Hays County officials report seventh positive coronavirus case
HAYS COUNTY, Texas - Hays County Local Health Department notified the public that another resident has tested positive for COVID-19 coronavirus, bringing the total number of cases in the county to seven. According to officials, the person had contact with someone who had already tested positive.
According to a press release from the county, the adult subject was on the campus of San Marcos High School on March 12 but was not showing any symptoms at the time. He later developed a fever and tested positive for the virus. San Marcos CISD has sent notifications to its students and faculty.
According to Hays County Local Health Department Epidemiologist Eric Schneider, the risk of transmission is low for those on campus but he recommends that all staff and students to monitor themselves for symptoms until March 26, 2020.
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Below is a breakdown of cases by city in Hays County as of March 22:
- Austin (some Hays County addresses are Austin): 1
- Buda: 1
- Dripping Springs: 1
- Kyle: 2
- San Marcos: 2
“Residents with underlying health conditions or a weakened immune system and persons over 65 tend to be hardest hit by COVID-19 and should consult their health care provider if they are experiencing symptoms, as should persons with high fevers or shortness of breath," Schneider said.
Hays County also released these COVID-19 prevention tips:
- Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds several times a day, including between your fingers and underneath your nails. Handwashing is considered the best way to remove germs and dirt, and hand sanitizers should be used only when handwashing is not available. The hand sanitizers should be at least 60 percent alcohol to be effective.
- Avoid handshaking and high-fives
- Avoid touching your face – especially your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Stay home when you feel sick
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue then put the tissue in the trash, or use the crook of your elbow if a tissue isn’t available
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household disinfectant cleaning spray or wipe. Clean cell and desk phones, computer keyboards, door handles, and work surfaces often.
- Face masks are not considered an effective way to prevent someone from catching a virus unless you have close, frequent contact with a sick person; however, they are an option for sick people to use to keep from spreading the virus.
- Avoid travel to areas that have been designated high-risk areas because of multiple verified cases of Corona
- Individuals are encouraged to avoid large gatherings. This includes, but is not limited to concerts, plays, sporting events, gymnasiums, dances, and restaurants. Recreation activities that can be practiced in private are encouraged. This virus spreads by person-to-person transmission just like the flu, so limiting human contact can help prevent COVID-19 from spreading.
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