Mayor Morgan announces additional measures as first COVID-19 cases reported in Williamson County

With the first confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Williamson County and additional public meeting restrictions ordered by County Judge Bill Gravell, Round Rock Mayor Craig Morgan announced Wednesday, March 18, the City will be taking further steps to protect public and employee health.

All lobbies of all City facilities will be closed to walk-in traffic, effective Thursday, March 19. Some business with the public will continue to be conducted in City facilities, but on a limited, by-appointment basis. Visit roundrocktexas.gov/coronavirus for a list changes to departmental business practices, in addition to facility closures announced March 16.

The additional measures are recommended by the Williamson County and Cities Health District (WCCHD), the public health authority for Williamson County. Additional cases are expected.

“As testing is becoming more widely available, we expect to continue to see more cases,” said Dr. Lori Palazzo, WCCHD Medical Director and Williamson County Health Authority. “Approximately 80 percent of individuals who test positive COVID-19, including the four cases we received today, experience mild symptoms and fully recover in a few days. The exception to this is our 65 years and older population. I can’t stress strongly enough how important it is to protect this vulnerable population.”

The Health District urges individuals to protect themselves and others by doing the following:

• Staying home when you are sick, except to get medical care. Using telemedicine if possible
• Covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throwing the tissue in the trash
• Washing 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
• When you can’t wash your hands with soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• Cleaning frequently touched surfaces and objects daily
• Practicing social distancing — keeping a space of 6 feet between you and others; and avoiding any type of mass gatherings
• Getting a flu shot. (Although the flu shot does not protect against COVID-19, it is flu season.) 

Investigations conducted by the Health District will identify potential contacts exposed to the virus and provide close contacts guidance about the virus and monitor them for the development of symptoms. 

“We have developed strong relationships with partners and health providers through the years,” Dr. Palazzo said. “Together, we have planned, prepared and tested our ability to respond to public health events like this, but it is critical that we all do our part to slow the spread of this virus.”

This news release contains information that has been updated or changed since the last release on Monday, March 16.

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Source: City of Round Rock