Bastrop County reports first presumptive positive coronavirus case
A patient COVID-19 swab is taken out from a sterile tube as lab technicians carry out a diagnostic test for coronavirus in the microbiology laboratory inside the Specialist Virology Centre at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff. (Photo by Ben
BASTROP COUNTY, Texas - Bastrop County has received information on its first "presumptive positive" case of the COVID-19 coronavirus.
According to the Bastrop County Health Authority, a 37-year-old resident of the county has tested presumptive positive as of March 21, 2020.
Bastrop health officials are coordinating with Texas DSHS to identify and notify anyone who has come in contact with the individual.
"We fully expect to see cases in our County and have been diligently preparing for this situation," said Christine Files, Bastrop County Emergency Management Coordinator. "We have been in regular communication with local and state health authorities and with our local community partners to ensure that CDC protocols are established and followed."
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Health officials have also said that a separate case has been reported on social media that involved a resident of another county. "As we serve people from surrounding counties, there will be cases occurring that we are not at liberty to disclose," said a press release from the county.
Residents who develop a low to moderate fever, cough, and shortness of breath are encouraged to contact their primary care physician and to follow their advice.
The best way to protect yourself and your family is to take the following preventive actions to avoid exposure:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Bastrop County residents have two hotlines available for COVID-19 questions. For general questions, residents should call the Bastrop County COVID-19 Hotline at 512-303-4300. For specific medical questions or questions about coronavirus symptoms, residents should call the Ascension COVID-19 Medical Hotline at 833-978-0649.
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Read the full release below: