​​The Victoria County Public Health Department identified today two additional confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 caused by coronavirus in Victoria County. This brings the total number of confirmed cases to 6.

Two Victoria County male residents, one in his 30’s and a male resident in his 80’s, both are hospitalized in Victoria and are being monitored by the Victoria County Public Health Department.

The Victoria County Public Health Department also is monitoring the patients’ direct contacts, setting up necessary tests and working to identify any contacts who may have been exposed while the two confirmed patients were infectious. Anyone found to have had close contact with the patients will be contacted directly by county health care staff.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that COVID-19 cases have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness, including fever, cough and/or shortness of breath may appear two-to-14 days after exposure.

There is not a vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent this illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus through social distancing. However, as a reminder, the CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Follow the CDC’s recommendations for using a face mask.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

For more information, please call the Victoria COVID-19 hotline at 361-580-5796 Monday through Friday during business hours from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. Victoria residents also can visit www.victoriatxoem.org or follow the Victoria County Public Health Department’s Facebook page.

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