Flash Staff Report
ERATH COUNTY (March 28, 2020) – Erath County now officially has two cases of COVID-19. County officials confirmed late Saturday that a second test has come back positive. While we don’t know much more at this point, county officials have released a statement about the case.
Erath County Judge Alfonso Campos and Local Public Health Authority, Dr. Jeffery Moore are reporting the second positive test result for a COVID-19 patient in Erath County.
The female patient is a resident of Stephenville and in her twenties. She is quarantined at home since becoming symptomatic and being tested. The test was administered at the Stephenville Medical Surgical Clinic.
“I have been advised by City Health Officer Kelly Doggett that the individual who received a positive COVID-19 test was notified tonight. Dr. Doggett also advised that the patient is a resident of Stephenville and has been quarantined at their home since the test was administered,” stated Stephenville City Manager Allen Barnes.
Mayor Doug Svien said, “Our Emergency Management Team is monitoring the COVID-19 situation. We are in touch daily with the Texas State Department of Health Services as well as Dr. Doggett, Texas Health Resources, Stephenville Medical Surgical Clinic, and SurePoint Emergency. We will continue to update our residents to any changes in the COVID- 19.”
There are three facilities providing testing services for COVID-19 in Stephenville. They are TexasHealth Harris Methodist Hospital in Stephenville, Surepoint in Stephenville and Stephenville Medical and Surgical Clinic.
The City of Stephenville also reminds everyone of the county-wide shelter in place order – only essential trips outside of the home are advised. Please continue to observe the CDC guidelines by keeping six feet apart, wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds, avoid touching your face, nose, or mouth, stay at home when you are sick, cover your cough and sneezes with a tissue and wash your hands immediately, disinfect surfaces frequently.
Officials from Dublin, Stephenville, and Erath County; the Local Health Authorities Dr. Jeffery Moore and Dr. Kelly Doggett; and the local Texas Harris Methodist Hospital continue to monitor the spread of COVID-19. Planning has been going on continuously for laboratory testing, public health investigation and monitoring, and isolation and care for people who test positive.
Judge Campos issued a Declaration of Local Disaster for Erath County, Texas on March 19. The cities of Dublin and Stephenville have also issued Declarations This legal action is enabled by Texas Government Code Section 418 and opens the process for assistance from state and federal resources as may be needed, along with allowing extraordinary measures to protect the public. Erath County, Stephenville, and Dublin all have a Shelter in Place Order in effect at this time. As the county gets more positive cases, it becomes even more important for residents to stay at home, go out only for bare necessities, and practice social distancing at all times.
Erath County Emergency Management Coordinator Susan Driskill, along with her counterparts from both the Cities and Tarleton State University continue to assess this situation. Our main priority is for the public health and safety of our residents.
Please call the Stephenville Medical & Surgical Clinic for COVID-19 Tele-Screening at 254-968-6051 if you have:
1. Fever, cough, shortness of breath or other respiratory symptoms; and
2. Traveled within the past 30 days; or
3. Have known exposure to someone diagnosed with or currently being tested for COVID-19 (coronavirus).
Please remember: according to the Texas Department of State Health Services, there are things everyone can do to help prevent the spread of COVID-19:
1. 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.
2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
3. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
4. Stay home when you are sick.
5. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then wash your hands.
6. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
For detailed information on the evolving COVID-19 situation please consult the Center for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov/COVID19
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