Comanche County Judge Stephanie L. Davis and Local Public Health Authority, Dr. Paul Livingston, are reporting the first positive test result for a COVID-19 patient in Comanche County, Texas.
The patient is a resident of Comanche County who is believed to be positive due to recent travels. The patient has remained quarantined at home since return from travel.
Comanche County, Public Health Authority Dr. Paul Livingston, CCMC, and the Comanche County Consolidated Hospital District have been preparing for the arrival of COVID-19. Planning has been going on continuously for laboratory testing, public health investigation, and isolation and care for people who test positive.
Judge Davis issued a Declaration of Local Disaster for Comanche County, Texas on March 25, 2020. This legal action is enabled by Texas Government Code Section 418 and opens the process for assistance from state and federal resources as may be needed, along with allowing extraordinary measures to protect the public. Comanche County does not have a Stay at Home or Shelter in Place Order in effect at this time. Judge Davis released social distancing recommendations on March 27, 2020 encouraging Comanche County residents to stay home unless absolutely necessary. Local businesses that have implemented the CDC and social distancing guidelines remain open.
The Comanche County Emergency Management Board and Emergency Management team continues to assess and re-assess this situation minute-by-minute with our first priority being public health and safety.
We encourage Comanche County Residents to contact the CCMC COVID-19 Tele-Screening Hotline at 254-879-4999 if you have:
1. Fever, cough, shortness of breath or other respiratory symptoms; and
2. Traveled within the past 30 days; or
3. Have known exposure to someone diagnosed with or currently being tested for COVID-19 (coronavirus).
Please remember: according to the Texas Department of State Health Services, there are things everyone can do to help prevent the spread of COVID-19:
1. 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.
2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
3. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
4. Stay home when you are sick.
5. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then wash your hands.
6. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
For detailed information on the evolving COVID-19 situation please consult the Center for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov/COVID19