HERE’S WHAT WE KNOW AS OF 3/17/2020 - 3:00 PM
COVID-19: US AT A GLANCE:
- Total cases: 4,226
- Total deaths: 75
- Jurisdictions reporting cases: 53 (49 states, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and US Virgin Islands)
**THESE NUMBERS COURTESY OF THE CDC**
US IMPACTS:
- Millions are under lockdown in Europe
- U.S. Treasury Secretary is pitching for a roughly $850 billion economic stimulus package, as the Trump administration works to craft more legislation to cushion the economic blow of the coronavirus pandemic
- 37 states in the US have closed their public schools
- The White House has advised people not to gather in groups of more than 10
- Global stock markets were jittery following a punishing selloff that saw the major U.S. stock indexes plunge at the start of the week amid fears of a coronavirus-induced recession
TEXAS IMPACTS:
- Gov. Greg Abbott activated the National Guard to be ready to assist in the response to the novel coronavirus
- Austin closes bars, restaurants
- Community spread found in Webb, Tarrant counties
- Texas could be lagging behind other large states in the number of people tested
- Texas’ first coronavirus-related death is a Matagorda County man in his 90s who died Sunday after showing symptoms consistent with COVID-19. His test results came back positive Monday
- For questions about the coronavirus with regards to the State of Texas, you can now email directly at [email protected]
DFW IMPACTS:
- Dallas County identifies more cases related to community spread (9 new cases reported in Dallas County)
- Dallas County officials announced Monday some of the strictest local restrictions to stop community spread of the disease, DETAILS HERE
- The first case of community spread reported in Tarrant County
- For questions about the coronavirus, you can now contact the Denton County Public Health department directly (Monday - Friday 8 AM - 5 PM) via their hotline number, 940.349.2585
TC IMPACTS:
- Town Hall is still operating under NORMAL HOURS and conducting business as usual. Staff will continue to monitor the situation and work with area partners to determine if/what further action is required
- All third party meetings scheduled at Town Hall and the TC Fire Station are canceled through the month of April (this does not include Town Council meetings). Staff will re-evaluate facility rentals at the end of April for both facilities
- TC Kickball spring season has been canceled
- TC Bocce ball spring season has been canceled
- Park pavilion rentals are closed through the month of April (including those at Harmony and Trophy Club Park)
- Parks & Rec staff will be taking extra measures this week to ensure park restrooms and playgrounds are cleaned well with disinfectants
- Trophy Club Roanoke Youth Baseball Association has canceled all practices until further notice. This Friday, March 20, they will be making the decision between moving the start their season on March 28 to April 18 or canceling the season entirely
- The TCEVA Police / Fire Charity baseball game scheduled for April 25 has been canceled
- The Trophy Club Women’s Club April 25 Garage Sale may be canceled, the official decision will be made on Wednesday, March 18
- The Metroport Chamber of Commerce events and activities are canceled until further notice, including the April monthly membership luncheon (April 07 is now tentatively scheduled for May 05), DETAILS HERE
**Please note, this information is subject to and will change based on further news and reports.**
MORE INFORMATION:
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HERE’S WHAT WE KNOW AS OF 3/16/2020 - 2:00 PM
COVID-19: US AT A GLANCE:
- Total cases: 3,487
- Total deaths: 68
- Jurisdictions reporting cases: 53 (49 states and District of Columbia) of which Texas has 25 cases.
US IMPACTS:
- White House recommends people avoid gatherings of more than 10 people
- There are now more than 4,000 confirmed coronavirus cases in the US
- The Supreme Court is postponing oral arguments, major retailers are shutting their doors, and several U.S. cities have ordered bars and restaurants to close in last-ditch efforts to stem the spread of the virus
- “When you look at the projections, there’s every chance that we could be Italy,” the U.S. surgeon general warned Monday. Widespread social distancing could help change that trajectory, he said
- The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is urging a nationwide halt to gatherings of more than 50 people for the next eight weeks.
- About 3,500 coronavirus cases have been reported in the United States, though experts believe the true number is much higher
- More people have now died of the coronavirus outside of China than inside, a worrying sign of how quickly the virus has spread beyond the country where it emerged
- The European Union is proposing that nonessential travel to most of the continent be restricted for 30 days. “The less travel, the more we can contain the virus,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said
- U.S. markets fell sharply, despite the Federal Reserve’s emergency interest rate cut to zero
- MLB pushes back Opening Day indefinitely Canada will deny entry to anyone who isn’t a citizen or permanent resident
TEXAS IMPACTS:
- Dallas gets drive-through testing
- State waives STAAR test requirements for school districts
- For questions about the coronavirus with regards to the State of Texas, you can now email them directly at [email protected]
DFW IMPACTS:
- North Texas health officials looking to increase coronavirus testing this week
- All Jury Trials Canceled Until May 8
- For questions about the coronavirus, you can now contact the Denton County Public Health department directly (Monday - Friday 8 AM - 5 PM) via their hotline number, 940.349.2585
TC IMPACTS:
- Park Board meeting scheduled for Monday, March 16 is CANCELED
- EDC meeting scheduled for Monday, March 16 is CANCELED
- Town Hall is still operating under normal hours and conducting business as usual. Staff will continue to monitor the situation and work with area partners to determine if/what further action is required
- NISD Students can receive free meals during the extended break
MORE INFORMATION:
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
- https://www.dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/?terms=covid%2019
- https://dentoncounty.gov/Departments/Health-Services/Denton-County-Public-Health/Epidemiology-Notifiable-Conditions/Novel-Coronavirus
- https://www.tarrantcounty.com/en/public-health/disease-control---prevention/coronaviruas.html
**Please note, this information is subject to and will change based on further news and reports.**
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HERE’S WHAT WE KNOW AS OF 3/15/2020 - 2:00 PM
COVID-19: US AT A GLANCE:
- Total cases: 1,629
- Total deaths: 41
- Jurisdictions reporting cases: 47 (46 states and District of Columbia) of which Texas has 25 cases.
US IMPACTS:
- Airports have been thrown into chaos as travelers from European countries included in President Trump’s travel ban are being forced to wait for hours in congested lines for health screenings
- Puerto Rico enacts curfew over coronavirus concerns
- The White House’s Office of Management and Budget is urging federal agencies to limit employees’ travel, saying “only mission-critical travel is recommended at this time"
- New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo urged Trump to activate the Army Corps of Engineers to prepare emergency medical facilities, while New York City officials called for a complete shutdown of the city
- Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said Sunday that schools in his state may remain closed for the rest of the academic year
- There will be no public audiences at Holy Week services led by Pope Francis in Vatican City next month
- See every reported US case on a full map
TEXAS IMPACTS:
- Texas count climbs to 68
- Community spread detected in Matagorda County
DFW IMPACTS:
- DFW airport one of 13 accepting flights from Europe
- 3 additional ’presumptive positive’ cases bring total to 14 in Dallas County
- American Airlines reduces international flights by 75%
- Collin County confirms 7 positive cases of COVID-19
- Multiple stores in NorthPark temporarily close
TC IMPACTS:
- Northwest ISD extends spring break
- NISD Crew is working to execute a plan to educate their kids for the next two weeks. They are also working on a food plan for all NISD students for breakfast and lunch with curb service at selected campuses. Information will be forthcoming this week
- NASCAR races at TMS ‘still scheduled’ despite Fort Worth’s state of emergency
- ALL Town community events are canceled through April. (This includes Back to Nature, Spring Family Campout and EGGstravaganza)
- There are NO Trophy Club meeting cancelations at this time
- Town Hall is still operating under normal hours and conducting business as usual. Staff will continue to monitor the situation and work with area partners to determine if/what further action is required
**Please note, this information is subject to and will change based on further news and reports.**
MORE INFORMATION:
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
- https://www.dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/?terms=covid%2019
- https://dentoncounty.gov/Departments/Health-Services/Denton-County-Public-Health/Epidemiology-Notifiable-Conditions/Novel-Coronavirus
- https://www.tarrantcounty.com/en/public-health/disease-control---prevention/coronaviruas.html
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HERE’S WHAT WE KNOW AS OF 3/14/2020 - 2:00 PM
COVID-19: US AT A GLANCE:
- Total cases: 1,629
- Total deaths: 41
- Jurisdictions reporting cases: 47 (46 states and District of Columbia) of which Texas has 25 cases.
US IMPACTS:
- President Trump says he’s been tested and extends travel ban to Britain and Ireland as outbreak hits 49 states
- The coronavirus spreads to 49 states, and the House passes a sweeping relief package
- Apple will close all of its stores outside of China for two weeks
- Congress passes free coronavirus testing bill
- At domestic airports, lax screening raises concern
- The Pentagon is closing to visitors
- Pentagon halts domestic travel for military due to coronavirus
- 2020 Masters postponed
- Boston Marathon moved
TEXAS IMPACTS:
- Lawmakers calling for STAAR test to be canceled
- Large churches are making changes, moving online because of coronavirus outbreak
DFW IMPACTS:
- UT-Arlington student has COVID-19
- Mark Cuban putting a plan in place to pay hourly workers amid NBA work stoppage
- Multiple North Texas school districts are extending their Spring Breaks
- DFW Concerts, festivals, and events are being canceled
TC IMPACTS:
- Northwest ISD extends spring break
- NASCAR races at TMS ‘still scheduled’ despite Fort Worth’s state of emergency
- ALL Town community events are canceled through April. (This includes Back to Nature, Spring Family Campout and EGGstravaganza)
- There are NO Trophy Club meeting cancelations at this time
- Town Hall is still operating under normal hours and conducting business as usual. Staff will continue to monitor the situation and work with area partners to determine if/what further action is required
MORE INFORMATION:
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
- https://www.dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/?terms=covid%2019
- https://dentoncounty.gov/Departments/Health-Services/Denton-County-Public-Health/Epidemiology-Notifiable-Conditions/Novel-Coronavirus
- https://www.tarrantcounty.com/en/public-health/disease-control---prevention/coronaviruas.html
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HERE’S WHAT WE KNOW AS OF 3/13/2020 - 2:00 PM
COVID-19: US at a Glance:
- Total cases: 1,629
- Total deaths: 41
- Jurisdictions reporting cases: 47 (46 states and District of Columbia) of which Texas has 25 cases
US Impact News:
- Stock market loses steam as President Trump is reportedly preparing an emergency declaration UPDATE as of 3:30 PM: Stocks post monster gains; Dow surges 9% adding nearly 2000 points as Trump declares coronavirus emergency
- NBA, NHL, MLS, and NCAA Basketball Tournaments cancel or suspend seasons/events until further notice
- PGA and NASCAR events have canceled at this time
- President Trump declares a national emergency over the coronavirus pandemic in Friday afternoon press conference
Texas Impacts:
- Bell County identifies positive coronavirus case
- San Antonio announces its first travel-related coronavirus case
- U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz extends self-quarantine
- Two people in Austin test positive for coronavirus, the first reported cases in Central Texas
- Governor Abbott Declares State of Disaster for Texas
DFW Impacts:
- Here’s a list of events that have been canceled or postponed in DFW due to coronavirus.
- Dallas County officials: Community spread has occurred in North Texas
- Multiple North Texas school districts are extending their Spring Breaks. McKinney, Frisco, Plano, Allen, Carrollton-Farmers Branch, Cedar Hill, Celina, DeSoto, Duncanville, Lovejoy, Melissa, Princeton, Prosper, Rockwall and Wylie ISDs have all announced schools will remain closed next week, March 16 – 20.
- DFW Concerts, festivals, and events are being canceled
TC Impacts:
- NISD: After discussions with state and county health officials, local state leaders, and other education leaders, Northwest ISD has made the decision to follow the recommendation of the Tarrant County Health Department and close all district schools March 16-27. All extracurricular activities and school events will also be canceled during the same period. NISD will reevaluate the situation at the end of this extended break before making any other long-term decisions. (HEB, CISD, GISD, and KISD as well)
- Denton County has issued a public health emergency disaster declaration after it’s first case of community-spread COVID-19 coronavirus
- Tarrant County declares a local disaster due to a public health emergency from concerns over COVID019 coronavirus
- At this time, ALL TOWN COMMUNITY EVENTS ARE CANCELED THROUGH APRIL. (This includes Back to Nature, Spring Family Campout and EGGstravaganza.) THERE ARE NO MEETING CANCELATIONS AT THIS TIME.
- Town Hall is still operating under normal hours and conducting business as usual. Staff will continue to monitor the situation and work with area partners to determine if/what further action is required.
For more information please visit any of the following sites:
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
- https://www.dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/?terms=covid%2019
- https://dentoncounty.gov/Departments/Health-Services/Denton-County-Public-Health/Epidemiology-Notifiable-Conditions/Novel-Coronavirus
- https://www.tarrantcounty.com/en/public-health/disease-control---prevention/coronaviruas.html
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March 12, 2020 Update: 2:00 PM
COVID-19: US at a Glance:
- Total cases: 1,215
- Total deaths: 36
- Jurisdictions reporting cases: 43 (42 states and District of Columbia)
US Impact News:
- Dow Jones down 2,100 points
- President Trump announced travel band from most of Europe over the next 30 days
- NBA, NHL, MLS, and NCAA Basketball Tournaments cancel or suspend seasons/events until further notice
- PGA and NASCAR events will continue with no crowds for the time being (at least the next two events)
- Actor Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson tested positive
DFW Impacts
- DFW Concerts, festivals, and events are being canceled
TC Impacts:
- NASCAR Race scheduled for 3/27-29/2020 will potentially be canceled or not allow attendees
- NISD to asses the school district situation over the weekend and will have an update on possible school schedule changes then
- At this time, there are NO Town event/meeting cancelations. Town Hall will be operating under normal hours and conducting business as usual. Staff will continue to monitor the situation and work with area partners to determine the next steps on Town hosted/sponsored activities, should change be required.
Self Care: Please continue to take steps to prevent community-wide transmission.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Stay home if 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 using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe
- Wash hands often throughout the day, especially before and after you go to the bathroom, before you eat and before you touch your face.
- When washing your hands do so for 20 seconds with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
- If you have a fever AND cough or shortness of breath, see a medical professional
Again, thank you all for continuing to provide excellent services to our community during this evolving COVID-19 situation. The Town of Trophy Club is dedicated to operating effectively and ensuring that all essential services are continuously provided while ensuring safety for our residents and employees.
**Please note, this information is subject to and will change based on further news and reports.**
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March 12, 2020 Update: The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the COVID-19 virus to be a global pandemic, as the number of confirmed cases now totals more than 122,000.
Globally, 122,356 cases are now reported, most in China. The virus has spread outside Mainland China, including 90 other countries/regions.
A total of 4,550 deaths have been reported, surpassing the 2003-2004 SARS outbreak totals.
Tarrant County Public Health identified the first presumptive positive case of COVID-19 in a Tarrant County resident. The case had traveled to a conference in Kentucky during late February. There are also three presumptive confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Collin County and two in Dallas County.
Tarrant County Public Health’s lab and other labs across the state now have local COVID-19 testing capability including Dallas, Houston, El Paso, Lubbock, San Antonio and Austin.
There are 938 confirmed cases in 39 states. Texas has 21 cases. Commercial labs are now doing testing and state and local public health labs in all 50 states and the District of Columbia are currently using COVID-19 diagnostic tests.
CDC guidance for quarantine and monitoring is posted on their website. Travel advisories are posted for China, South Korea, Iran, Italy and Japan. For non-urgent questions about COVID-19 call the COVID-19 hotline at (817) 248-6299.
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March 11, 2020 Update: The number of confirmed Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases is now more than 118,000:
Globally, 118,101 cases are now reported, most in China. The virus has spread outside Mainland China,
including 90 other countries/regions.
A total of 4,262 deaths have been reported. The death toll has surpassed the 2003-2004 SARS outbreak totals.
There are now three presumptive confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Collin County. The updated number includes the original case, who recently traveled to California, as well as two family members, who are all self-quarantined at home. Tarrant County Public Health’s lab now has the capability to test for COVID-19, joining other labs across the state with local testing capability, including Dallas, Houston, El Paso, Lubbock, San Antonio, and Austin.
There are now 647 confirmed cases in the U.S. More commercial labs are now doing testing and state and local public health labs in all 50 states and the District of Columbia are currently using COVID-19 diagnostic tests.
CDC guidance for quarantine and monitoring is posted on their website. Travel advisories are posted for China, South Korea, Iran, Italy and Japan. For non-urgent questions about COVID-19 call the COVID-19 hotline at (817) 248-6299.
With that said, it is paramount for everyone to follow the recommended hygiene procedures recommended by the CDC:
- Wash hands thoroughly and often, at least 20 seconds
- Use hand sanitizer w/ at least 60% alcohol if the soap is not available
- Avoid touching eyes, nose, mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoid 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
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
In addition, we want to provide you with the COVID-19 Information for Law Enforcement General Fact Sheet. It may provide some additional information and/or clarity on the virus itself.
Please remember, tt’s always important to stay home when you’re sick to prevent spreading illness to others. Even mild illnesses can be deadly to those around us who have underlying health conditions or are receiving treatment that compromises their immunity. By taking care of yourself, you take care of others!
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March 04, 2020 Update: The Town of Trophy Club has been receiving several requests for information and questions of curiosity on the official extent of the COVID-19 (Corona Virus) in Texas and the preparations for TC as a governmental entity. Below is a review of Town staffs’ actions and preparations thus far.
What is TC doing?
The Fire Department has been working with the Medical Control, Denton County Emergency Management and the Denton and Tarrant County Health Department to keep informed of the status of the situation here in the TC area. County Health Officials are treating this situation seriously and have pledged to notify cities and towns if one of their residents is suspected of being exposed and under quarantine. At this time there have been 90 suspected exposures, quarantines, in Texas with 40 still waiting on test results and in quarantine. None of these cases are in the DFW area. Medical Control Doctors are working with EMS on safe practices to ensure the safety of EMS personnel and are working with local hospitals to set up procedures in the event of a suspected patient and/or exposures. TC EMS personnel have the necessary safety equipment and have been trained appropriately and have been given screening questions for those patients that show symptoms of the virus which will enact notifications and procedures as directed by County Health Departments and the CDC. Finally, the North Central Texas Trauma Regional Advisory Council (NCTTRAC) has put together a 2 Emergency Medical Task Force consisting of 4 infectious Disease Response Unit RNs, 2 Infection Disease Response Unit Paramedics and 1 physician, ready to deploy to any area hospital that has a suspected case or exposure.
Recap about the Virus.
Below is some information I gathered from the Department of State Health Services, the CDC, the County Health Departments, and Texas Emergency Management. The short story is that Covid-19 is a highly communicable disease with very minor health concerns other than to the very young, older populations and those with decreased immune response. Symptoms of the disease are very much like a weak flu and the management of symptoms is all that is necessary. Due to the high communicability of the disease, we are seeing a greater effect in countries with lower levels of health services. The likelihood is that we will see more people in the US with the disease and if so we could see an effect on our daily lives in the areas of full hospitals, decrease attendance to schools and daycares, slower supply chains in businesses and some increased prices in our goods due to decreased availability and slower delivery of goods. All this being said there is no real danger to most of the TC citizens’ health or the operations here in the Town at this time. Staff will continue to monitor the situation closely for changes.
The number of confirmed Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases is now more than 95,000:
Globally, 95,120 cases are now reported, most in China. The virus has spread outside Mainland China, including 80 other countries/regions.
A total of 3,254 deaths have been reported. The death toll has surpassed the 2003-2004 SARS outbreak totals.
There are 80 confirmed cases in the U.S. and 443 Persons under Investigation (PUI) in 42 states. Texas has 90 PUI; 40 are pending results from the CDC. Risk in Texas remains low as COVID-19 is not currently spreading in Texas or the U.S. There are currently 300 Persons under Monitoring (PUM) in Texas.
Current risk assessment from the CDC:
For the general American public, who are unlikely to be exposed to this virus at this time, the immediate health risk from COVID-19 is considered low.
People in communities where ongoing community spread with the virus that causes COVID-19 has been reported are at elevated though still relatively low risk of exposure.
Healthcare workers caring for patients with COVID-19 are at elevated risk of exposure.
Close contacts of persons with COVID-19 also are at elevated risk of exposure.
Travelers returning from affected international locations where community spread is occurring also are at elevated risk of exposure.
What May Happen
More cases of COVID-19 are likely to be identified in the coming days, including more cases in the United States. It’s also likely that person-to-person spread will continue to occur, including in communities in the United States. It’s likely that at some point, widespread transmission of COVID-19 in the United States will occur.
Widespread transmission of COVID-19 would translate into large numbers of people needing medical care at the same time. Schools, childcare centers, workplaces, and other places for mass gatherings may experience more absenteeism. Public health and healthcare systems may become overloaded, with elevated rates of hospitalizations and deaths. Other critical infrastructure, such as law enforcement, emergency medical services, and transportation industry may also be affected. Health care providers and hospitals may be overwhelmed. At this time, there is no vaccine to protect against COVID-19 and no medications approved to treat it. Nonpharmaceutical interventions would be the most important response strategy.
For more information please visit any of the following sites:
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
- https://www.dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/?terms=covid%2019
- https://dentoncounty.gov/Departments/Health-Services/Denton-County-Public-Health/Epidemiology-Notifiable-Conditions/Novel-Coronavirus
- https://www.tarrantcounty.com/en/public-health/disease-control---prevention/coronaviruas.html
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February 29, 2020 Update: This is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation and CDC is providing updated information as it becomes available, in addition to updated guidance. At this time, most people in the United States will have little immediate risk of exposure to this virus. This virus is NOT currently spreading widely in the United States as of now. However, it is important to note that current global circumstances suggest it is likely that this virus will cause a pandemic. This is a rapidly evolving situation and the risk assessment will be updated as needed.
Situation in U.S. related to COVID-19:
- Imported cases of COVID-19 in travelers have been detected in the U.S.
- Person-to-person spread of COVID-19 was first reported among close contacts of returned travelers from Wuhan.
- During the week of February 23, CDC reported community spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 in California (in two places), Oregon and Washington. Community spread in Washington resulted in the first death in the United States from COVID-19, as well as the first reported case of COVID-19 in a health care worker, and the first potential outbreak in a long-term care facility.
Situation in U.S. related to travel:
- On February 29, the U.S. government announced it was suspending entry of foreign nationals who have been in Iran within the past 14 days.
- CDC has issued the following travel guidance related to COVID-19:
- China — Level 3, Avoid Nonessential Travel — updated February 22;
- Hong Kong — Level 1, Practice Usual Precautions — issued February 19;
- Iran — Level 3, Avoid Nonessential Travel — updated February 28;
- Italy — Level 3, Avoid Nonessential Travel — updated February 28;
- Japan — Level 2, Practice Enhanced Precautions — updated February 22;
- South Korea — Level 3, Avoid Nonessential Travel — updated February 24.
- CDC also recommends that all travelers reconsider cruise ship voyages into or within Asia at this time.
The CDC has developed guidance to help in the risk assessment and management of people with potential exposures to COVID-19. Learn what is known about the spread of newly emerged coronaviruses and stay up to date with information from the CDC here.
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February 03, 2020 Update: As of today Feb 3, 2020, the CDC has added DFW airport to the traveler screening program for incoming travelers from China. DFW is among 11 such airport locations across the US. Due to a Federal order on Friday, all travel to and from China is suspended with airlines canceling flights. We expect only US Citizens and Legal US residents being evacuated from China to return. The volume at DFW is expected to be low.
The Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) epidemic in china has advanced, with a significant increase in people infected:
Globally, 19,881 cases have now been confirmed, most in China. The virus has spread to 26 locations outside Mainland China, including 24 other countries.
A total of 426 deaths have been reported with only 1 occurring outside of China.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared this 2019-nCoV outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. U.S. Health and Human Services has declared a public health emergency.
In the U.S., there are 260 PUIs in 36 states; of that number, 167 tested negative and 82 are still pending.
Texas has had 15 PUI, 10 have tested negative and five are pending results from CDC. There are no confirmed cases in Texas.
Travel recommendation is now at Level 4: Do not travel to China. CDC will provide guidance for quarantine and monitoring of persons on their website today.
Tarrant County Public Health’s Department Operations Center remains activated. The Public Health team maintains regular contact with DSHS, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), school districts, hospitals and emergency management staff from across the county.
MORE INFORMATION HERE. Information is continually updated on the public health website: TCPH Coronavirus. The Corona Virus Hotline (817) 248-6299 has been activated to handle calls from the public.
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February 01, 2020 Update: We have been hearing about the Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) for the last two weeks, Interim Fire Chief Gary Cochran stated "I want to assure all citizens that we are receiving multiple updates weekly from the CDC, Healthcare Coalition, and the Fire Department Medical Director, who have all confirmed that at this time, we do not have any confirmed cases in Texas. As many of our citizens are pilots, flight attendants, or in the airline business in some capacity and may have traveled to China within the last two weeks for their jobs, the fire department has not responded to any medical calls related to the Coronavirus."
With that said, it is paramount for everyone to follow the recommended hygiene procedures recommended by the CDC:
- Wash hands thoroughly and often, at least 20 seconds
- Use hand sanitizer w/ at least 60% alcohol if the soap is not available
- Avoid touching eyes, nose, mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoid 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
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
- If there are any concerns or potential signs or symptoms anyone may have, please contact the Texas Department State Health Services, NCTTRAC, or your family physician with questions.
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January 28, 2020: A new coronavirus (2019-nCoV) was recently detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China and is causing an outbreak of respiratory illness. The 2019-nCoV outbreak began in December 2019, and Chinese health officials have reported hundreds of 2019‑nCoV infections in China, including several that resulted in death. Several additional countries have identified cases of 2019-nCoV infection including the United States. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on monitoring the developing outbreak of 2019-nCoV.
How do people become infected with 2019-nCoV?
Human coronaviruses most commonly spread from an infected person to others through:
Respiratory droplets released into the air by coughing and sneezing;
Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands;
Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands; and
Rarely, fecal contamination.
It’s not clear yet how easily 2019-nCoV spreads from person to person. Many of the patients in the pneumonia outbreak caused by 2019-nCoV in Wuhan, China had some link to large seafood and live animal market, suggesting animal-to-person spread. However, a growing number of patients reportedly have not had exposure to animal markets, indicating person-to-person spread is occurring. There is much more to learn about the transmissibility, severity, and other features associated with 2019-nCoV, and investigations are ongoing.
What are the symptoms of 2019-nCoV?
Patients with confirmed 2019-nCoV infection have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
At this time, CDC believes that symptoms of 2019-nCoV may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure. This is based on what has been seen previously as the incubation period of MERS coronaviruses.
How can I avoid infection with 2019-nCoV?
The best way to prevent infection is to take precautions to avoid exposure to this virus, which are similar to the precautions you take to avoid the flu. CDC always recommends these everyday actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:
- 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.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
What do I do if I think I may be infected with 2019-nCoV?
If you have recently traveled or been exposed to someone who traveled to or from Wuhan, China and are experiencing fever, cough or difficulty breathing, contact your healthcare provider. Be sure to call ahead before going to your doctor’s office or emergency department to prevent any potential spread.
Information for Travelers
Currently, the CDC has issued a Warning Level 3, Avoid Nonessential Travel to Wuhan, China.
SOURCE: Texas Health and Human Services - Texas Department of State Health Services