Cogdell Memorial Hospital announced Scurry County’s first positive COVID-19 case this morning.
In a press release issued shortly before 10:30 a.m. today, Scurry County Judge Dan Hicks announced that a male patient between 50 and 60 years old tested positive for the virus at the hospital following a March 18 trip to Lubbock for a doctor’s appointment.
According to the press release, “This individual presented with fever and shortness of breath. The patient was taken directly to the dedicated isolation room of Cogdell Memorial Hospital prior to being transferred to another hospital in stable, but serious condition.”
The press release continues, saying staff who came into contact with the patient were wearing appropriate personal protective equipment while he was in the facility.
Local health authority Dr. Bid Cooper urged local residents to continue taking precautions against the disease.
““We are taking the identification of COVID-19 in our community very seriously,” said Cooper. “If you
haven’t been taking precautions, now is the time.”
Dana Hartman, director of the Scurry County Health Unit agreed.
“We hope for a full recovery for this member of the community,” Hartman said. “For the health and safety of our community, we need to abide by the stay home, stay safe order.”
Kristi Hanley, Chief Quality Officer for Cogdell, also urged compliance with health instructions.
“Our team is working closely with leaders from the CDC, the Texas Department of Health, and local health officials to monitor and respond to this evolving situation,” said Hanley. “We are following CDC
guidelines and best practice recommendations to slow the rate of spread of COVID-19 and conserve resources in order to protect our patients, community and healthcare team and preserve our ability to deliver safe and effective care. We cannot emphasize enough how important it is to wash your hands frequently and to avoid any unnecessary social contact.”
Health officials advised those who have flu and cold symptoms and suspect it may be coronavirus to stay home and call their primary health care provider. Depending on the severity of symptoms, doctors may provide special instructions or — if appropriate — make arrangements for a virtual visit. For very severe symptoms like trouble breathing, call 911.
There are steps residents can take to prevent spread of flu and the common cold that will also help prevent coronavirus disease, including:
● Washing hands with soap and water.
● Avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
● Covering mouth and nose with a tissue or upper sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
● Avoiding contact with people who are sick.
● Staying home if sick.
COVID-19 Symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus. They include:
● Fever
● Cough
● Shortness of Breath
“Community leaders have been and will continue to work together to keep our community safe and mitigate the spread of the virus,” said Dan Hicks, Scurry County Judge. “It’s crucial that our community continue to take preventative measures to lower their risk, and to share this information with their friends, family, and co-workers.”
This is a rapidly evolving situation. Local updates will be posted to scurrycovid.com. For CDC recommendations and updates visit CDC.gov/Coronavirus.
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