Updated State Coronavirus Totals And New Information Released For Sunday, March 15
Staff
State and federal officials are working to keep residents informed as they continue working to protect Americans from Coronavirus.
According to the Center for Disease Control, coronaviruses are common throughout the world and can infect people and animals.
The World Health Organization has now qualified the coronavirus as an international pandemic. And says the large family of viruses can cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe conditions.
A novel coronavirus is a new strain and has not been previously identified in humans.
Like the flu, people with severe chronic medical conditions and who are over the age of sixty are at a higher risk of getting sick and developing more severe conditions.
Federal and state officials are working continuously to ensure outbreaks do not occur in U.S. communities.
The following updates are only intended to keep Texas communities informed.
Not only for your protection but the safety of others, please follow this list of guidelines
- 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.
What’s the difference between a Person Under Investigation, a Presumptive Positive or a Laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19?
The CDC has three levels of COVID-19:
- Person Under Investigation (PUI): Any person who is under investigation for having the virus that causes COVID-19, or who was under investigation but tested negative for the virus.
- Presumptive Positive case of COVID-19: Anyone who has tested positive for the virus, but testing was conducted at the local or state level. Currently, presumptive positive cases must have sample undergo confirmatory testing at the CDC.
- Laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19: Anyone who has tested positive for the virus at the CDC laboratory.
Updated on Sunday, March 15, 2020, at 12:18 PM
The Case Numbers Are Release By Texas Department of State Health Services
NOTE: The positive results in Texas communities, include both presumptive and confirmed positives. They don’t include people repatriated from China or cruise ships on U.S. government flights.
Can’t see the whole table? Touch it and scroll right.
| County of Residence2 | Number of Cases3 |
|---|---|
| Bell | 1 |
| Bexar | 3 |
| Brazoria | 2 |
| Collin | 6 |
| Dallas | 8 |
| El Paso | 1 |
| Fort Bend | 9 |
| Galveston | 1 |
| Gregg | 1 |
| Harris | 10 |
| Hays |
1 |
| Lavaca | 1 |
| Matagorda | 1 |
| Montgomery | 3 |
| Smith | 4 |
| Tarrant | 3 |
| Travis | 1 |
| Total | 56 |
1DSHS will update the state case count each day by 10 a.m. Central Time.
2Patient may be undergoing treatment in facilities in other counties.
3Does not include repatriation cases.
Governor Abbott Fast-Tracks Licensing For Out-Of-State Medical Professionals
AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott today directed the Texas Medical Board (TMB) and the Texas Board of Nursing (TBN) to fast-track the temporary licensing of out-of-state physicians, physician assistants, certain retired physicians, nurses, and other license types to assist in Texas’ response to COVID-19. Yesterday’s announcement is among the actions Governor Abbott is taking under the State of Disaster declaration.
“By utilizing TMB and TBN’s disaster emergency licensure rule, Texas will have an increased supply of health care professionals who will be able to provide necessary in-person and telemedicine services to Texans across the state,” said Governor Abbott. “I am grateful to the Texas Medical Board, the Texas Board of Nursing, and medical professionals across the Lone Star State who are willing to provide important care to Texans and ensure that patients have access to the resources they need. These rules play a key role in Texas’ continued efforts to support our communities and mitigate the impact of the coronavirus.”
“The Texas Medical Board appreciates Governor Greg Abbott’s quick action to suspend certain statutes and rules regarding telemedicine in Texas. The TMB also recognizes the need to ease licensure requirements to facilitate increasing the supply of health care providers available to the people of Texas during these unprecedented times. As such, the TMB is utilizing our disaster emergency licensure rule to help increase patients’ access to both in-person and telemedicine care. Finally, the TMB encourages Texas physicians who have been retired for less than two years to consider returning to active status during this difficult time,” said TMB President Sherif Z. Zaafran, M.D.
TMB will allow out-of-state physicians to obtain a Texas limited emergency license or hospital-to-hospital credentialing through the time period that encompasses the Governor’s Disaster Declaration.
Other types of out-of-state health care professionals regulated by TMB may also receive temporary licenses. These rules are pursuant to Title 22, Chapter 172.20 and 172.21 of the Texas Administrative Code. Specific licensing requirements under these rules may be found on the TMB website.
Additionally, TMB is encouraging retired physicians who are Texas residents with licenses that have been placed on official retired status for less than two years to apply for a return to active status. These licensing requirements under Title 22, Chapter 166.3 of the Texas Administrative Code can also be found on the TMB website.
In accordance with Section 418.171 of Texas Government Code, any out-of-state nurse may practice in Texas for the purpose of rendering aid, provided the nurse holds a current license in good standing in their home state.
Therefore, any out-of-state nurse with a license in good standing is not required to hold a Texas license in order to practice nursing in a disaster relief effort operation setting. More information can be found on the TBN website.
Austin Organizers Urged to Cancel Events and Restaurants Mandated to Boost Sanitation to Help Prevent Spread of COVID-19
Austin Public Health (APH) is requesting that event organizers strongly consider canceling or postponing events of more than 250 people given the ongoing investigation of three presumptive cases of COVID-19.
These are currently voluntary requests for cancellations. Stronger recommendations are under consideration.
APH epidemiologists who are investigating the exposure risk from the new COVID-19 cases in the local jurisdiction are recommending a range of measures to reduce the opportunity for community spread.
The following guidelines are strongly recommended for events:
- Increase the frequency of sanitizing frequently touched surfaces.
- Encourage attendees to stay at least six feet away from each other to reduce risk.
- Keep an adequate supply of hand soap, disinfectants, tissues, and paper towels.
- Encourage attendees to follow increased hygiene, such as:
° Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
° If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
° Avoid close contact with other people.
When considering attending an event people should consider the following guidelines:
- Anyone who is sick should not attend.
- Anyone who has a member of their household that is sick should not attend.
- Those who are at higher risk for severe COVID-19 illness, including individuals over 65 or with underlying conditions such as heart disease, lung disease or diabetes, should not attend.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue – if available – or into your elbow.
- Those feeling unwell should not use public transportation.
The updated recommendations for events are consistent with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“The health and safety of Austin-Travis County residents and visitors is our highest priority and today we’re adopting a regional strategy to help minimize the spread of this disease,” said Dr. Mark Escott, interim health authority for Austin-Travis County. “We are looking for opportunities to mitigate risk while keeping businesses operating. If we can find the right balance we can better sustain our community.”
Separately, emergency rules have been adopted mandating restaurants and other food establishments to take a range of actions to reduce the possibility of exposure to COVID-19 in Austin-Travis County.
The new rules, effective today, March 13, 2020, state that food permit holders and people in charge of food businesses must:
- Display “Help Prevent Disease” signs provided by Austin Public Health in a prominent public location clearly visible to the general public and patrons.
- Make hand sanitizers available to the general public and to patrons.
- Disinfect and sanitize commonly touched surfaces and nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment of the establishment at least once every hour.
- Adopt and implement a policy that provides for the immediate exclusion of food handlers from duties if they develop a fever greater than or equal to 100.4 degrees during their shift.
Failure to comply with the Emergency Rules, which will expire July 12, 2020, constitutes a public health hazard and violations may result in the immediate suspension of food establishment permits.
For more information and updates, visit www.AustinTexas.gov/COVID19.
Governor Abbott Waives Certain State Trucking Regulations To Expedite Delivery Of Resources Around Texas
AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott has announced that he is waiving certain regulations related to commercial trucking in the state of Texas. The suspensions will expedite commercial vehicle delivery of more supplies in each truckload as Texas works to mitigate the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) across the state.
These waivers were requested by and will be coordinated through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and are part of the actions Governor Abbott is taking under the State of Disaster he declared yesterday.
“As the State of Texas works to mitigate the impact of the coronavirus, we are taking precautionary measures to ensure that Texans have access to the goods and supplies they need,” said Governor Abbott. “Suspending these state trucking regulations will improve our ability to deliver the necessary supplies throughout the state so that grocers and retailers are able to continually stock their shelves. I want to remind Texans that stockpiling resources is neither necessary nor productive. The State of Texas is prepared and will continue to take action to support our communities.”
Three sets of statutes are suspended, subject to federal law and DMV safety limitations:
- The oversize and overweight permitting requirements under Transportation Code, Chapters 621 through 623, as well as Title 43, Chapter 219 of the Texas Administrative Code, for all divisible and non-divisible vehicles and loads;
- The International Registration Plan (IRP) vehicle registration under Transportation Code § 502.091 and 43 Tex. Admin. Code § 217.56, as long as the vehicle is registered in one of the 48 contiguous states of the United States; and
The 72-hour and 144-hour temporary registration permits under Transportation Code § 502.094 and 43 Tex. Admin. Code § 217.40(b)(3), as long as the vehicle is registered in one of the states of the United States.
Coronavirus Tax Relief
The IRS has established a special section focused on steps to help taxpayers, businesses and others affected by the coronavirus. This page will be updated as new information is available.
For other information about the COVID-19 virus, people should visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (https://www.coronavirus.gov) for health information.
Other information about actions being taken by the U.S. government is available at https://www.usa.gov/coronavirus and in Spanish at https://gobierno.usa.gov/coronavirus.
The Department of Treasury also has information available at Coronavirus: Resources, Updates, and What You Should Know.
Guidance
- Notice 2020-15 (PDF), High deductible health plans and expenses related to COVID-19
- IR-2020-54, IRS: High-deductible health plans can cover coronavirus costs
Tax Help
IRS has several online resources to help taxpayers.
- Free File – prepare and file your federal income tax return for free using tax preparation and filing software.
- Where’s My Refund? – is an online tool that will track your tax refund. You will need your Social security number or ITIN, your filing status and your exact refund amount to use the tool.
- Online Payment Agreements – you can apply for a payment plan online to pay off your balance over time.
- IRS2Go mobile app – Check your refund status, make a payment, find free tax preparation assistance, sign up for helpful tax tips, and more!
- Online Account – use this tool to view: Your payoff amount, updated for the current calendar day, the balance for each tax year for which you owe, up to 24 months of your payment history and key information from your current tax year return as originally filed.
- VITA/TCE Sites -find a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) site that offers free tax help to people who generally make $56,000 or less, persons with disabilities and limited English-speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns.
Other Resources
- U.S. Treasury webpage – Coronavirus: Resources, Updates, and What You Should Know
Talking with children about Coronavirus Disease 2019: Messages for parents, school staff, and others working with children
As public conversations around coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) increase, children may worry about themselves, their family, and friends getting ill with COVID-19.
Parents, family members, school staff, and other trusted adults can play an important role in helping children make sense of what they hear in a way that is honest, accurate, and minimizes anxiety or fear.
CDC has created guidance to help adults have conversations with children about COVID-19 and ways they can avoid getting and spreading the disease.
General principles for talking to childrenRemain calm and reassuring
Make yourself available to listen and to talk
Avoid language that might blame others and lead to stigma
Pay attention to what children see or hear on television, radio, or online
Provide information that is honest and accurate
Teach children everyday actions to reduce the spread of germs
• Remind them to cough or sneeze into a tissue or their elbow, then throw the tissue into the trash.
• Discuss any new actions that may be taken at school to help protect children and school staff. (e.g., increased handwashing, cancellation of events or activities)
• Get children into a handwashing habit.
° Teach them to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing their nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
° If soap and water are not available, teach them to use hand sanitizer. Hand sanitizer should contain at least 60% alcohol. Supervise young children when they use hand sanitizer to prevent swallowing alcohol, especially in schools and childcare facilities.
Facts about COVID-19 for discussions with children
What is COVID-19?
• Recently, this virus has made a lot of people sick. Scientists and doctors think that most people will be ok, especially kids, but some people might get pretty sick.
• Doctors and health experts are working hard to help people stay healthy.
What can I do so that I don’t get COVID-19?
° Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow. If you sneeze or cough into a tissue, throw it in the trash right away.
° Keep your hands out of your mouth, nose, and eyes. This will help keep germs out of your body.
° Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Follow these five steps—wet, lather (make bubbles), scrub (rub together), rinse and dry. You can sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice.
° If you don’t have soap and water, have an adult help you use a special hand cleaner.
° Keep things clean. Older children can help adults at home and school clean the things we touch the most, like desks, doorknobs, light switches, and remote controls. (Note for adults: you can find more information about cleaning and disinfecting on CDC’s website.)
° If you feel sick, stay home. Just like you don’t want to get other people’s germs in your body, other people don’t want to get your germs either.
What happens if you get sick with COVID-19?
People can get a fever, cough, or have a hard time taking deep breaths. Most people who have gotten COVID-19 have not gotten very sick.
Only a small group of people who get it have had more serious problems.
From what doctors have seen so far, most children don’t seem to get very sick. While a lot of adults get sick, most adults get better.
If you do get sick, it doesn’t mean you have COVID-19. People can get sick from all kinds of germs. What’s important to remember is that if you do get sick, the adults at home and school will help get you any help that you need.
If you suspect your child may have COVID-19, call the healthcare facility to let them know before you bring your child in to see them.
CDC: Frequently Asked Questions
CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 BASICSWhat is novel coronavirus?
A diagnosis with coronavirus 229E, NL63, OC43, or HKU1 is not the same as a COVID-19 diagnosis. Patients with COVID-19 will be evaluated and cared for differently than patients with common coronavirus diagnosis.
Why is the disease being called coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19?
The new name of this disease is coronavirus disease 2019, abbreviated as COVID-19. In COVID-19, ‘CO’ stands for ‘corona,’ ‘VI’ for ‘virus,’ and ‘D’ for the disease.
Formerly, this disease was referred to as “2019 novel coronavirus” or “2019-nCoV”. There are many types of human coronaviruses including some that commonly cause mild upper-respiratory tract illnesses. COVID-19 is a new disease, caused by a novel (or new) coronavirus that has not previously been seen in humans.
The name of this disease was selected following the World Health Organization (WHO) best practices for the naming of new human infectious diseases.
Why might someone blame or avoid individuals and groups (create stigma) because of COVID-19?
Fear and anxiety can lead to social stigma, for example, towards Chinese or other Asian Americans or people who were in quarantine. Stigma is discrimination against an identifiable group of people, a place, or a nation.
Stigma is associated with a lack of knowledge about how COVID-19 spreads, a need to blame someone, fears about disease and death, and gossip that spreads rumors and myths. Stigma hurts everyone by creating more fear or anger towards ordinary people instead of the disease that is causing the problem.
How can people help stop stigma related to COVID-19?
What is the source of this virus?
Rarely, animal coronaviruses that infect animals have emerged to infect people and can spread between people. This is suspected to have occurred for the virus that causes COVID-19.
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) are two other examples of coronaviruses that originated from animals and then spread to people. More information about the source and spread of COVID-19 is available on the Situation Summary: Source and Spread of the Virus.
How does the virus spread?
It’s important to note that person-to-person spread can happen on a continuum. Some viruses are highly contagious (like measles), while other viruses are less so.
The virus that causes COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the community (“community spread”) in some affected geographic areas. Community spread means people have been infected with the virus in an area, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected.
Learn what is known about the spread of newly emerged coronaviruses.
Can someone who has had COVID-19 spread the illness to others?
That is why the CDC recommends that these patients be isolated either in the hospital or at home (depending on how sick they are) until they are better and no longer pose a risk of infecting others.
How long someone is actively sick can vary so the decision on when to release someone from isolation is made on a case-by-case basis in consultation with doctors, infection prevention and control experts, and public health officials and involves considering specifics of each situation including disease severity, illness signs and symptoms, and results of laboratory testing for that patient.
Current CDC guidance for when it is OK to release someone from isolation is made on a case by case basis and includes meeting all of the following requirements:
• The patient is free from fever without the use of fever-reducing medications
• The patient is no longer showing symptoms, including cough.
•The patient has tested negative on at least two consecutive respiratory specimens collected at least 24 hours apart.
Someone who has been released from isolation is not considered to pose a risk of infection to others. [/toggle
Can someone who has been quarantined for COVID-19 spread the illness to others?
Quarantine is usually established for the incubation period of the communicable disease, which is the span of time during which people have developed the illness after exposure. For COVID-19, the period of quarantine is 14 days from the last date of exposure, because 14 days is the longest incubation period seen for similar coronaviruses.
Someone who has been released from COVID-19 quarantine is not considered a risk for spreading the virus to others because they have not developed illness during the incubation period.
Can the virus that causes COVID-19 be spread through food, including refrigerated or frozen food?
Throughout the day wash your hands after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing, or going to the bathroom. It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 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 thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
In general, because of poor survivability of these coronaviruses on surfaces, there is likely very low risk of spread from food products or packaging that is shipped over a period of days or weeks at ambient, refrigerated, or frozen temperatures.
Learn what is known about the spread of COVID-19.
Will warm weather stop the outbreak of COVID-19?
At this time, it is not known whether the spread of COVID-19 will decrease when the weather becomes warmer. There is much more to learn about the transmissibility, severity, and other features associated with COVID-19 and investigations are ongoing.
What is community spread?
Am I at risk for COVID-19 in the United States?
Has anyone in the United States gotten infected?
How can I protect myself?
What should I do if I had close contact with someone who has COVID-19?
Who is at a higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19?
What should people at higher risk of serious illness with COVID-19 do?
If there is an outbreak in your community, stay home as much as possible.
Watch for symptoms and emergency signs. Watch for symptoms and emergency signs. If you get sick, stay home and call your doctor.
More information on how to prepare, what to do if you get sick, and how communities and caregivers can support those at higher risk is available on People at Risk for Serious Illness from COVID-19.
Does the CDC recommend the use of facemasks to prevent COVID-19?
does not recommend that people who are well wearing a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19.
You should only wear a mask if a healthcare professional recommends it. A facemask should be used by people who have COVID-19 and are showing symptoms. This is to protect others from the risk of getting infected.
The use of facemasks also is crucial for health workers and other people who are taking care of someone infected with COVID-19 in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
Am I at risk for COVID-19 from a package or products shipping from China?
The virus that causes COVID-19 is more genetically related to SARS-CoV than MERS-CoV, but both are betacoronaviruses with their origins in bats. While we don’t know for sure that this virus will behave the same way as SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, we can use the information gained from both of these earlier coronaviruses to guide us.
In general, because of poor survivability of these coronaviruses on surfaces, there is likely a very low risk of spread from products or packaging that are shipped over a period of days or weeks at ambient temperatures. Coronaviruses are generally thought to be spread most often by respiratory droplets.
Currently, there is no evidence to support the transmission of COVID-19 associated with imported goods and there have not been any cases of COVID-19 in the United States associated with imported goods. Information will be provided on the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) website as it becomes available.
What are the symptoms and complications that COVID-19 can cause?
Should I be tested for COVID-19?
Older patients and individuals who have severe underlying medical conditions or are immunocompromised should contact their healthcare provider early, even if their illness is mild.
If you have severe symptoms, such as persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse, or bluish lips of face, contact your healthcare provider or emergency room and seek care immediately. Your doctor will determine if you have signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and whether you should be tested.
Can a person test negative and later test positive for COVID-19?
In the early stages of infection, it is possible the virus will not be detected. For COVID-19, a negative test result for a sample collected while a person has symptoms likely means that the COVID-19 virus is not causing their current illness.
Why might someone blame or avoid individuals and groups (create stigma) because of COVID-19?
Fear and anxiety can lead to social stigma, for example, towards Chinese or other Asian Americans or people who were in quarantine. Stigma is discrimination against an identifiable group of people, a place, or a nation.
Stigma is associated with a lack of knowledge about how COVID-19 spreads, a need to blame someone, fears about disease and death, and gossip that spreads rumors and myths.
Stigma hurts everyone by creating more fear or anger towards ordinary people instead of the disease that is causing the problem.
How can people help stop the stigma related to COVID-19?
What is the CDC doing about COVID-19?
What about animals or animal products imported from China?
This is a rapidly evolving situation and information will be updated as it becomes available. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) play distinct but complementary roles in regulating the importation of live animals and animal products into the United States.
CDC regulates animals and animal products that pose a threat to human health, USDA regulates animals and animal products that pose a threat to agriculture; and FWS regulates the importation of endangered species and wildlife that can harm the health and welfare of humans, the interests of agriculture, horticulture, or forestry, and the welfare and survival of wildlife resources.
Can I travel to the United States with dogs or import dogs into the United States during the COVID-19 Outbreak?
Should I be concerned about pets or other animals and COVID-19?
To date, CDC has not received any reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19. At this time, there is no evidence that companion animals including pets can spread COVID-19. However, since animals can spread other diseases to people, it’s always a good idea to wash your hands after being around animals.
For more information on the many benefits of pet ownership, as well as staying safe and healthy around animals including pets, livestock, and wildlife, visit CDC’s Healthy Pets, Healthy People website.
Should I avoid contact with pets or other animals if I am sick with COVID-19?
When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick. If you are sick with COVID-19, avoid contact with your pet, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food. If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with pets and wear a facemask.
What precautions should be taken for animals that have recently been imported (for example, by shelters, rescue groups, or as personal pets) from China?
As with any animal introduced to a new environment, animals recently imported from China should be observed daily for signs of illness. If an animal becomes ill, the animal should be examined by a veterinarian.
Call your local veterinary clinic before bringing the animal into the clinic and let them know that the animal was recently in China.
Footnotes:
1Fever may be subjective or confirmed
2Close contact is defined as—
a) being within approximately 6 feet (2 meters) of a COVID-19 case for a prolonged period of time; close contact can occur while caring for, living with, visiting, or sharing a health care waiting area or room with a COVID-19 case
– or –
b) having direct contact with infectious secretions of a COVID-19 case (e.g., being coughed on)
If such contact occurs while not wearing recommended personal protective equipment or PPE (e.g., gowns, gloves, NIOSH-certified disposable N95 respirator, eye protection), criteria for PUI consideration are met”
See CDC’s updated Interim Healthcare Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Persons Under Investigation for 2019 Novel Coronavirus.
Data to inform the definition of close contact are limited. Considerations when assessing close contact include the duration of exposure (e.g., longer exposure time likely increases exposure risk) and the clinical symptoms of the person with COVID-19 (e.g., coughing likely increases exposure risk as does exposure to a severely ill patient). Special consideration should be given to those exposed in health care settings.
