Hays County reports sixth COVID-19 case

HAYS COUNTY, Texas - The Hays County Local Health Department says it has been notified of one additional case of coronavirus COVID-19, which brings the total number of cases to six.

Officials say the person is a Kyle resident and how the person contracted the virus is unclear. It's the second case in Kyle, Texas.

The other cases are in Buda, Dripping Springs, San Marcos, and Austin, where some Hays County addresses are.

Hays County reports first presumptive coronavirus case

Hays County officials are holding a press conference after they announced the first presumptive positive coronavirus case in the county on Saturday.

Officials say that due to HIPAA laws they are not allowed to share additional information about the patients.

Hays County Epidemiologist Eric Schneider says that most people who contract the disease will have low to moderate fever, a cough, and congestion, typically treated with over the counter medications as there is no specialized treatment for COVID-19 like there is with Influenza. Residents with these symptoms should self-quarantine until they are fever-free without the use of fever-reducing medications for 72 hours.

The majority of persons who contract this disease will not need to seek medical care, Schneider says.

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Some prevention tips from health officials:

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.

As in any emergency situation, the countywide emergency notification blog, has a rolling list of important information regarding COVID-19.

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