LaredoBuzz.Com

Courtesy Rafael Benavides,

LAREDO, Texas—The City of Laredo and Webb County have confirmed the 17^th death in Laredo related to COVID-19. The City and County want to express their most sincere condolences to the family and want them to know that our counselors, as well as our support, are available.

A woman in her 60s, with underlying health conditions, had tested positive for COVID-19 and was being treated at Doctors Hospital of Laredo when she died on Sunday, May 3, 2020.

The City of Laredo Health Department reminds the public that the coronavirus can be present in their system even while the person presents no symptoms. While some may not symptoms, others may initially have mild to moderate symptoms that can include high fever, cough and shortness of breath. The majority of patients will recover, but some may need to be hospitalized due to complications. The majority of our local positive cases have recovered while isolated or quarantined in their home. Please follow the City of Laredo health department COVID-19 prevention guidelines regarding social distancing and proper hygiene. It is highly recommended that persons stay home, not gather in groups and cover their nose and mouth when around others.

The Health Department continues to conduct contact investigation on persons who have tested positive to determine possible exposure to others. If the health department has not contacted you, there is no need to take any action at this time. If you feel ill, please contact your physician and monitor your symptoms.

Want to remind person who are positive person that they must remain in strict quarantine and isolation, the positive person must stay separated from other household members, must wear N95 and must adhere to strict hygiene, sanitation, and respiratory prevention actions. Persons cannot be in public for their safety and to prevent transmission to others. A totally separate person must provide food and essential supplies.  The  households with a positive person, should only have one dedicated caregiver. Other family members must stay apart and practice good hygiene and physical distancing. The positive person should be in a dedicated room and must wear a mask and not gather with other family members. The caregiver should also wear a mask when providing care. This is extremely important as evidence points to strong clustering among positive persons.

Stay home if you are sick and call your doctor. Do not go to the doctor’s office, call your doctor first. If it is an emergency, call 9-1-1.

As of 12:00 p.m. on Monday, May 4, 2020, a total of 2,714 persons have been tested, 1,918 of those tests have resulted negative, 396 have resulted positive, 400 test results are pending, 124 persons have recovered, 20 remain hospitalized, and 17 have died.

Please continue to do your part in preventing the spread of all diseases. Follow the guidelines below:

·         Follow CDC and WHO guidelines and practice physical distancing

·         Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Hand sanitizer can be used when soap and water are not readily available.

·         It is recommended to wear a mask or face covering

·         Avoid touching your face

·         Avoid close contact with people who are sick

·         Stay home when you’re sick

·         Cover all coughs and sneezes

·         Clean frequently-touched surfaces

Visit www.cityoflaredo.com/coronavirus.html for up-to-date information regarding COVID-19.