HomeMy WebLinkAbout3.12.2020 CIty provides COVID-19 Info
City of Plainview NEWS
901 Broadway St.
Plainview, TX 79072
March 12, 2020
Plainview / Hale County Health Department
Working with State Health Department,
Shares Tips regarding COVID-19 Virus
The Plainview / Hale County Health Department is working with the
Texas State Health Department regarding COVID-19 virus
(Coronavirus) and monitoring developments to ensure that City of
Plainview staff are well-prepared to respond to this situation if it
becomes necessary.
“We receive a notice every morning about the number of cases in
Texas,” says Jack McCasland, Environmental Health Inspector. “We
also participate in a number of conference calls and webinars with
information on how to handle the situation if a diagnosis is discovered in our area and
providing information to the public to contain the spread of the disease.”
Last week the state health department announced the first positive test results for
COVID-19 in Texas – while these cases are travel related, everyone needs to be
vigilant to keep our communities safe as this situation continues to quickly evolve.
“The most important thing to remember is to wash your hands and if you do feel sick,
stay home and consult your physician if you are having symptoms,” says McCasland.
The Health Department is working closely with local physicians as well as Covenant
Hospital including participating in Thursday’s Coronavirus drill and serving as a
resource for testing and other information sharing.
The City of Plainview staff have also been notified of prevention techniques and have
plans in place in case of a potential case or outbreak.
The City of Plainview would like to share information with the public from the CDC
regarding the Coronavirus:
How to Protect Yourself and Others
Currently there is no vaccine for COVID-19, so prevention is even more critical.
Reducing spread as quickly as possible will help protect our most vulnerable
populations, such as seniors and those with chronic medical conditions. You can
prevent the spread of coronavirus, and also the flu, by taking these steps:
o Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after
going to the bathroom. Also wash them before eating and after blowing your nose,
coughing or sneezing.
o If there’s no soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60%
alcohol.
o Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
o Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
o Stay home when you are sick.
o Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
o Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces you touch often with a regular household
cleaning spray or wipe.
People who are well do not need to wear masks at home or in public.
What to Do If You Feel Sick
Patients diagnosed with COVID-19 report mild to severe respiratory illness.
Symptoms of COVID -19 may show up 2-14 days after exposure and may include fever,
cough and shortness of breath.
General Population: If you are in generally good health and have a mild illness, stay
home and take care of yourself like you would for the flu. If symptoms worsen, call your
doctor.
At-Risk Populations: If you are 65 years or older and/or have other medical problems
like heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, high blood pressure or cancer – and have
fever or symptoms - call your doctor. If you are not sick enough to be hospitalized, you
can recover at home. Follow your physician’s instructions or refer to CDC guidance for
how to take care of yourself at home. Follow CDC instructions for how to take care of
yourself at home.
Your doctor will help make the decision whether you should get tested for coronavirus.
Some public health labs in Texas are now testing and local or regional health
departments must approve each test.
For more information visit ttps://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov or contact the
Plainview / Hale County Health Department at 806.293.1359.
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