VAN ZANDT COUNTY, Texas — A 47-year-old Van Zandt County woman has died due to COVID-19, according to county and local health officials.
VAN ZANDT COUNTY, Texas — A 47-year-old Van Zandt County woman has died due to COVID-19, according to county and local health officials.
The Northeast Texas Public Health District confirmed the woman's death on Saturday, March 28, 2020, and said the woman was hospitalized due to COVID-19 symptoms. She was the confirmed Van Zandt County COVID-19 case announced by county officials on Wednesday, March 18, 2020.
“The public has the responsibility, more than ever, to follow recommendations from health officials,” stated NET Health Chief Executive Officer George Roberts. “This is now a team sport. It is critical for everyone to play their part and to help us 'flatten the curve' of COVID-19 having a devastating impact in East Texas.”
No other cases have been positively confirmed in Van Zandt County since the March 18 announcement, according to online records from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).
Two cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in Kaufman County last week in the Forney area, that of a 40-year-old female and a 46-year-old male. As of this morning's 11:30 a.m. update, there were no new confirmed cases reported to DSHS or Kaufman County.
Additional information from Van Zandt County and NET Health:
If you have been exposed to a sick traveler, have been exposed to a person with COVID-19 in the last 14 days, or are experiencing fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, please contact your healthcare provider. More info about ways to slow disease transmission is maintained at https://www.MyNETHealth.org/coronavirus.
If you believe you have COVID-19 symptoms, please be sure to call before going to your doctor or emergency department to prevent any potential spread.
Residents are reminded to take the same measures that are recommended to prevent the spread of the flu and other respiratory viruses. Everyone in East Texas should remember to:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick and stay home if you believe you have symptoms.
- Cover your cough or sneeze into the bend of your elbow or into a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects using cleaning items that contain bleach.
- Follow all recommendations from your local health officials.