Dallas County Health
and Human Services is working closely with the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC), the Texas Department of State and Health
Services (DSHS), local governments, and health care providers across
Dallas County to prepare for and respond to the evolving novel
coronavirus situation.
Coronaviruses are a
large family of viruses. Diseases from coronaviruses typically cause
mild to moderate illness, like the common cold. Some, like the SARS or
MERS viruses, have caused more severe illness. The current novel
coronavirus, which causes the disease known as COVID-19, is still
primarily impacting areas within China, but there have been confirmed
cases in other countries including the United States. Most U.S. cases
are associated with repatriation efforts to return individuals from
areas abroad with high rates of COVID-19 — these cases were expected,
identified, well-controlled, and do not pose a threat to the public.
As of February 24,
2020, there have been no confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in
Dallas County and the health risk to the general public remains low.
DCHHS is working closely with regional partners to prevent the spread
of coronavirus to Dallas County, including public health monitoring of
travelers screened at international airports, outreach and educational
efforts to local hospitals and health care providers, educational
institutions, and many other local partners.
DCHHS will continue
to provide updates and work with local healthcare providers to monitor
this novel coronavirus. Dallas County residents, students, workers, and
visitors should continue to engage in their regular activities and
practice good personal hygiene as this is the height of flu season
across the County.
The following
preventive measures should be taken to help reduce the spread of
COVID-19:
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at
least 20 seconds and help young children do the same. If soap and
water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with
at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with
unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects
and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then
throw the tissue in the trash. If you do not have a tissue, use
your sleeve (not your hands).
Additionally, the
Texas Department of State Health Services has established a hotline to
serve as an additional resource for any questions about novel
coronavirus:
DSHS COVID-19 Call Center: 1-877-570-9779
Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Monday – Friday
Thank you for being
an engaged partner and please feel free to share the resources listed
above.
Philip
Huang, MD, MPH
Director/Health
Authority
Dallas County Health
and Human Services Department (DCHHS)
2377 N. Stemmons
Freeway
Dallas, Texas
75207
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