Coronavirus

To protect yourself, your household, and your community from severe illness due to COVID-19, follow these preventive measures: practice good hygiene by regularly washing your hands, stay up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations, enhance ventilation in your living spaces, and spend time outdoors whenever possible. If you develop symptoms, get tested promptly and stay home if you test positive or suspect you have the virus. Seek medical advice if you're at high risk for severe illness. Avoid close contact with individuals who have confirmed or suspected cases, and consider wearing masks or increasing physical distance when COVID-19 levels rise in your area. These actions collectively help create a safer environment for everyone.

Certain individuals, including older adults, those with underlying health conditions, and the immunocompromised, face a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19. To reduce these risks, it's important to get tested and treated promptly if needed. Being aware of your own risk and that of others helps in making informed decisions. Reducing exposure is especially crucial for those aged 65 and older or individuals with conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or cancer, as they are at greater risk of severe illness if infected.

If you feel sick with COVID-19, it’s important to take specific steps to protect yourself and others. Stay at home and isolate yourself for at least 5 days, using a separate room and bathroom if possible, and avoid sharing personal items. Wear a mask around others for 10 days, making sure it covers your nose and mouth securely. Individuals who are 50 or older, have disabilities, serious health conditions, weakened immune systems, are pregnant, or unvaccinated are at higher risk and should contact a doctor if they experience severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing. By following these measures and seeking medical advice when necessary, you help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and safeguard everyone’s health.

If you develop symptoms like fever, cough, or shortness of breath and have been exposed to COVID-19 or traveled to a high-risk area, follow these steps: Isolate at home for at least 5 days, use a separate room and bathroom if possible, and avoid sharing items. Wear a mask for 10 days and ensure it fits securely. If you’re 50+, have health issues, or are unvaccinated, contact your doctor if you have severe symptoms. For severe illness, call your doctor right away for medication and check "Test to Treat" locations for testing and treatment.

If you're planning any trips, whether within the U.S. or internationally, make sure to check the CDC website for the latest guidance and plan your travel accordingly.

Many of us interact with the public and want to offer useful information and resources. For reliable guidance, please refer to the CDC and Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) coronavirus webpages. These sources provide valuable tips for the workplace, such as ensuring employees clean commonly touched surfaces—like doorknobs, keyboards, remote controls, and desks—before each use.

The CDC has released a guide on preparing households for a potential outbreak, which includes a list of effective household cleaners for disinfecting surfaces.