GALVESTON COUNTY, Texas – Galveston County Health District (GCHD) this afternoon announces five additional positive COVID-19 cases in Galveston County residents. This brings the county’s case total to 27.
The health district also reports the first recovery in the county. A female in her 30s is considered recovered after her symptoms resolved for at least 72 hours, including having no fever without the use of fever-reducing medicine.
The cases are:
• A female in her 30s with no travel or contact with a known positive COVID-19 case. The health district believes this is a case of community spread. She is self-quarantined.
• A female in her 50s who had contact with a known positive Galveston County COVID-19 case. She is self-quarantined.
• A female in her 20s with recent domestic travel. She is self-quarantined.
• A male in his 40s with no travel or contact with a known positive COVID-19 case. The health district believes this is a case of community spread. He is self-quarantined.
• A male in his 60s with recent domestic travel and contact with a known positive COVID-19 case. He is self-quarantined.
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 for all cases. The health district does not comment on case specifics, including the person’s city of residence or what businesses they may have visited.
“There is evidence of community spread in Galveston County. As we look at the pattern of testing, we can assume it’s everywhere. And you should assume that, too,” said Galveston County Local Health Authority Dr. Philip Keiser. “We’re reaching a point where knowing where someone who tested positive lives or shops is not going to protect you.
You should assume it is everywhere and take proper precautions.”
Practice healthy hygiene:
• 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
-more-
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.
Practice social distancing:
• 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.
Help prevent the spread of COVID-19 to others:
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• 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.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
• 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.
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.