COVID19 Update – March 14, 2020

The Texas Department of State Health Services is tracking cases of the new coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Public health departments are working to identify any close contacts of the patients while they were sick so they can be isolated and monitored for symptoms and quickly tested, if needed.

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer when you cannot wash your hands.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and throw the tissue away. If you don’t have a tissue, use the elbow of your sleeve. Don’t use your hands to cover coughs and sneezes.
• Even if you are not ill, avoid visiting hospitals, long-term care facilities or nursing homes to the extent possible. If you do need to visit one of these facilities, limit your time there and keep six feet away from patients.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick, especially if you are at higher risk for severe COVID-19 illness.
• Get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids, eat healthy foods, and manage your stress to keep your immunity strong.
• Clean household surfaces with standard cleaners.
• Stay informed. Information is changing frequently. Visit ReadyHarris.org frequently for updates.

Call your doctor:  If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Call Center Information related to COVID-19:

For Harris County Residents:
Harris County Public Health (HCPH)
www.hcphtx.org\COVID-19
www.ReadyHarris.org
832-927-7575*
*This number is 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., everyday

Harris Health System
www.harrishealth.org
Ask-My-Nurse
713-634-1110*
*This number is 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., everyday clinical-related questions

For City of Houston Residents:
Houston Health Department
www.HoustonHealth.org
www.HoustonEmergency.org
832-393-4220*
*This number is staffed 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. M-F, 9 a.m – 3 p.m. on Sat.

For Fort Bend County Residents:
Fort Bend County Health & Human Services
www.fbchealth.org/ncov
281-633-7795*
*This number is Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.