City of Dallas Actively Plans for COVID-19

Collin County officials announced on March 9th a “presumptive positive” case of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). A man in his 30s who recently returned from California is stable and in isolation in his Frisco home. Collin County healthcare staff is monitoring the man.

Collin County Health Care Services (CCHCS) will await further testing to confirm the preliminary results. The patient’s symptoms have not required hospitalization. CCHCS is also monitoring the man’s family, providing any needed tests and working to identify any contacts who may have been exposed while he was infectious.

Anyone found to have had any significant exposure to the patient will be contacted directly by county healthcare staff. The City of Dallas continues to actively plan and prepare for COVID-19, working with Dallas County Health and Human Services on prevention, response and recovery efforts.

The immediate risk of transmission remains low and the community is encouraged to remain calm and follow basic infection prevention measures.

If you believe you may be at risk of infection with COVID-19 and you develop symptoms of fever, cough or shortness of breath, call ahead to your healthcare provider OR you may contact Dallas County Health and Human Services at 972-692-2780 between the hours of 9 am to 3:30 pm, Monday to Friday for additional guidance.

If you do not have health insurance, you should contact a hospital’s emergency department. You are strongly advised to call ahead to the hospital to ensure medical staff can properly isolate any potential COVID-19 cases. Be sure to tell your healthcare professional about any recent travel or contact.

Your healthcare professional may work with the county public health department to determine if you require additional testing. COVID-19 can be spread from an infected person to others through:

Respiratory droplets released into the air by coughing and sneezing; Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands;

Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands. While COVID-19 is a new respiratory virus, daily precautions are recommended to prevent the spread of all respiratory infections, including the common cold and flu:

Practice social distancing (maintain six feet of distance between you and others when possible). Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

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. If you do not have a tissue, use the elbow portion of your sleeve.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces, such as phones, keyboards, and doorknobs.

For individuals who are considering travel, they should consult the CDC webpage at https:// www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/ index.html.

Early information out of China, where COVID-19 first started, shows that older adults and people who have serious chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill.

If you are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 because of your age or because you have a serious long-term health problem, it is critically important for you to take action to reduce your risk of becoming infected with the disease. For more information for people at risk for serious illness from COVID-19 visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/high-risk-complications.html.

City of Dallas leaders are working diligently with local, regional, state and federal partners to prepare for any eventuality regarding COVID-19. You are encouraged to stay informed and to take reasonable measures to decrease the personal risk for yourself and your loved ones.