The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has made its way to Amarillo, the City of Amarillo confirms

See the press release below:

AMARILLO, TX – The City of Amarillo confirmed today (March 18) the first positive tests in the Amarillo-area for COVID-19 (coronavirus). Two patients tested positive for COVID-19 at 5:37 p.m. today (March 18). A news conference is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. It will be broadcast live on the City’s Facebook page. As a result of the positive tests for COVID-19 and based on the comprehensive response plan crafted by area leaders, the city has issued a Local Disaster Declaration and the Amarillo-area Coronavirus Status Level has been changed to Level Orange.

Details on the various status levels and their meanings can be found on the Amarillo Public Health Department website at www.amarillopublichealth.org The city previously implemented recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the White House. The city temporarily suspended the Amarillo Civic Center Complex for all gatherings and events, in accordance with CDC and White House guidelines. In addition, the city will temporarily NOT issue permits for public events.

Due to federal privacy laws, no additional information regarding the patients is available at this time. For questions regarding COVID-19, call the City of Amarillo Public Health Department at (806) 378-6300 or visit:

· Amarillo Public Health: www.amarillopublichealth.org
· Texas Department of State Health Services: www.dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/
· Center for Disease Control and Prevention: www.coronavirus.gov

So what now? Here are some tips from the Texas Department of State Health Services website:

  • Stay home as much as possible, especially if you are sick, older, and/or have a medical condition.
  • If you are sick, stay home except to access medical care. If you are able to take care of yourself, stay home. If you need to see your doctor, call ahead.
  • Avoid gatherings of more than 10 people and non-essential trips into the public.
  • Cancel events of more than 10 people.
  • Limit close contact (at least six feet) with other people. Employers should allow alternative work options as much as possible.
  • 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.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Tests for the virus can take up to 24-72 hours for the result, COVID-19 is similar to influenza but has 10x the mortality. It's possible 85% of people will not need healthcare, but we do want to consider those individuals who are immunocompromised.

We will do our best to educate the community on the next steps and updating with the information we have. Our goal is to inform you and not cause mass hysteria and panic. Feel free to reach out to us on our app if you have any concerns or questions we can answer.

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