On Friday, March 19, the Galveston County Health District (GCHD) confirmed two additional positive COVID-19 cases in Galveston County residents, bringing the county’s case total to six. One of the six confirmed cases is a League City resident.
Of the two new cases, the first individual is a male in his 40s who recently traveled internationally. He presented to an area urgent care. He is currently self-quarantined in his home. The second individual is a female in her 50s. She presented to an area hospital and is self-quarantined at home. The woman has not recently traveled, but did come in contact with a person known to have traveled to a COVID-19 affected area. For confidentiality purposes, the health district is not releasing additional identifying information. GCHD is conducting epidemiological investigations and is working to quickly identify close contacts of the new cases. The health district does not comment on case specifics, including the person’s city of residence or what businesses they may have visited.
“We’ve seen an increase in positive COVID-19 test results this past week,” said Galveston County Local Health Authority Dr. Philip Keiser. “I understand each positive case we announce may be of concern to the community, but it is important that we ramp up testing in the county so that we can identify those who are positive. That’s going to result in more announcements.”
The GCHD recommends the following hygiene practices:
- 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 with at least 60 percent alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash. If tissues are not available, cough and sneeze in your elbow. Do not cough and sneeze in your hands.
- Frequently clean and disinfect objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
The GCHD district also recommends these social distancing practices:
- Avoid all gatherings of 10 or more people.
- Maintain at least 6 feet separation from others.
- Limit contact with people outside of your household. Avoid social visits.
- Limit visits and keep your distance from older relatives, especially those who are at a higher risk for developing serious COVID-19 illness.
- Avoid unnecessary travel.
For more information on COVID-19, visit www.gchd.org/coronavirus.
If you have questions about COVID-19, please call the GCHD information call center at 409.938.7221, option 1.