AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Austin health officials have confirmed the first two presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 in the area, officials announced early Friday.
Dr. Mark Escott with Austin Public Health says the two cases are not believed to be community spread.
One case is a man in his 60s, who Escott says is currently hospitalized and was transferred to an Austin hospital from a rural area. The other case, identified as a woman in her 30s, is self-quarantined at home. Officials believe she is connected to a case in Montgomery County, near Houston.
A presumptive positive means local testing has returned a positive result, but will now be sent to the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta for further testing and confirmation.
Friday afternoon, officials confirmed a third positive result had come back for a woman in her 60s. Austin Public Health has not confirmed it, but University of Texas President Greg Fenves announced his wife Carmel had tested positive for the virus.
"This is concerning but not surprising and we have been prepared for the arrival of COVID-19 in our area," Escott said in an early morning statement. "It is critical that the community continue to heed our recommendations and take personal hygiene seriously. This will be the key to ensuring that this virus doesn’t spread."
In the wake of Friday's announcement, Austin ISD, UT-Austin, and St. Edward's University all cancelled classes and closed operations for the final day before Spring Break.
City officials continue to urge everyone to help limit the spread of disease through proper hygiene practices:
- 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 who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cough or sneeze into your elbow or use a tissue to cover it, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Officials say if you have symptoms of respiratory illness including cough, fever and shortness of breath, please contact your health care provider. It is important to call ahead before arriving at a clinic, urgent care or emergency department to avoid potential spread.
For more information, visit the city's website at www.AustinTexas.gov/COVID19.
