COVID-19

This guide aims to provide current information and reliable resources for understanding and responding to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Updated information and guidance will be provided as they become available from public health authorities.

• On October 7, 2020, Gov. Abbot issued Executive Order GA-32 allowing outdoor events of 10 or more people if approved by the mayor.
• The current local "Stay Home Work Safe" orders (Tenth Addendum to 8th Declaration of Public Health Emergency Regarding COVID-19) state that all people 10 years or older shall wear a cloth face covering over their nose and mouth when in a public place where it is difficult to maintain six feet of distance from others, such as when visiting a grocery store/pharmacy or working in areas that involve close proximity with other coworkers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advise face coverings for people 2 years or older: CDC Guidance for Daily Activities to Reduce Risk of COVID-19.

WHAT IS COVID-19?

Coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19, is caused by a novel coronavirus named SARS-CoV-2 that was first identified as part of an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). A novel coronavirus is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans.

HOW DOES COVID-19 SPREAD?
The novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 spreads very easily from person to person through close contact (within 6 feet).

• When people with COVID-19 cough, sneeze, sing, talk, or breathe they produce respiratory droplets containing the virus. These droplets range in size from visible spittle to microscopic particles and can cause infection when they are inhaled or deposited on mucous membranes (such as those that line the inside of the nose and mouth) through close or direct contact.
• As respiratory droplets travel further from the person with COVID-19, the concentration of these droplets decreases. Larger droplets fall out of the air due to gravity. Smaller droplets and particles spread apart in the air.
• Under certain conditions, people with COVID-19 seem to have infected others who were more than 6 feet away. Such airborne transmissions can occur in enclosed spaces with inadequate ventilation; however, it is much more common for COVID-19 to spread through close contact with an infected person than through airborne transmission https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/how-covid-spreads.html
• People who are infected with COVID-19 but do not show symptoms can also spread the virus to others. 
• It may be possible that a person can become infected by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not a common way that COVID-19 spreads.
• It appears that COVID-19 can spread from people to animals in rare situations. At this time, the risk of COVID-19 spreading from animals to people is considered to be low. Learn about COVID-19 and pets and other animals.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS

As the vaccine for COVID-19 is still in development, the best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. People with COVID-19 have a wide range clinical manifestations ranging from asymptomatic to respiratory failure with multi-organ dysfunction and death in severe cases.. Older adults and people with underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes are at higher risk for serious complications from COVID-19.    

• Stay at least 6 feet away from others whenever possible. This is very important in preventing the spread of COVID-19.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a mask* when around others. This helps reduce the risk of spread both by close contact and by airborne transmission.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid crowded indoor spaces and ensure indoor spaces are properly ventilated by bringing in outdoor air as much as possible. In general, being outdoors and in spaces with good ventilation reduces the risk of exposure to infectious respiratory droplets.
• Stay home and isolate from others when sick.
• Routinely clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.

• Learn more about what you can do to protect yourself and others.

*CDC recommends that people wear a cloth face covering to cover their nose and mouth in the community setting. Surgical masks and N95 respirators are in short supply and should be reserved for healthcare workers or other medical first responders.

 

24/7 Mental Health Support Line

Texas Health and Human Services launched a 24/7 statewide mental health support line to help Texans experiencing anxiety, stress or emotional challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Call toll-free at 1.833.986.1919 anytime to speak to a counselor.

 

Pandemics can be stressful, especially when you are staying away from others. During this time, it’s important to maintain social connections and care for your mental health.

 

See more Counseling & Wellness Resources here.