April 24, 2020

Please read the attached notice from the Port Arthur Health Department regarding Coronavirus cases in Port Arthur, Texas, as of April 24, 2020.

Please note that Port Arthur’s cases of positive COVID-19 are climbing. It is urgent that we citizens remain safe, and also protect those around us. If you are able to stay home safely, please do so. This disease is being studied by the CDC, and the data is changing almost daily; there is no vaccine as of this date. Please practice social distancing guidelines and be respectful of yourself and the most vulnerable in our community.

NOTICE FROM THE CITY OF PORT ARTHUR HEALTH DEPARTMENT

PLEASE ADHERE TO THE STAY AT HOME ORDERS ISSUED BY THE CITY OF PORT ARTHUR AND BY JEFFERSON COUNTY.

Today, April 24, 2020, the City of Port Arthur Health Department received confirmation of two (2) additional Port Arthur residents who have tested positive for Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).  Both are males. One individual is between the age range of 60-65 and the other 55-60. 

Both men are quarantined at home and are cooperating with local health officials. For Confidentiality purposes, the PAHD is not releasing any additional information to identify these individuals. This brings the total to forty (40) individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 in the City of Port Arthur.

Epidemiological investigators and public health staff will perform investigations and surveillance on these patients, and will identify individuals who potentially were associated with these cases.  Those identified to be at possible risk of exposure or infection will be contacted for further case investigation.  

These are steps you can take to keep you and your loved ones protected:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash. If tissues are not available, cough and sneeze into your elbow. Do not cough and sneeze into your hands.
• Frequently clean and disinfect objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Get a flu shot. The flu vaccine does not offer protection against COVID-19, but it is also flu season.
• PLEASE ADHERE TO THE STAY AT HOME ORDERS ISSUED BY JEFFERSON COUNTY.  

Call the COVID-19 hotline at (409) 550-2536 or your healthcare provider if you are experiencing fever, cough or shortness of breath and are concerned you have come in close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 patient or have a history of travel from affected geographic areas within 14 days of symptom onset. 

It is important that you call first so they can evaluate your risk and determine if they need to see you in person so that other patients are not potentially put at risk.

NOTE: If you are in need of mental health assistance, or services, please contact the Texas Department of Health and Human Services Mental Health Support Line at 1-833-986-1919.

NOTICE FROM THE PA HEALTH DEPARTMENT- Port Arthur, TX 04.24.2020

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