The city of Keller is in close contact with multiple agencies, Fire Chief David Jones said, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Texas Department of State Health Services and Tarrant County Public Health.
“We’re updating our response plans as a community as needed,” he said. “The common message is how best to protect yourself and prevent the spread.”
Signs and symptoms of the COVID-19 virus can mimic signs and symptoms of the cold or flu, Jones said. For more information, residents can contact the Tarrant County Public Health coronavirus hotline at 817-248-6299.
As of March 10, officials from the city and the Greater Keller Chamber of Commerce indicated that parks and recreation- and chamber-sponsored events, such as Keller Fest, would be unaffected.
Similarly, the city of Roanoke has no plans to cancel city events at this time, City Manager Scott Campbell said via email.
“We are currently communicating with local and federal health agencies as we monitor the situation,” he said. “At this time, we have not cancelled any events, but will certainly communicate any such decisions to the community and press.”
According to DSHS, one confirmed case in Collin County brings the total confirmed cases in the state to 13 as of March 10. DSHS figures indicate a total of six confirmed cases in both Fort Bend and Harris Counties.
In preparation, TCPH officials received 800 coronavirus test kits from the CDC on March 5; however, patients must match the symptoms of the virus prior to being tested, officials said.
“We want to reassure the public that Tarrant County residents will now have access to COVID-19 testing at our public health lab,” said Vinny Taneja, Tarrant County Public Health director, in a statement. “Although availability is limited at this time, we will be working with our medical community to ensure the test is available for people who meet the case definition for COVID-19 testing.”
In Denton County, health officials have asked residents to assist with prevention efforts. The county has yet to confirm any cases of the coronavirus, but at least 25 county residents have been or are still being monotired.
Symptoms of the coronavirus can include runny nose, headache, cough, sore throat and fever, according to DSHS. In addition, people with cardiopulmonary disease or a weakened immune system are at greater risk.
CDC guidelines indicate a number of precautions individuals can take to help decrease contact and spread of the coronavirus, including:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick;
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth;
- Stay home when you are sick;
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, and 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 recommendations for using a face mask;
- 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, and always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty; and
- Consult the CDC travel website for any travel advisories and steps to protect yourself if you plan to travel outside of the U.S.
