Health Department advises San Angelo to take preventive measures against diseases – Standard-Times

Rosanna Aguilera, San Angelo Standard-Times Published 11:25 a.m. CT March 4, 2020 | Updated 2:27 p.m. CT March 4, 2020

Hygiene. Cleaning Hands. Washing hands.(Photo: AlexRaths, Getty Images/iStockphoto)

SAN ANGELO The San Angelo Health Department is advising the public to take precautionary measures to slow down the progression of germs and diseases.

The San Angelo-Tom Green County Health Department has been working for several weeks monitoring and preparing for any local cases of coronavirus, according to a news release.

More: How prepared is San Angelo for an outbreak of coronavirus? Local experts weigh in

"Currently, there are no known cases of the disease in San Angelo and Tom Green County," the release stated.

There are many types of human coronaviruses, including those that commonly cause mild upper respiratory tract illnesses.

However, COVID-19 is a new disease caused by a new coronavirus that has not been previously seen in humans, the release stated.

More: Texas officials on the coronavirus: Keep calm and wash your hands

"The preventive measures recommended for this disease are similar to other communicable diseases such as influenza," according to the release. "Proper hygiene is crucial at this time."

The Health Department gavethese measures in order to slow down the progression of COVID-19:

Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer in the interim.

Do not touch your face, eyes, nose or ears, especially with dirty hands. Doing so introduces germs into your body.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and throw the tissue away or use your bent elbow, not your hands.

Stay home if you are sick and disinfect common areas such as countertops, doorknobs, railings and telephones.

While there are no cases of COVID-19 in Tom Green County at this time, the department advisesthe public to continue practicing these basic preventive measures.

"Following these simple measures will help slow down the progression and spread of disease throughout our communities," the release stated."This will allow time for the production of such things as anti-viral medications and vaccines."

These measures will also help prevent an overload of the health care system.

Residents should call ahead to doctors offices and hospitals to let them know their signs and symptoms so that the provider canprepare for their arrival, the department said.

"Remember, we are still in flu season and the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to the flu: fever, cough and shortness of breath," the release stated.

For more information on COVID-19, visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov/COVID19.

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Health Department advises San Angelo to take preventive measures against diseases - Standard-Times