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Austin Public Health: Coronavirus threat remains low

By Matthew Quick
Updated  February 6, 2020 2:35pm CST
Coronavirus
FOX 7 Austin

AUSTIN, Texas - In response to national news, Autin Public Health is reminding the public that the threat of Coronavirus remains low as no cases have been confirmed in Texas at this time. 

So far, there have been 11 confirmed cases of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus in the United States.

According to health officials, APH is closely monitoring the "rapidly evolving situation" and is coordinating with the Texas Department of State Health Services, the CDC, local and regional healthcare agencies concerning the virus. 

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"Remember, you are much more likely to become sick with the flu than to be diagnosed with coronavirus,” said Dr. Mark Escott, Austin interim health authority. “Since October, there have been more than 30,000 diagnosed cases of flu and 15 pediatric deaths in Texas alone.”

According to a press release, APH is conducting disease surveillance and investigation activities to provide guidance to health care providers and to stay current on public health messaging. 

"The goal of the local, state and national public health response is to prevent the spread of 2019-nCoV. The overall risk of 2019-nCoV in the United States to the general public is low," APH said in the press release. 

APH has released guidelines to help the public prevent the spread of respiratory diseases.

Austin Public Health Guidelines

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are unavailable, 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. 
  • Cough or sneeze into your elbow or use a tissue to cover it, then throw the tissue in the trash. 
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.  

APH is asking anyone who has traveled to China within the past 14 days and has developed a fever to immediately contact APH or your health care provider before heading to a doctor's office. 

Visit the CDC's website to learn more information about Coronavirus.