Hays County’s Encourages Community to Take Precautions Against Coronavirus (COVID-19)

By Ally Bolender
Assistant Web Content Manager

SAN MARCOS, Texas — Although there are no reported cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Hays County, the local health department encourages the community to take precautions and follow guidelines in order to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19.

The Hays County Health Department urges residents to remain alert, not anxious. The department provided instructions to contain and prevent the spread of the Coronavirus as they anticipate it will reach Hays County. 

• Practice self-implemented social isolation when feeling ill.
• Wash your hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds 
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue that you then throw away or with the inside of your elbow.
• Individuals are encouraged to avoid large gatherings. 

This virus spreads by person-to-person transmission just like the flu, so limiting human contact can prevent COVID-19 from spreading throughout our community. 

The department recommends that patients with mild symptoms of a low-grade fever, cough and chest congestion stay home until fever-free for 48 hours. 

Seeking medical care or laboratory testing is not necessary at this time. Staying hydrated and resting is the best way to defeat the virus.

However, the department urges that people who are over 65, have an underlying medical condition or a weak immune system should seek medical attention and are the most at risk of their symptoms becoming severe. 

People who are immunocompromised, the elderly and people with underlying medical conditions are the ones that are at the highest risk. 

“The number of cases reported in Texas continues to rise daily,” said the Hays County Health Department news release.  While none of these cases are in Hays County, we do expect to eventually have residents test positive for COVID-19. Two patients under observation or treatment in Austin did not contract the virus there.”

In an effort to suppress and avoid the spread of the virus, the Hays County Local Health Department strongly encourages employers to strictly enforce, and possibly expand, their sick leave policies. Working while sick can easily result in widespread COVID-19. 

Because of the potential spread of COVID-19, Hays County have canceled or altered court dates. Check the Hays County court information on their website for more information. 

Additional information is available on the Hays County Health Department website. Hays County residents can email the Local Health Department at hayslocalhealth@co.hays.tx.us for more information.