COVID-19 confirmed in Donley County

The Donley County Judge’s office announced Tuesday morning that a case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in Donley County.

Judge John Howard, MD, has released the following public notification. We will have more information, as this story develops.

“To the citizens of Donley County:

“My office has received written notification from a private lab that there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in a Donley County resident. I was notified on March 30, 2020, and contacted the Texas Department of Health per protocol. I want the public to be aware that we will be as transparent as possible with any necessary information that may affect us individually and as a community.

“HIPPA restricts the release of specific patient information about the patient’s medical condition but we can report the patient is currently at home, where they have been quarantined and are continuing to be medically supervised. There is an ongoing investigation by the health department, and they will follow up on people and locations the patient may have been while ill. It is believed that the infected individual contracted the virus from community spread (person to person contact contamination) and has not reported any significant travel.

“We ask that citizens of Donley County to continue to be diligent in their efforts to reduce contact with others as much as possible. Please follow the CDC recommendations for social distancing, eliminate non-essential activity outside your home even if you are well, avoid groups of people, practice good hand washing and sanitizing practices, and if you are feeling ill please stay home and avoid others in your home as well.

“For further information on the COVID-19 virus, you can visit the Center for Disease Control website at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nov/index.html. For business’ and individuals that are concerned: please look at the Interim US Guidance for Risk Assessment and Public Health Management of Persons with Potential COVID-19 Exposures.

“Additionally, please contact your health care provider if you have symptoms consistent with the Coronavirus (fever, cough, shortness of breath) to determine if additional evaluation, treatment or testing is appropriate.”