Texas State University monitoring 10 people in self-isolation for possible cases of COVID-19

Texas State University is monitoring 10 people who are in self-isolation for possible cases of COVID-19, according to university Chief Medical Officer Emilio Carranco. 

The 10 possible cases are connected to international travel. The university said there are currently no cases of COVID-19 among the individuals in self-isolation.

In an abundance of caution, #TXST is monitoring 10 people who are self-isolating at home, not on campus, after int’l travel; no confirmed cases of #COVID19. TXST policy is self-isolation for 14 days after travel to a CDC-designated Level 2 or 3 country.https://t.co/kQqfPKbnvI

— Texas State (@txst) March 10, 2020

"In response to the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) internationally, Texas State University implemented a policy requiring persons traveling to a country with a CDC Level 2 or 3 Travel Warning to self-isolate at home for 14 days prior to returning to our campuses," Carranco said in a statement.
"Out of an abundance of caution, Texas State University is monitoring 10 people who are self-isolating at home and are not on campus."

According to the CDC, Level 2 is a warning to practice enhanced precautions when traveling to destinations in this designation, while Level 3 warning states to avoid all non-essential travel to countries that fall under this category.

COVID-19 is caused by a member of the coronavirus family that’s a close cousin to SARS and MERS viruses that have caused previous outbreaks. The disease is caused by a virus named SARS-CoV-2 by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses. COVID-19 may take up to 2-14 days after exposure to appear. The disease can cause a wide range of respiratory illnesses, including fever, cough and shortness of breath, according to the CDC. The disease originated in Wuhan, China in late 2019. 

The World Health Organization reported that there have been 113,851 cases of COVID-19 worldwide as of Tuesday. The CDC states that there are 647 cases in the United States, including 13 reported cases in Texas. 

Texas State University said there are no cases of COVID-19 reported on its San Marcos or Round Rock campuses.

Hays County Epidemiologist Eric Schneider told the Daily Record in an email that the county is working directly with Texas State in its precautionary efforts. Schneider added that none of the 10 individuals in self-isolation are displaying symptoms of COVID-19. 

Schneider said a few residents in Hays County are under observation due to previous travel history but there are no current threats to Hays County. 

Hays County has provided the following tips to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19: 

• Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds several times a day, including between your fingers and underneath your nails. Handwashing is considered the best way to remove germs and dirt, and hand sanitizers should be used only when handwashing is not available. The hand sanitizers should be at least 60 percent alcohol to be effective. 
• Avoid handshaking and high-fives
• Avoid touching your face – especially your eyes nose, and mouth
• Stay home when you feel sick
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue then put the tissue in the trash, or use the crook of your elbow if a tissue isn’t available
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household disinfectant cleaning spray or wipe. Clean cell and desk phones, computer keyboards, door handles, and work surfaces often.
• Face masks are not considered an effective way to prevent someone from catching a virus unless you have close, frequent contact with a sick person; however, they are an option for sick people to use to keep from spreading the virus.
• Avoid travel to areas that have been designated high-risk areas because of multiple verified cases of coronavirus.