Updated Coronavirus Texas Totals, Information For March 17

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Texas Confirms First Death In Coronavirus Patient

The Texas Department of State Health Services has confirmed the first death of a Texas resident who tested positive for COVID-19, the illness caused by the new coronavirus. The patient was a man in his 90s who was a resident of Matagorda County and had been hospitalized.

DSHS is investigating the source of the infection and determining who the patient came into contact with while he was sick so any close contacts can be isolated, monitored for symptoms and tested, as needed.

“We are deeply saddened today to learn that a fellow Texan has died from COVID-19,” said Gov. Greg Abbott. “The First Lady and I send our deepest condolences and prayers to the family and loved ones during their time of mourning.  The State of Texas remains vigilant in our efforts to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus and will continue to do all we can to protect our most vulnerable populations and ensure that Texans have access to testing and treatment resources.”

People who are 65 or older or who have an underlying health condition like heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, high blood pressure or cancer have a higher risk of developing severe disease if they do get COVID-19.

The safest thing for them during an outbreak is to stay home as much as possible and minimize close contact with other people. People in those groups who get sick should contact a health care provider as soon as possible and follow their instructions.

“A death in Texas shows the gravity of the situation,” said Dr. John Hellerstedt, DSHS commissioner. “It’s critically important for us all to take actions that will help protect our most vulnerable citizens. By working together, we can slow the spread of COVID-19 and help ensure the health care system will be able to care for those who need it most.”

There are things everyone should do to help prevent the spread of COVID-19:

• 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 wash your hands.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Public health officials are further advising residents to limit their risk of exposure by avoiding large gatherings and crowded places, practicing good personal hygiene, and continuing their own preparations in case they need to stay home for two weeks.

DSHS also urges people to follow the advice of local leaders for other community actions that will help stop the spread of the disease.

DSHS is posting the latest information, guidance for the public, health care providers and others, and updating case counts daily at www.dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus.

HHS Provides Expanded Guidance to Hospitals to Prevent Spread of COVID-19 in Texas

AUSTIN – To protect vulnerable hospital patients from COVID-19, Texas Health and Human Services has issued updated, expanded guidance to hospitals that now includes granting access only to essential visitors such as medical professionals and authorized caregivers acting specifically on a patient’s behalf.

“At the direction of Governor Greg Abbott and effective immediately, we are requiring hospitals to prevent non-essential visitors from access given the significant health and safety risk to patients posed by COVID-19,” said David Kostroun, HHS deputy executive commissioner for Regulatory Services. “These measures are precautionary and based on the state disaster declaration made by Governor Abbott, as well as new federal guidance.”

This new prohibition applies to general hospitals, special hospitals, and private psychiatric hospitals, excluding outpatient clinics operated by hospitals.

Essential visitors include government personnel; one designated caregiver acting on the patient’s behalf, such as a parent of a minor or a legally authorized representative; patient family members no more than one at a time; clergy members authorized by the hospital; and additional family members of patients at the end of life or presenting at the emergency department, subject to hospital policy.

“We understand these new restrictions will be difficult for patients and their families and loved ones,” Kostroun said. “We must take every measure to protect patients, as well as hospital personnel who are on the front lines in the battle against this new virus.”

Hospitals also must implement screening protocols for anyone entering their facility, including staff, medical professionals, and other essential visitors, using guidelines issued by CMS.

Under certain compassionate care situations, such as a patient’s end-of-life, non-essential visitors will be allowed in a hospital, and the facility must follow all CMS protocols.

Texas HHS is working closely with the Office of the Governor, the Department of State Health Services (DSHS), the Texas Department of Emergency Management, and other state and federal agencies to monitor and assess the coronavirus outbreak in the U.S.

Hospitals in Texas are required to maintain strong infection prevention and control programs to prevent the spread of communicable diseases.

If a hospital believes a patient, visitor, or employee might have been exposed or infected with COVID-19, it is required to immediately report it to the local health department or to DSHS.

Texas HHS is also requiring hospitals to post signs at the entrance about access restrictions; check for fever of visitors and staff; continue to monitor and isolate patients with fever or acute respiratory symptoms; provide infection control training to staff; execute frequent handwashing, and provide personal protective equipment to patients or staff as needed.

For more information, visit the CDC’s coronavirus page.

During this rapidly evolving situation, the agency is also issuing updated infection control guidance for other licensed entities such as child care operations and long-term care facilities.

All regulated providers are encouraged to stay up-to-date on the latest guidance by visiting the Texas HHS COVID-19 page.

Texas HHS licenses and regulates 703 general, special, and private psychiatric hospitals throughout the state.

For health-related information and general precautions on COVID-19, visit the DSHS website and the CDC page.

Governor Abbott Allows Virtual And Telephonic Open Meetings To Maintain Government Transparency

Ensures continued government operation while preserving transparency

AUSTIN – Yesterday, Governor Greg Abbott acted to maintain government transparency and continued government operations while reducing face-to-face contact for government open meetings.

As Texas works to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the Governor granted the Office of the Attorney General’s request for suspension of certain open-meeting statutes.

This temporary suspension will allow for telephonic or videoconference meetings of governmental bodies that are accessible to the public in an effort to reduce in-person meetings that assemble large groups of people.

“Even as the State of Texas takes precautionary measures to contain the spread of COVID-19, we also have a responsibility to maintain government transparency,” said Governor Abbott. “With today’s action, Texas is reducing non-essential in-person contact for a limited period, while ensuring that state and local government entities continue to work to fulfill necessary functions and with full transparency for the people of Texas. I urge state and local officials to do their part to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 by avoiding meetings that bring people into large group settings.”

In accordance with section 418.016 of the Texas Government Code, Governor Abbott has suspended various provisions that require government officials and members of the public to be physically present at a specified meeting location.

This temporary suspension will leave important open-meeting protections in place:

• Members of the public will be entitled to participate and address the governmental body during any telephonic or videoconference meeting.
• To hold a telephonic or videoconference meeting, a governmental body must post a written notice that gives the public a way to participate remotely, such as a toll-free dial-in number, and that includes an electronic copy of any agenda packet that officials will consider at the meeting.
• A governmental body must provide the public with access to a recording of any telephonic or videoconference meeting.

State and local officials who have questions about open-meeting requirements after this suspension should submit them to the Office of the Attorney General via e-mail at TOMA@oag.texas.gov, or by leaving a message at (888) 672-6787.

Officials with questions about teleconference and videoconference capabilities offered by the Texas Department of Information Resources should visit dir.texas.gov or call (512) 475-4700.

Officials who hold videoconference meetings are encouraged to provide for participation via telephone for members of the public without video conferencing capability.

If officials are not holding a telephonic or videoconference meeting, all open-meeting requirements apply.

Texas HHS Monitors COVID-19, Provides New Guidance to Child Care Facilities

AUSTIN – Texas Health and Human Services are providing updated guidance to the almost 17,000 regulated child care operations throughout the state – including new screening requirements for staff and visitors – as the agency continues to closely monitor the evolving novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

“Protecting the health and safety of children in the settings we regulate is paramount,” said David Kostroun, HHS Deputy Executive Commissioner of Regulatory Services. “We are taking these proactive measures to limit the spread of COVID-19 and safeguard children and their families.”

Effective immediately, all current child care providers will implement the following guidance, consistent with new requirements in accordance with state law, federal guidance, and Gov. Greg Abbott’s recent disaster declaration:

• Prohibit any person except the following from accessing an operation: operation staff; persons with legal authority to enter, including law enforcement officers, HHSC Child Care Licensing staff, and Department of Family and Protective Services staff; professionals providing services to children; children enrolled at the operation; and parents or legal guardians who have children enrolled and present at the operation.    
• Require pickup and drop-off of children outside of the operation, unless it is determined that there is a legitimate need for the parent to enter the operation.  
• Before allowing entry into the operation, screen all individuals listed above, including taking the temperature of each person upon arrival at the operation each day, and deny entry to any person who meets any of the following criteria:

1. A temperature of 100.4°F or above;
2. Signs or symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as a cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, and low-grade fever;
3. In the previous 14 days has had contact with someone with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19; is under investigation for COVID-19, or is ill with a respiratory illness; or
4. In the previous 14 days has traveled internationally to countries with widespread, sustained community transmission. For updated information on affected countries, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/travelers/index.html.
     ° Ensure that each child is provided with individual meals and snacks. Do not serve family-style meals.

Because this situation is rapidly evolving, child care providers are highly encouraged to contact the Child Care Licensing (CCL) team at MSC@hhsc.state.tx.us. CCL is prepared to answer questions, provide technical assistance, and grant regulatory flexibility to operations when needed to protect children in care.

Stay up-to-date on the latest guidance to providers by visiting the HHS COVID-19 page.

Governor Abbott Waives Certain Vehicle Registration, Titling, And Parking Placard Regulations In Texas

AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott has announced that Texas is waiving certain rules relating to vehicle registration, parking placards for persons with disabilities, and titling to aid the state’s efforts to combat COVID-19.

These suspensions will allow Texans to avoid penalties for failure to timely title or register a vehicle, or renew a parking placard.

The waivers fall within the actions the Governor is taking under the State of Disaster he declared last week, and are part of Texas’ efforts to reduce in-person contact among Texans and slow the spread of COVID-19.

“The State of Texas continues to implement a comprehensive plan to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, and that includes strategies to reduce preventable in-person contact,” said Governor Abbott. “By suspending these rules, Texans can avoid unnecessary crowds and in-person contact without fear of being penalized. We encourage all Texans to continue practicing social distancing and to take preventative actions to protect their health and the health of those around them.”

The Governor will work with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles to ensure law enforcement officers throughout the state are aware of these waivers.

The Department of Motor Vehicles will also continue to provide registration renewal services online at renew.txdmv.gov. For additional information, Texans should contact the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles at (888) 368-4689.

The following regulations and rules are suspended under the Governor’s Disaster Declaration.

Registration and Title Requirements
Statutory Sections: Transportation Code §§501.145; 501.146; 502.040; 502.045; 502.407; 502.471; and 502.473.
Rules: 43 TAC §§217.4(a); TAC §217.25; and TAC §217.28.

Renewal of Persons with Disabilities Parking Placards
Statutory Sections – Transportation Code §681.004; and §Transportation Code § 681.010

30-Day Temporary Registration Permits
Statutory Sections – Transportation Code §502.095; and §502.471.