Cherokee County's COVID-19 cases now number 31

(UPDATED: 11:35 a.m.) MAY 15, 2020 – Six more cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Cherokee County, bringing the current total to 31.

Of the total number of local cases, 17 have recovered; 13 cases remain active and under the supervision of the Cherokee County Public Health Department. One case has resulted in death.

Out of the 31 cases, three have been travel related and 28 cases have been determined to be acquired through community spread. Out of the 13 active cases, nine are residents of a state facility in Cherokee County and four are county residents.

Jacksonville city officials reported Cherokee County case #30 is located within the city limits of Jacksonville. This is the sixth reported case in the Jacksonville city limits, and the second of two active cases in the city limits. Four cases have recovered.

For questions, please contact the city at (903) 586-5916, or COVID19@jacksonvilletx.org

Among the earliest cases reported in March included three in Alto and two in Wells.
As of 6 p.m., Thursday, May 14, Texas Department of Criminal Justice officials report five positive cases in employees at Skyview Unit and none at Hodge Unit.

In inmates, Skyview has two pending tests; received one negative test; and no positive tests but has 63 inmates on medical restriction and two inmates in medical isolation. The Hodge Unit has received three negative test reports.

The prison unit cases are not included in the CCPHD’s total case count.

Human coronaviruses are most commonly spread through respiratory droplets, such as coughs and sneezes. Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough and shortness of breath, these symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus. Everyone has ways that they can contribute to slow the spread of the virus and should remember to:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed or gloved hands.

• Avoid close contact with those who are sick.

• Stay at home as much as possible

• Put distance between yourself and other people.

o Keeping distance from others is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

o Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread the virus

• Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around other people (grocery shopping, pharmacy, etc.)

• If you are in a private setting and do not have your cloth face covering, remember to cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.