We all can do our part to exercise social distancing and make necessary changes in our day-to-day lives to ensure the health and well-being of those around us.
Texas Insider Report: WASHINGTON, D.C. –I know these last few days have been challenging and the truth of the matter is— it is going to get worse before it gets better. The next few weeks are critical to ensure we flatten the curve and slow the spread of coronavirus in our community.
So, how do we do that?
Yesterday the President laid out a plan “15 Days to Slow the Spread” – this means:
- Work from home if able
- Avoid non-essential travel
- Avoid social gatherings of more than 10 people
- Avoid bars, restaurants, & food courts, and instead use pick-up, drive-thru, or delivery
- Finally, practice good hygiene, wash your hands thoroughly, and regularly disinfect surfaces, including your cellphone.
Helpful Articles:
Washington Post: Why outbreaks like coronavirus spread exponentially, and how to “flatten the curve”
NPR: Self-Quarantine? Isolation? Social Distancing? What They Mean And When To Do Them
Update on Testing in Texas:
Currently, Texas is starting to open COVID-19 "drive through" test centers in San Antonio, the Austin area, the Dallas area, and soon in the Houston area.
Baylor Scott & White have opened drive through centers in the Austin area; however, testing supplies are still limited. To see if you are eligible to get tested, please consult here.
In the next two weeks, many will see this system expanded, with greater testing capacity. For now, while we scale testing capabilities, testing is limited for individuals in high-risk categories, which include:
- Elderly populations who have chronic medical conditions or are immunocompromised and are most at risk of serious illness
- Doctors, nurses, and other first responders who are in constant contact with patients
- Those who have been in direct contact with a confirmed case, or recently traveled to an affected area
- Those who are symptomatic
For more information, see the latest guidance on testing from the CDC here.
NOTE: For medical questions related to COVID-19, please call your personal physician or the Texas Health Resources 24-hour hotline at 682.236.7601. For emergencies, dial 9-1-1.
