Gonzales County reports its 5th COVID-19 case

Gonzales County is reporting its fifth case of COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, in a county resident. The patient was hospitalized, but later passed away. It has been determined that this case is associated with community spread of the virus.

The county now has five confirmed positive COVID-19 cases. Of the five, one has recovered, two are quarantined at home, being monitored with mild symptoms and two have resulted in death.

With a confirmed “community spread” case, health officials are advising to take extreme caution and to follow guidelines listed below:

• 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.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then wash your hands.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Minimizing exposure is especially important for people who are 65 or older or who have an underlying health condition like heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, high blood pressure or cancer. People in those groups have a higher risk of developing severe disease if they do get COVID-19 and the safest thing for them during an outbreak will be to stay home as much as possible and minimize close contact with other people. To get ready, they should talk to their doctor about getting additional prescription medications and have enough household items and groceries on hand to stay home as needed.

The public can find up-to-date coronavirus information at dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus. If you have questions about COVID-19, call 2-1-1 option 6.