HOUSTON — Houston’s coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases total 69 after the recording of the city’s first death from the illness, the Houston Health Department reported today.
The department received the report of the death late Thursday after it had already announced the new cases for that day. It reports new COVID-19 cases daily about 3 p.m.
The resident was a woman with underlying health conditions in the 60 to 70 age range. She died at a local hospital on March 24.
Investigations conducted by the department identify potential contacts exposed to the virus. The department will provide close contacts guidance about the virus and monitor them for the development of symptoms.
Social distancing guidance for all Houstonians:
- Avoid gatherings of 10 or more people.
- Maintain at least 6 feet of separation from other people.
- Avoid eating or drinking in bars, restaurants, and food courts – use drive-thru, pickup, or delivery options.
- Avoid discretionary travel, shopping trips, and social visits.
- Do not visit nursing homes or retirement or long-term care facilities unless to provide critical care situations.
- Practice healthy hygiene habits:
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer when you can’t wash your hands.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and throw the tissue away. If you don’t have a tissue, use the elbow of your sleeve.
- Don’t use your hands to cover coughs and sneezes.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick, especially if you are at higher risk for coronavirus.
- Get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids, eat healthy foods, and manage your stress to keep your immunity strong.
- Work or engage in schooling from home whenever possible.
Human coronaviruses most commonly spread from an infected person to others through:
- Respiratory droplets released into the air by coughing and sneezing.
- Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands.
- Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands.
Privacy protection laws only permit the release of limited patient information. The health department is unable to release any additional patient information.
Houstonians may visit HoustonEmergency.org/covid19 for updated information about local risk, routine protective actions, frequently asked questions, communication resources, rumor control, emergency preparedness tips and more.