Coronavirus: Precautions Taken At Texas Drivers License Offices

AUSTIN, TX — The Texas Department of Public Safety is taking preventative measures against the spread of new coronavirus virus by implementing additional sanitation practices at driver license offices statewide, officials said Thursday.

Moreover, officials of the state agency said they have issued guidance to members of the department on best practices given the importance of hygiene as a safeguard against illness spread.

Officials of the state agency said they are following recommended guidelines outlined by the Texas Department of State Health Services and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The agency has a number of resources on its website related to COVID-19, outlining tactics on avoiding the spread of illness.

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Specifically, at drivers license offices across the state, agency officials have issued guidance to custodial and staff members to increase sanitation practices throughout the day — including cleaning office equipment with alcohol-based products after customer transactions.

Additionally, the department has increased janitorial services provided in offices and public spaces within drivers license offices (i.e. kiosks, public restrooms, door handles, etc.) are being cleaned more frequently throughout the day, officials said in a press advisory. Hand sanitizer is also available for customers throughout drivers' license offices, officials added.

"The best way to prevent infection is to take precautions to avoid exposure to COVID-19, which are similar to those you take to avoid the flu," the agency said in a prepared statement. "That’s why the department has posted signage throughout DPS offices related to best practices for hygiene and prevention efforts."

Agency officials took the opportunity to remind drivers to avail themselves of online resources: "Additionally, DPS wants to remind Texans of the many ways to conduct their DL transactions online without the need to come into an office," officials said. "Some individuals may be eligible to skip the trip and quickly renew their Texas DL or identification (ID) card online (or by phone)."

Address changes can also be taken care of online or by mail in many instances, officials added. To determine eligibility for online renewal, visit Texas.gov. The fee is the same for online, in-person and telephone renewals, officials added. For additional information about renewing your driver license or ID card, visit the DPS website.

The respiratory ailment now known as COVID-19 is caused by a member of the coronavirus family that's a close cousin to the SARS and MERS viruses that have sparked outbreaks in the past. To date, no confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported in the state capital of Austin, but nearly two dozen cases have been confirmed elsewhere in Texas.

A novel (new) coronavirus was first detected in late December in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China before causing an outbreak of respiratory disease globally, as the Texas Department of State Health Services reported. As of March 12, there were 23 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in various counties across Texas — three dozen if one counts others under quarantine at a San Antonio military base. The Texas Department of State Health Services provided this tally:

• Collin: 3
• Dallas 3
• Fort Bend: 6
• Gregg: 1
• Harris: 8
• Montgomery: 1
• Tarrant: 1