Rockwall echoes CDC recommendations regarding coronavirus

ROCKWALL, TEXAS – March 9, 2020 – There have been numerous reports in the media about novel coronavirus, COVID-19, including news that Texas residents are currently being monitored in various parts of the state. While there has been one resident of Frisco identified and monitored as “presumptive positive” for COVID-19, health officials there say the immediate risk of transmission remains low. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends taking everyday preventive steps to limit exposure and reduce the risk of transmission:

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 facemask.
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.
Consult CDC’s travel website for any travel advisories and steps to protect yourself if you plan to travel outside of the US.

Abstarct virus strain model of MERS-Cov or middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus and Novel coronavirus 2019-nCoV with text on blue background. Virus Pandemic Protection Concept

According to the CDC, reported COVID-19 illnesses have ranged from mild to severe symptoms, including fever, cough and/or shortness, which may appear between 2-14 days after exposure. There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19, and the best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed. For more information on COVID 19, please refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/summary.html.

Within the last few weeks, the Rockwall Police Department and the Rockwall Fire Department have enacted precautions for residents and first responders to help mitigate the potential spread of COVID-19. First responders have personal protective equipment (PPE) available, and have established response protocols for the use of that PPE when appropriate. In addition, the departments have implemented screening questions for callers to 9-1-1 to identify individuals who may be experiencing symptoms consistent with the virus. The police and fire personnel have attended briefings by Rockwall County Office of Emergency Management and the Texas Division of Emergency Management, and will receive the latest information available upon its release by these agencies.

Submitted press release.

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