Hays County has announced its first presumptive positive COVID-19 case. In response, officials say the City of San Marcos, in coordination with the County, has declared a state of disaster.
“The declaration activates our emergency plan and will allow us to allocate resources and to utilize all disaster funding and resources available through state and federal agencies,” said Mayor Jane Hughson. “We knew we would eventually see cases in our area, and have been working cooperatively with our regional partners to protect our residents. We remind everyone to remain calm and to continue to practice preventive measures.”
“As this is a pandemic disease, we fully expected to see cases in Hays County and have been preparing for this situation,” said County Judge Ruben Becerra. “We have been working with local and state officials to ensure that protocols are established and followed, and that we have access to additional resources should they be necessary.”
Per Hays County, the presumptive positive patient traveled to multiple cities along the West Coast of the United States and is believed to have been exposed while traveling. Upon arrival back to Central Texas, the patient notified the Hays County Local Health Department about their symptoms. The patient was admitted to a local hospital and has since been released to self-quarantine at home. At no time did they expose any Hays County residents to this disease. The Hays County Local Health Department is working with the Department of State Health Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to notify the passengers that were potentially exposed while on the plane with the patient.
“The Council and the City’s leadership team continue to evaluate operating procedures at all City facilities and will adjust event schedules to proactively take precautions to protect residents and our community,” said Hughson. “We aren’t canceling all City events at this time, but will be making appropriate adjustments depending on the location, participants and the availability of volunteers who are vital to our operation.”
