No Coronavirus Cases Seen In Travis County: Austin Public Health

AUSTIN, TX — Austin Public Health officials said they have received no positive tests for COVID-19 as of Thursday, and are awaiting patient results sent to Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for further testing.

Local officials sent samples from people with respiratory symptoms to the lab in Atlanta earlier this week to test for the presence of the COVID virus. COVID-19 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.

Austin Public Health officials said a number of additional individuals remain under monitoring following their return from travel abroad. “This is a normal and expected process that has happened more than 75 times across the state over the past six weeks,” Dr. Mark Escott, Austin Interim Health Authority, said in a prepared statement.

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However, Escott reiterated the preparedness of local health officials braced for the possibility of confirmed COVID-19 cases. Health officials in Austin have taken proactive preparedness measures in coordination with local, state and federal partners Escott added.

“We are ready to work with hospitals, physicians, clinicians, schools, places of worship and all members of the community to effectively combat and prevent the spread of this virus,” he said. Utilizing and modifying the current pandemic flu plan, Austin Public Health has developed a five-phase plan, which is currently operating under Phase 2, Escott added.

Austin Public Health outlined the machinations of the various preparedness levels:

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

Additionally, officials said, Austin Public Health activated its Department Operations Center on Feb. 5, followed by a partial activation of the Austin-Travis County Emergency Operations Center on March 1. Under the partial activation, the operations center established a planning team and Joint Information System that meets daily to discuss any changes and impacts of COVID-19, officials said.

Austin Public Health offered guidance in preventing the spread of all respiratory viruses, including influenza and COVID-19:

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• 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 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.
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If people feel sick, officials advised they should contact their primary care provider before going to a medical clinic, urgent care or emergency department to prevent any potential spread.

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An Expert Advisory Panel has been formed consisting of more than a dozen physicians from around the community, officials added comprising experts in infectious diseases, pediatrics, emergency medicine and internal medicine, as well as physicians from higher education and public schools. The panel is working on recommendations and guidance regarding mitigation and prevention strategies for mass gatherings.

“Right now there is no evidence that closing South by Southwest or other activities is going to make this community safer,” Dr. Escott said. “We are constantly monitoring that situation. We’ve asked this group to evaluate that. And if there’s any evidence that our community will be safer by closing down mass gathering events, we will do that.” All businesses and restaurants are urged to display information to encourage people to follow good hygiene practices to keep the community safe. Flyers in English and Spanish can be downloaded at www.AustinTexas.gov/COVID19.

On Wednesday, Escott was joined by Austin Mayor Steve Adler, Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt and others during a press conference to update the community. To view the press conference visit https://austintx.swagit.com/play/03042020-974. For more information regarding COVID-19 visit www.austintexas.gov/COVID19.