by Texas Senator Bob Hall
Coronavirus Disease and Precautions
As many of you are undoubtedly aware, the world, and China in particular, has closely watched the spread of the infectious disease COVID-19, or as it is better known, coronavirus. While instances of this disease in the United States have thankfully been rare, we must nevertheless be prepared and know what precautions to take to stay safe and healthy.
Background
In late 2019, investigations into a cluster of respiratory illnesses in the City of Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, led to the discovery of a new coronavirus that is believed to have started as an animal to person spread and then became person to person. By early February the World Health Organization named the disease caused by this virus as Coronavirus Disease 2019, or COVID-19.
While there have been confirmed cases in many countries, including the United States, the overwhelming majority reside in China. Many countries are working diligently to contain and prevent the spread of this virus. Of the over 400 cases tested in the United States only 14 have been confirmed, with most being either travelers or people who were in contact with travelers. As of today, there is now at least 2 non-traveler.
Current Status
While situations such as these can and will change rapidly, here is where we are at while this is being written. Currently there have been just under 83,000 confirmed cases, with just over 2800 deaths reported. The situation is being watched closely as more cases are expected to test positive in the coming days. Find the latest report here: https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/situation-reports/20200227-sitrep-38-covid-19.pdf?sfvrsn=9f98940c_2
For some perspective, the influenza season of 2018-2019 saw 35 million illnesses and over 34,000 deaths.
Meanwhile Texas is doing it’s part in the fight as researchers at the University of Texas have very recently mapped out a 3-D model of the virus, providing a critical step towards understanding this disease and working towards a vaccine. Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio is safely hosting several hundred Americans who were potentially exposed during travel in quarantine to reduce the risk of spread in the United States.
What can you do?
While presently there is no vaccine available to prevent COVID-19, you can however take precautions to prevent potential exposure as well as to be better protected in general against infectious diseases such as the flu. According to the Centers for Disease Control:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- 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 using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a face mask.
- CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a face mask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
- Face masks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of face masks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
Travel
If you are planning to travel, I highly recommend checking with the CDC for the most up-to-date information and resources at: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/travel-information-centers
China is currently listed at a “Level 3,” meaning that non-essential travel should be avoided.
All this information and more is available on the Department of State Health Services and Centers for Disease Control Websites:
https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/coronavirus/
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/hcp/index.html
As always if you have any comments, questions, or concerns please feel free to contact my office.
