The Waco-McLennan County Public Health District has announced 6 positive case of coronavirus. The health district says all cases are travel-related.
A 64-year-old man who returned from Israel tested positive. He traveled in a large group with a Bell County man who also tested positive.
The second case is a 68-year-old man from Ecuador visiting family in McLennan County. Gray said they learned of his test result at 7 p.m. Tuesday.
The third and fourth cases were confirmed in a married couple who traveled to New York. The man is 56-years-old. The woman is 52-years-old.
Baylor announced that the married couple are two faculty members who recently traveled over spring break on non-University travel and began feeling ill upon their return.
Baylor confirms that they did not return to the Baylor campus, and thankfully, have been in self-isolation since traveling home.
The fifth case is a 59-year-old man with a travel history to Wyoming. The district was notified at 8 a.m. Wednesday. Testing was done in another county but they are a McLennan County resident.
The sixth case was confirmed Wednesday at 11:45 a.m. The patient is a 27-year-old man with an unconfirmed travel history.
The people are self-quarantining and being monitored. All the cases are travel related, according to officials.
Mayor Deaver says the steps the City took Tuesday will help prevent community spread.
Waco-McLennan County declared a local disaster and public health emergency.
The county issued an order prohibiting gatherings of 50 or more people anywhere in McLennan County and strongly recommends events with 10 or more people to be canceled.
The City of Waco ordered all bars, dine-in restaurants and gyms to close due to the coronavirus pandemic. Mayor Kyle Deaver declared a local state of disaster and local health emergency.
The public is encouraged to practice general preventive actions:
- 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 and keep children home when they are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Get a flu shot (the flu shot does not protect against COVID-19, it is still flu season).
- Do not wear a face mask if you are not sick. Face masks are only recommended if directed by a health care provider.
