Two new COVID-19 cases announced in Hays County

Hays County announced the eighth and ninth case of COVID-19 in the county on Tuesday. 

All nine of the patients who tested positive for the virus are adults, according to the Hays County Health Department. There are now two cases of the novel coronavirus in San Marcos, Buda and Kyle, respectively. There is one case in Austin, within Hays County, and Dripping Springs, respectively. One patient hasn’t been interviewed by the local health department and a city of residence hasn’t been identified. 

The county stated that one of the new positive cases and one who previously tested positive live in two separate households in Buda with people connected to Hays Consolidated ISD’s Carpenter Hill Elementary School. It is not believed that the persons who tested positive were on campus prior to spring break, the county said. Hays CISD has notified. Hays County Epidemiologist Eric Schneider said the risk of transmission is low for those at Carpenter Hill Elementary but he recommends that all staff and students monitor themselves for symptoms until March 27.

Symptoms of COVID-19 can appear between 2-14 days of exposure to the virus. Symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention states that people should seek medical attention if they display one or more of the following symptoms: difficulty breathing or shortness of breath; persistent pain or pressure in the chest; new confusion or inability to arouse; or bluish lips or face. The CDC recommends calling a doctor’s office or emergency room before going. Those who self-isolate with COVID-19 can leave self-isolation if they haven't had a fever for at least 72 hours (without the use of medicine that reduces fevers), symptoms have improved and it’s been at least 7 days since symptoms first appeared, according to the CDC. 

“Residents with underlying health conditions or a weakened immune system and persons over 65 tend to be hardest hit by COVID-19 and should consult their health care provider if they are experiencing symptoms,” Schneider said.

This story has been updated since its first publication