2 New Coronavirus Cases In Fort Bend County; 8 In Houston Area

Two additional people in the Houston area who recently traveled to Egypt as a group have been confirmed to have the new coronavirus known as COVID-19, officials said. The two new cases were diagnosed in Fort Bend County residents.

According to Fort Bend County Health and Human Services, the two cases are both in women in their 60s who are under a mandatory quarantine. One of the women no longer has symptoms and the second woman has mild symptoms, officials said.

Officials are continuing to identify those who had close contact with all travelers in this group who have tested positive for the virus. With the two additional cases confirmed in Fort Bend County, there are now eight cases of the new coronavirus in the Houston-area that are travel-related.

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Three of the cases associated with the group are in Fort Bend County, three are in Harris County and two are in the city of Houston.

"People who recently returned to the United States from a COVID-19 outbreak area need to monitor fever, cough, and difficulty breathing for at least 14 days after return," Fort Bend County health officials said. "Seek medical care right away if symptoms develop. Before, visiting their healthcare provider or hospital, symptomatic people with a travel history to a COVID-19 outbreak area must call ahead and tell the healthcare professional about their recent travel and symptoms."

Fort Bend County health officials offered the following guidelines the public should follow to help:

1. Do not go to the emergency room unless essential.Emergency rooms need to be able to serve those with the most critical needs. If you have symptoms like cough, fever, or other respiratory problems, contact your regular doctor first.
2. Practice healthy hygiene habits every day to help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses like COVID-19, such as:
   • 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.
   • Stay home when you are sick.
   • Cover your coughs and sneezes. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands. Remember to wash your hands after coughing or sneezing.
   • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe
3. Stay informed. Information is changing frequently. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@FortBendHealth) and check our website for regular updates.