Coronavirus

To protect yourself, your household, and your community from severe illness due to COVID-19, follow key preventive measures. In addition to basic hygiene practices like handwashing, stay updated on COVID-19 vaccines, enhance ventilation, and spend time outdoors. Get tested if symptoms arise, stay home if confirmed or suspected of having COVID-19, and seek treatment if at high risk. Avoid contact with those with confirmed or suspected cases, and when COVID-19 levels rise, consider wearing masks or increasing physical distance. These actions collectively contribute to a safer environment for everyone.

Certain individuals, such as older adults, those with underlying health conditions, and the immunocompromised, are at a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Timely testing, treatment, and past infection can mitigate risks. Understanding personal and others' risks helps in making informed decisions. Minimizing exposure is crucial, especially for those aged 65 and older or with conditions like heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or cancer, as they face a higher risk of severe disease if infected.

If you feel sick with COVID-19:

1. Stay at Home:

- Isolate for at least 5 days.

- Use a separate room and bathroom if possible.

- Avoid sharing items.

2. Wear a Mask:

- Wear a mask for 10 days around others.

- Ensure it covers your nose and mouth securely.

3. High-Risk Individuals:

- Those 50 or older, with disabilities, serious health problems, weakened immune systems, pregnant, or unvaccinated may be at higher risk.

- Contact your doctor if you get very sick such as difficulty breathing. Following these steps helps protect yourself and others from COVID-19. Seek medical advice if needed.

If you develop symptoms (fever, shortness of breath, cough), and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or have recently traveled from an area with widespread or ongoing community spread of COVID-19:

1. Stay at Home:

- Isolate for at least 5 days.

- Use a separate room and bathroom.

- Avoid sharing items.

*Note: Continue isolation until your fever is gone and you feel better; you can leave after 5 days if you feel fine.*

2. Wear a Mask:

- Wear a mask for 10 days after symptoms or a positive test.

- Ensure it securely covers your nose and mouth.

*Remember: Prioritize a snug fit and easy breathing with the mask.*

3. High-Risk Individuals:

- If you're 50 or older, have disabilities, serious health problems, a weakened immune system, are pregnant, or unvaccinated, contact your doctor promptly if you get very sick such as difficulty breathing.

4. Get Medicine:

- Call your doctor immediately if you get very sick such as difficulty breathing.

- Medication is available to help prevent hospitalization.

- Consider "Test to Treat" locations for testing and medicine; call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 888-720-7489) to find one near you.

These steps protect you and others, aiding your recovery and preventing the spread of COVID-19.

If you plan to take any trips soon — in or outside the U.S. — please always check the CDC website for guidance, and plan accordingly.

Many of us work with the public and we want to provide information and resources that can help you. Please use the CDC and Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) coronavirus webpages as reliable sources of information. Here you will also find helpful tips specific to the workplace, like keeping commonly used surfaces such as doorknobs, keyboards, remote controls, desks, wiped down by employees before each use.