2 Coronavirus Cases Confirmed In Austin

AUSTIN, Texas — Austin Public Health officials early Friday confirmed two presumptive cases of new coronavirus in Austin — the first to be confirmed in Travis County.

Both cases are not believed to be community spread, which means the illness did not come from an unknown infected person with whom the patients came into contact, health officials said in the alert. In other words, health officials do not believe the cases are the result of random contact. The descriptor "presumptive" denotes that although both patients tested positive, an official diagnosis from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta has not been secured, officials explained.

“This is concerning but not surprising and we have been prepared for the arrival of COVID-19 in our area,” Dr. Mark Escott, Austin-Travis County Interim Medical Authority, said in a prepared statement. “It is critical that the community continue to heed our recommendations and take personal hygiene seriously. This will be the key to ensuring that this virus doesn’t spread.”

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During a subsequent 6 a.m. press conference, Escott said the two cases are unrelated to each other. One involving a male patient in his 60s who resides in a rural area has an epidemiological link to Houston while a female patient in her 30s came from a neighboring county. The former is critically ill while the latter had been under investigation by Montgomery County, Escott said. "We were advised from Montgomery County she was under investigation, and we issued control orders," the health official noted.

Hours after the press briefing, UT-Austin President Gregory L. Fenves said his wife, too, had tested positive for the virus. Another family member working at the university also may have been exposed, he added.

Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt at press conference acknowledged the heightened risk locally given the emergence of the two cases to be confirmed, but urged residents not to panic. "Our risk is elevated in as much as we know we'll see community spread at some point. So now is a time not to panic, but continue to prepare. Panic will make us weaker."

Escott also asked residents not to succumb to fear but choose another path away from the shadow of anxiety: “We have faced adversity before," the doctor said, "and we can choose two paths. One path is to choose fear and panic. The other path is to choose strength and resiliency. We have to choose strength. We have to choose strength, and that means we need people to start planning. We need them to do things which are reasonable to mitigate this risk, to prepare themselves, their family and to not spread rumor and panic.”

Escott suggested the emergence of more local COVID-19 cases is a foregone conclusion: "People are going to get this," he said. "Children are going to get this; adults are going to get this; VIPs are going to get this. We saw Tom Hanks and professional athletes get this. It's going to happen, folks."

The pair of COVID-19 cases emerged one week after city and county officials declared the region a local disaster area —setting the stage for cancellation of SXSW and a number of other large-scale activities to inhibit potential spread of illness. On Thursday, the Austin City Council extended the local disaster area until April 5. In doing so, council members open up funding for additional resources if they become necessary and allows for overtime pay among public health employees.

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The announcement alerting to the two cases was made just before 1:45 a.m. on Friday. Austin Public Health officials scheduled the Friday morning press conference outlining precautions being taken to avert further spread of respiratory illness now called COVID-19. The ailment is caused by a member of the coronavirus family that’s a close cousin to the SARS and MERS viruses that have caused outbreaks in the past.

Watch COVID-19 briefing here

Health officials noted the Austin-Travis County Emergency Operations Center remains activated. Confirmation of the two new coronavirus cases has elevated the Austin Public Health response to Phase 3 of its five-phase plan in adherence to its pandemic flu plans. The five phases of response are:

• Phase 1: Persons Under Monitoring.
• Phase 2: Persons Under Investigation (Testing in Progress).
• Phase 3: Confirmed Case (No Person-to-Person spread).
• Phase 4: Limited Person-to-Person Spread (Close/Household Contacts).
• Phase 5: Person-to-Person Spread in the Community.

"As this situation evolves, we will provide updates as necessary," Austin Public Health officials said, directing those seeking more information to visit www.AustinTexas.gov/COVID19.

Austin Public Health officials said they continue to work toward enhancing community preparedness along with thorough education as well as protection of vulnerable populations — particularly those 70 years and older and those with preexisting medical conditions.

"The City of Austin and Travis County will be evaluating additional protections for the community based on these positive cases," Austin Public Health officials wrote in their advisory. "At this time, we have not made any additional changes to current regulations around mass gatherings or other public health standards but will keep the public updated if this information changes."

Health officials added they continue coordinating with local, state and federal public health and health care partners. They offered hygiene tips to avoid becoming infected with the virus:

• 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.

Those with symptoms of respiratory illness — including cough, fever and shortness of breath — are urged to contact their health care providers, health officials said. "It is important to call ahead before arriving at a clinic, urgent care or emergency department to avoid potential spread," health officials advised.

The press briefing aired live on television via ATXN and streamed online at ATXN.tv. Escott and Eckhardt were joined by Austin Mayor Steve Adler, Austin City Manager Spencer Cronk, Austin Public Health Director Stephanie Hayden and other officials during the press briefing.