Here are some examples of what
Texas is doing to slow the potential spread of the virus into
Texas and also to prepare for the possibility of community
spread down the road.
· Educating and informing state agencies, local
leaders, schools, higher ed., and the public.
· Daily calls with public health and emergency
management and providers
· Regular calls with local officials statewide
· Providing direct briefings for hospitals,
providers, and others
· Performing surveillance to identify any COVID that
may emerge in Texas.
· Screening through front lines – doctors, nurses,
hospitals
· Screening and monitoring of incoming travelers
identified through the CDC airport screenings
· Identifying cases through lab testing (CDC)
· Providing public health expertise and guidance on
individual cases and situations for local jurisdictions and
public health departments.
· Creating and sharing guidance for public health,
health care, EMS, etc, including through the DSHS Coronavirus
page.
· Readying the state for lab testing at the state
and local level once the federal government releases laboratory
kits to the states.
The Texas Department of
Emergency Management and DSHS are working together with state
agencies to ready for likely scenarios that could unfold in the
coming months. This effort is especially timely as
the U.S. gains more firsthand experience with the virus.
There are things everyone can
do to protect themselves, and they are largely the same
precautions we urge people to take to prevent spread of the
flu:
· 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 available, use an
alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
· 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 using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
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