Fort Bend County Judge KP George has announced that he has declared a state of public health disaster for the county. This declaration comes less than 24 hours after Harris County and the city of Houston issued similar declarations after evidence of community spread of COVID-19 – novel coronavirus – became evident.

“Since it is unclear how this individual may have become infected, there is concern about how many other people may have been exposed and may now be carrying the virus,” George said.

The declaration of a disaster is similar to the disaster declaration that comes before a weather event and helps the county government plan a response to the disaster, George said. Such proclamations allow county governments to expedite purchasing and receive state and federal aid to deal with a possible crisis, he said.

George and other public officials have urged the community to remain calm and not panic, but rather to use good hygiene and social distancing to curb the spread of the virus. The Greater Houston region, which includes Fort Bend, Harris and Montgomery counties had a total of 14 cases of the disease, George said. Most of those cases are travel-related and involve patients above 60 years of age. One case in southwestern Harris County is a female between the ages of 20 and 30 and another case is a male in the northwestern part of the county who is between 40 and 50 years old. Treatment has been provided to all of the patients in all three counties and they are in isolation while they recover.

In addition to its health disaster declaration yesterday, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said Harris County has raised its disaster readiness level from a 3 to a 2, which allowed the county to place more stringent measures in place to mitigate the spread of the virus.

Those over the age of 60 are at higher risk of contracting the disease with those 80 and older being at the highest risk. Those with underlying health conditions including heart disease, lung disease or diabetes – regardless of age – are at an increased risk of complications if they are infected as are those with weakened immune systems.

Those experiencing symptoms of the virus should contact their physicians by telephone in order to obtain medical advice before going to a medical facility, officials said.

“We are encouraging patients to take advantage of our telemedicine options online or through our MyMethodist app,” George Kovacik, public relations manager for Methodist West said via email.

Other hospitals echoed that patients should contact them prior to showing up.

Harris County Public Health is suggesting the following measures be taken to protect vulnerable populations from COVID-19.

• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces 
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Keep sick children home from school to prevent spreading illness in the school and community

“It will take all of us as a community to slow the spread of this virus and protect our most vulnerable populations,” George said.