'Presumptive' Coronavirus Case Confirmed In Collin County

COLLIN COUNTY, TX — The first "presumptive" positive case of the new coronavirus known as COVID-19 has been confirmed in the Dallas area. Health officials in Collin County said a Frisco man in his 30s who recently returned from California is stable and is in isolation at home.

Health officials are waiting for further confirmation of the test results. The man's symptoms have not required hospitalization, officials said.

The man's family is also being monitored and officials are identifying anyone he may have had contact with while infectious. County health officials will directly contact anyone who may have had close contact with the man.

Health officials said the immediate risk of transmission in the county remains low.

At least 12 other cases of the new coronavirus have been confirmed in the state in the Houston area. Those cases are all among a group that recently traveled to Egypt.

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.