Austin County COVID-19 Update

Austin County is now at 16 confirmed cases of COVID 19; 10 recovered, 6 active. Judge Lapham was notified of the 16^th case this afternoon, a male in his 40’s living in the Sealy area. Although Austin County numbers reflect a greater than 5 active case count, additional criteria would have to be met before the county would revert back to the more stringent quarantine guidelines or impose a 25% capacity limit in public places. Our numbers are still low given the increase of testing in our area. Please continue to follow the guidelines set by Governor Abbott and his team:

Maintain at least 6 feet separation from other individuals not within the same household. If such distancing is not feasible, other measures such as face covering, hand hygiene, cough etiquette, cleanliness, and sanitation should be rigorously practiced.
Self-screen before going into a business for any of the following new or worsening signs or symptoms of possible COVID-19:
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Chills
Repeated shaking with chills
Muscle pain
Headache
Sore throat
Loss of taste or smell
Diarrhea
Feeling feverish or a measured temperature greater than or equal to 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit
Known close contact with a person who is lab confirmed to have COVID-19
Wash or disinfect hands upon entering a business and after any interaction with employees, other customers, or items in the business.
Consistent with the actions taken by many individuals across the state, consider wearing cloth face coverings (over the nose and mouth) when entering a business, or when within 6 feet of another person who is not a member of the individual’s household. If available, individuals should consider wearing nonmedical grade face masks.
Individuals aged 65 or older are at a higher risk of COVID-19. To the extent possible, avoid being within 6 feet with individuals aged 65 and older. Individuals aged 65 and older should stay at home as much as possible.
Avoid being in groups of more than 5 individuals.