Fifth positive COVID-19 case identified in Tarrant County

March 16, 2020 (Tarrant County, TX) – Tarrant County Public Health (TCPH) today declared a fifth positive COVID-19 case in Tarrant County. The COVID-19 case, a resident of Tarrant County, contracted the virus on an out of state trip, developed symptoms after returning home and was later tested positive for the disease.

“This fifth case has been isolated at home after developing symptoms,” said Tarrant County Public Health Director Vinny Taneja. “Because of HIPAA laws regarding the confidentiality of health information, we are not allowed to provide any specific details about this patient.”
COVID-19 causes respiratory illness with cough, fever, and shortness of breath, and may lead to bronchitis and severe pneumonia. United States has now over 4000 reported cases of COVID-19.

Here are the Tarrant County cities with confirmed COVID-19 cases:
Arlington-1
Benbrook – 1
Southlake – 2
White Settlement- 1

“We are releasing this additional information so that these communities and others across Tarrant County will be mindful of basic preventive measures to protect themselves from COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses,” Taneja said. These include:

• 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.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick. If you experience difficulty breathing, or persistent fever, call your primary care provider.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your sleeve.
• Frequently clean and disinfect touched objects and surfaces.
  

COVID-19 originated in Wuhan City, China in December 2019 and has now spread to more than 100 countries.

For more information, visit coronavirus.tarrantcounty.com or call (817) 248-6299 during business hours.

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