By Anita Miller
News of the COVID-19, that originated in China continues to dominate headlines, and though there are no cases in the general population of Texas, Epidemiologist Eric Schneider and others are continually engaged in preparation and consultation with federal authorities.
In fact, Schneider told the Hays Free Press that he is typically on three conference calls a day pertaining to the outbreak and risk of transmission.
As for what local residents should be doing now, Schneider says he is “pushing the same nomenclature” as is suggested for people to prevent catching the flu — which is still active throughout the county.
To protect yourself and your family, Schneider and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends:
- Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, or into your flexed elbow. If you sneeze or cough into your hands wash them immediately
- Stay home when you feel sick and avoid contact with people who are
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces with regular cleaning supplies like bleach wipes and disinfectant sprays.
Although some people infected with the virus are being treated in San Antonio while others brought there from the infected cruise ship Diamond Princess, the CDC says they pose no risk to the general population.
The Texas Department of State Health Services, additionally, is urging health care providers to question patients with respiratory symptoms about their travel history and to contact their local or regional health department “if they think a patient may have COVID-19.”
Schneider also said the Coronavirus and attention paid to it also serves as a vehicle to remind people that although the number of new flu cases has slacked off, the season isn’t over yet.
“Our numbers seem to be trending down for February,” he said, referencing 786 positive cases in January and fewer than 400. “Flu season typically goes to the beginning of May. Here in Hays County, we typically see it until mid-March when it typically drops down.
As of Thursday, the CDC reported that within the U.S., there are 12 travel-related cases and two cases spread person-to-person. There are a total of 45 cases in people who have been repatriated to this country, 42 of them from the Diamond Princess.
The CDC will update those figures later today/
