for our state and community and the DSHS website is updated daily with information from both the state level and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Local and state public health and emergency management officials continue to stress that the best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to use best practice sanitation methods and to avoid close contact with others.
Please follow these important Do’s and Don’ts.
DO:
- Follow the direction of local entities – including county health departments, cities and school district; The Tarrant County Health Department has set up a Coronavirus Hotline: 817-248-6299
- Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds and if no soap is available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow; dispose of the tissue immediately after use
- Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose and mouth
- Disinfect surfaces
- Contact your doctor if you have a fever, cough and shortness of breath and have been in contact with a person who has COVID-19 or have been in an area where the virus has spread
DO NOT:
- Panic – local and state officials are working to protect our community; please pay attention to their guidance
- Go to work if you feel ill
- Attend large public events
- Wear face masks, unless told to do so by your doctor
- Don’t overbuy items that will impact medical response for those affected
As more information is made available by the county or state, my staff and I will provide updates on Facebook and/or Twitter. You may also contact my office by calling 817-459-2800 if you would like additional information and resources.
