Tarrant County Judge Whitley downplays comments on dangers of coronavirus
Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley said the new coronavirus was “not a deadly disease” in a television interview this week, and when pressed about the comment Wednesday, he said was trying to avoid panic when he made the comment.
After mandating bars, restaurants, gyms, theaters and other entertainment venues close to curb the spread coronavirus, Whitley told the Star-Telegram he believed that calling the disease “deadly” made people think about ebola and other fast-killing illnesses.
“Yes we’ve had deaths,” Whitley said. “When you start referring to this as the deadly disease, people immediately go back to the disease we had a couple of years ago which meant that when somebody got it, it was better than 50% chance they might pass away.”
Pat James, a 77-year-old man who lived at the Texas Masonic Retirement Center, died Sunday from complications related to the new coronavirus, often called COVID-19. James was Tarrant County’s first death related to the disease, which causes a flu-like illness that’s dangerous to older people and those with weakened immune systems.
At least two other Texans, including one in Collin County, have died after contracting the virus. In Texas there are at least 100 cases. Nationwide there were more than 7,000 cases and nearly 100 deaths.
“This is not a deadly disease, yes there are folks dying but I’m just not going to do it,” said Whitley, when asked about the county’s response by Star-Telegram media partner WFAA.
In explaining his comment Wednesday, Whitley said most people who contract the disease will recover, noting Tarrant County’s first confirmed case, a priest, had been released from the hospital.
Tarrant County Public Health has established a hotline for anyone with questions or concerns about the virus. The number is 817-248-6299. More information is also available at coronavirus.tarrantcounty.com.
Coronavirus symptoms are similar to those of the seasonal flu and appear between two and 14 days after exposure. They include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Older adults and those with chronic medical conditions like diabetes, heart or lung disease are most at risk.
If you believe you have been exposed to COVID-19, the CDC recommends the following steps to limit the spread of the virus:
▪ Separate yourself from other people and animals. Close contact is defined as being with in six feet of a coronavirus case for a prolonged period of time.
▪ Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap is not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
▪ Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
▪ Avoid touching your face.
▪ If you believe you have symptoms, wear a face mask. Masks are not recommended for people who are well.
▪ Disinfect frequently touched objects, such as door knobs, cellphones, keyboards and faucets, using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
This story was originally published March 18, 2020 at 6:41 PM.
