In response to the novel coronavirus, the city of New Braunfels is working closely with the Comal County Health Department, the Comal County Office of Emergency Management and health authority partners at the regional, state and federal level to monitor the virus, according to a city of New Braunfels press release.

The New Braunfels Fire Department began active screening of 911 callers in late January and is prepared to respond to any local transmission through treatment, transport and decontamination policies recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the release said.

The Texas Department of State Health Services announced the first case of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, in Texas in Fort Bend County on March 4.

“Having a COVID-19 case in Texas is a significant development in this outbreak, but it doesn’t change the fact that the immediate risk to most Texans is low,” DSHS Commissioner Dr. John Hellerstedt said in a news release. “This travel-related case reinforces the fact that we should all be taking basic hygiene steps that are extremely effective in limiting limit the spread of COVID-19 and all respiratory illnesses.”

As with other communicable diseases, prevention methods for COVID-19 include frequently washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, staying home when you are sick, covering your cough and avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth.


For more information regarding COVID-19 and local response plans, visit the Comal County web page and the city of New Braunfels webpage.