Here’s what to do if you think you have been exposed to coronavirus in Fort Worth
If you suspect you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus, don’t rush off to the hospital. Instead, call your health care provider.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, along with Tarrant County health officials, advise that anyone who has traveled to China, Italy or has been in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 and now feels sick should call ahead to their doctor’s office, emergency room or urgent care center. Health care centers may screen potential patients with a questionnaire about symptoms and travel, and provide further information, according the CDC.
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.
In Texas, six labs, including one in Fort Worth, are capable of testing for coronavirus, with four more on the way by the end of the month.
Russ Jones, the chief epidemiologist for Tarrant County Public Health, told the Fort Worth City Council last week some Tarrant County residents who traveled to China were monitored for the virus, but he wouldn’t say how many. No cases have been confirmed in Fort Worth.
Jones and Fort Worth Fire Chief Jim Davis voiced confidence local health officials were prepared to handle COVID-19 cases. Health officials have learned from recent outbreaks of Ebola and other diseases, Davis said.
“We’ve gotten to a point where the coordination, the cooperation is there,” he said.
This story was originally published March 9, 2020 at 12:29 PM.
