People all over America are preparing for the possibility of a Coronavirus outbreak in their community and can proactively take simple measures to reduce the spread of the virus.
Dana Hartman, the Scurry County Health Unit director, said that the only cases in Texas are in larger metropolitan areas area, and involve people who were repatriated from cruise ships and other trips abroad.
“There is a lot of testing that is currently being done, but as far as our local areas, there are no confirmed cases,” Hartman said. “The state has a test for it, and also there are a couple of commercial labs that can test for it.”
Hartman noted that although there are currently no Coronavirus cases in the vicinity of Scurry County, things were changing every moment.
On Monday, there were six cases in Travis County, six cases in Fort Bend and one case in Collin County. All involved people who had recently traveled outside the U.S.
“It is widespread, but we don’t have anything in our area right now, and that’s why we want everyone to try to take all the precautions to keep everybody as healthy as we can,” Hartman said.
Hartman said that there were three preliminary questions that need to be asked before a person is tested for the Coronavirus: Does the person have a cough, fever or shortness of breath? Have they been in contact with a confirmed Coronavirus carrier? Have they been in an area with ongoing cases?
Hartman said that at this point, there is no need for Scurry County citizens to worry, although at some point the virus may in fact make its way here. She said preventative actions could help stop an outbreak from occurring.
“The main thing is to wash your hands,” Hartman said. She said that often-used surfaces should be cleaned daily, and social distancing can also help prevent the spread.
“If you don’t feel well, you need to stay home. That’s the main thing to stop this,” she said.
Should an outbreak occur, Hartman said that people should not stock up on groceries in preparation.
“That’s just causing issues for the people that actually need those supplies. There’s really no need to panic right now,” she said. “If you do think that you possibly have a case of Coronavirus, the best thing that you can do is, as long as you are not in any distress, stay at home and call the hospital or call (the Scurry County Health Unit) and let us ask you the questions that are associated with the Coronavirus. That way we can direct you. We can walk you through it and help you.”
Hartman said that anyone with questions could call the Health Unit at 573-3508 or visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website at www.cdc.gov for the most current, up-to-date information on the virus.
Although a vaccine or drug is not currently available for COVID-19, the CDC says that community-based interventions such as school dismissals, event cancellations, social distancing and creating employee plans to work remotely can help slow the spread of the virus.
Individuals are encouraged to practice everyday prevention measures like frequent hand washing, staying home when sick and covering coughs and sneezes.
There have been no local closures or cancellations due to the virus.
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