Williamson County declares local state of disaster over coronavirus concerns
AUSTIN, Texas - Williamson County Judge Bill Gravel has declared a local state of disaster for the county amid the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak.
The state of disaster was declared today, March 14, in order to "limit the development, contraction, and spread of COVID-19 in Williamson County, Texas," according to a press release sent from the county.
Currently, Williamson County has no confirmed cases of coronavirus, however, to ensure the health and safety of all county residents, Judge Gravel has issued the disaster declaration in order to activate the emergency management plan.
Texas Governor Greg Abbot reported there is a total of 39 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the State of Texas, as of March 13, 2020.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expects that more cases of COVID-19 are likely to be identified in the United States in the coming days.
“We are following the guidance from President Trump and Governor Abbott and working together at the local level to ensure the safety of our community,” said Judge Gravell. “We are prepared to protect our residents, and ask that you remain calm and continue to practice the preventative measures outlined by the CDC. These simple steps will help by reducing the spread of disease to the point where our healthcare system can maintain capacity and properly care for our communities.”
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The county has asked residents to follow these measures in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Stay home when you are sick
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
- Get a flu shot
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
