Where
can I get information or ask questions?
See
Bastrop County Coronavirus Information page
https://www.co.bastrop.tx.us/page/em.coronavirus
THE DASHBOARD
The “dashboard,” with current counts which are updated once a week on Monday evening, is also on this page. To see more information, please click on the link directly underneath the dashboard.
Please note that the dashboard has changed due to changes in information received from the Department of State Health Services ( DSHS). For daily updates, please see the DSHS dashboard.
Information is received by the Health Authority from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and sent to be updated on the dashboard. Due to HIPAA laws, the people who post the information do not know any more information.
DASHBOARD DEFINITIONS
• *Confirmed Cases – Active, contagious infections detected by molecular tests. At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, this was the only way to determine active cases.
• *Probable Cases – Probable cases are counted in three different ways:
1. Active contagious infection detected by antigen tests.
2. Has the clinical symptoms and has been exposed.
3. Meets a vital records criteria such as cause of death or contributing to death.
• Fatalities – Death certificate lists as significant cause of death or underlying cause of death.
• Active Cases – these are estimated based on the number of people who are still considered contagious
• Recovered Cases – these are estimated based on the number of people who after having been confirmed with COVID-19 have received a negative test or reached the 14 day quarantine mark.
The Department of State Health Services created the “What is a Probable COVID-19 Case?” video regarding definitions on the dashboard. Click here to view.
TRENDS IN TEXAS AND INDIVIDUAL COUNTIES
See the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) DASHBOARD.
HOSPITALIZATIONS, ICU ADMISSIONS AND VENTILATOR USE
The State is broken up into 22 Trauma Service Areas (TSA), labeled A through V, and is overseen by the DSHS. Our Central Texas area is TSA O, and includes 11 counties: San Saba, Llano, Burnet, Blanco, Williamson, Travis, Hays, Lee, Bastrop, Caldwell, and Fayette. The TSA hospital bed, ICU bed, and ventilator availability can be found in the DSHS dashboard.
WHAT IS THE SOURCE OF INFORMATION IN FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS?
The answers compiled in Frequently Asked Questions is from various sources including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), The White House, Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), the Texas Supreme Court, the Office of Governor Abbott, Bastrop County Health Authority, Bastrop County, the Office of Bastrop County Judge Paul Pape, the City of Bastrop, the City of Elgin, the City of Smithville, Bastrop Chamber of Commerce, Elgin Chamber of Commerce, Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce, , Bastrop ISD, Elgin ISD, McDade ISD, and Smithville ISD.
This information changes rapidly in response to decisions made by the above entities.
All information is meant to help Bastrop County citizens have a better understanding of COVID-19, precautions to take for health and safety, and how related regulations affect them.
WHAT CAN I DO DAILY TO KEEP TEXAS OPEN?
• Wash your hands
• Social distance at least 6 feet from others
• Wear a face covering around others not in your household
• Stay home when you are sick
What
is COVID-19?
About COVID-19
https://www.co.bastrop.tx.us/page/em.coronavirus
· To learn more, go
online to: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19?
The COVID-19 coronavirus is formally known as SARS-CoV-2.
Coronavirus patients can experience a diversity of issues – from mild symptoms to severe illness. These symptoms generally appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Patients may be most infectious in the days before they began showing symptoms, studies show.
Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated the list of possible symptoms to include the following:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of Breath or difficulty breathing
- Chills, repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- New loss of taste or smell
This list does not include all possible symptoms. CDC will continue to update this list as they learn more about COVID-19. Visit the CDC website.
I THINK I HAVE COVID-19, BUT I HAVEN’T SEEN A DOCTOR. WHAT DO I DO NOW?
• Stay home when you are sick or think you are sick.
• Do not go to the store or out in public.
• Try to isolate yourself from your family members.
• *If this is an emergency, such as trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse, bluish lips or face, or other severe symptoms, please call 9-1-1 immediately. If possible, notify the operator that you think you have COVID-19 and put on a face covering before medical help arrives.
• Call your health care provider’s office in advance of a visit.
• For fast 1-hour test results (Rapid Test) Please wait at least 4 days from exposure to get tested. Most local pharmacies, doctor's offices, and hospitals are now offering rapid tests. These are just a few locally.
o Ally Medical Emergency Room at 512-321-0911 to set an appointment time. There is a cost to this test, but they do take insurance. Please wait at least 4 days from exposure before seeking test. Patients with symptoms will be prioritized over those without.
o FastMed Urgent Care at 512-332-2273 to set an appointment time. There is a cost to this test, but they do take insurance. Patients with symptoms will be prioritized over those without. Click Here to set up an appointment.
o CVS Pharmacy at 512-308-0234 Appointment required. Can set by calling or going online. Limited supplies. Click Here to set up an appointment.
MY DOCTOR TOLD ME HE THINKS I HAVE COVID-19, BUT I HAVEN’T GOTTEN A TEST. WHAT DO I DO NOW?
- Go to your residence and stay there. You are now under mandated self-isolation for a minimum of 7-10 days or until a medical doctor releases you.
- Everyone who lives in your household is also under a mandatory minimum 7- 10 day self-isolation period as well.
- You and other members in your household are forbidden to go to work, school, daycare, social or religious gatherings, shopping or any other community function, until released by a Medical Doctor.
What are Best Practices to
avoid COVID-19?
The best
way to protect yourself and your family is to take the following preventive
actions to avoid exposure:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people not in your household.
- 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.
- Wear a face covering when out in public or around people not in your household.
How can I reach the Bastrop County
Office of Emergency Management?
For more
information and official updates:
·
Website
o https://www.co.bastrop.tx.us/page/em.coronavirus
·
Facebook
o Bastrop County Office of Emergency Management
·
Twitter
o
@BastropCntyOEM