2nd Presumptive Case of COVID-19 Identified in Bell County
Health officials report that a second presumptive case of COVID-19 has been identified in Bell County.
In a media release, the Bell County Public Health District said the case of a 70-year-old man living in the Belton extraterritorial jurisdiction with a travel history to Europe is in the confirmatory testing process with the Centers for Disease Control. The agency has initiated self-isolation protocol and contact tracing in this case.
Officials are still awaiting confirmation of Bell County's first presumptive case - a 29-year-old Belton man who traveled to Barcelona and Paris between March 4 and March 10.
In response to the second case, which was identified late Sunday night, Bell County officials have amended Stage 2 of their COVID-19 Action Plan, recommending that all gatherings of 50 or more people be postponed or cancelled.
“This action is being taken in accordance with guidance from both the CDC and the Bell County Public Health District,” said Bell County Judge David Blackburn. “I urge event organizers to heed the recommendation and cancel or postpone events scheduled within the next eight weeks.”
"The initial Bell County COVID 19 Action Plan, released on March 12, 2020, did not include recommendations for gatherings," the media release reads. "Today’s amendment addressing gatherings is in alignment with recommendations made by the CDC on March 15, 2020."
The CDC and Bell County health officials continue to recommend that people remain calm, practice social distancing, wash hands frequently, avoid touching their face (especially their eyes and mouth), use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available, and stay home if they are sick.
If you feel you may be sick and need to see a doctor for respiratory issues, it's recommended that you call ahead to let your healthcare provider know you're coming so they can make arrangements to keep you and other patients safe. If it is an emergency, you can still call 911 or visit your nearest emergency room.