2 More Coronavirus Cases Confirmed In Collin County

FRISCO, TX — Two additional cases of the new coronavirus known as COVID-19 have been confirmed in Collin County, officials said. The two new patients are the wife and 3-year-old daughter of the man in his 30s who was confirmed to have the illness on Monday.

According to Collin County health officials, six members of the man's family and a close family contact were tested on Monday. All seven people are in stable condition and self-quarantined in their homes.

A child who received an inconclusive test is being re-tested.

"The father, believed to have been exposed to the virus during a business trip to California in late February, did not show any symptoms while flying home, and officials said he did not pose a risk to others who were on the same plane," health officials said. "Likewise, health officials confirmed that both of the family's school-age children did not have symptoms and were not contagious at any time while they attended school."

County officials are working to identify those who have had contact with the patients and say they will directly reach out to anyone who is identified as a close contact.

Officials said the immediate risk of transmission remains low.

In all, there are 16 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus in Texas that have been diagnosed recently, including 12 cases in the Houston area linked to an Egypt cruise and one case in Gregg County. The case count doesn't include those who had been quarantined in San Antonio after being repatriated to the United States. According to The Texas Tribune, 11 cases were confirmed in people who got sick overseas and were in federal quarantine in San Antonio.

Officials reminded residents of the following guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases:

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• 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 using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
  • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
  • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
• 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 readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.