Hays County Addresses Government Center Evacuation, Coronavirus Rumors

On March 2, 2020, a potential jury member at the Hays County Government Center expressed concern that because they had been in contact with a friend who was recently in southern Italy, they might have been exposed to the Coronavirus.

Out of an abundance of caution, two District Court Judges sent all potential jury members home.

The release of multiple jury pool members at the same time sparked rumors that the Government Center had been evacuated.

Hays County Epidemiologist Eric Schneider later spoke with the individual in question and determined that any risk of exposure was minimal to none.

Neither person in question was exhibiting any symptoms and the traveler, in this case, was not in an area of high risk. Schneider will continue to follow up with the individual in Hays County.

To date, there have been no cases of Coronavirus in Hays County, and no one has required testing for it. However, Flu is still an issue in Hays County and most of the country.

Here’s more information on good health practices:

The new Coronavirus (COVID-19) that originated in China is dominating the media headlines. It’s important to know that Federal, State, and Local Health Departments, along with State, City, and County officials have been preparing for cases to show up in the United States and Texas.

“It was expected that cases would show up, so this is not a surprise, nor is it an immediate threat to our community,” county officials said. “Should we begin to see cases in the general population, you can protect yourself, your family, and your community by using the same healthy behaviors that prevent a Flu outbreak.”

• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, or into your flexed elbow. If you sneeze or cough into your hands, wash them immediately.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, and mouth when your hands are not properly washed.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces with normal household cleaning supplies such as bleach wipes and disinfectant sprays.

It is not too late to still get a Flu shot if residents haven’t already. 

Residents should contact their healthcare provider or the Hays County Local Health Department at 512-393-5520 if they have any questions about COVID-19 (Coronavirus). The Texas Department of State Health Services also has detailed information about Coronavirus.