Last Updated on March 30, 2020 – 9:47 AM CDT
Moore County officials announced the first confirmed case of COVID-19 on Monday morning. According to a statement released by the Moore County Hospital District (MCHD), the person recently returned to Dumas from “a current United States COVID-19 hot spot” and is currently in quarantine along with those whom the person came into contact with.
None of the people, including the individual who tested positive, are hospitalized, and MCHD personnel are monitoring their conditions daily for changes according to the hospital statement.
Moore County Emergency Management officials said County Judge Rowdy Rhoades received confirmation from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) on Sunday that the test was positive for COVID-19. Officials are not planning on changing any of the local emergency restrictions at the time of this publication.
This comes as Governor Abbott expands travel restrictions for those traveling to Texas and President Trump announced that his administration will be extending its “15 Days to Slow the Spread” guidelines until April 30 in an effort to stop the spread of coronavirus.
According to Johns Hopkins, as of March 30th, the U.S. has more than 143,000 confirmed cases and over 2,500 deaths.
The modeling estimates that the peak in death rate is likely to hit in two weeks. So, I’ll say it again, the peak — the highest point of death rates, remember this — is likely to hit in two weeks. Nothing would be worse than declaring victory before the victory is won. That would be the greatest loss of all. …. Therefore, we will be extending our guidelines to April 30 to slow the spread. On Tuesday, we will be finalizing these plans and providing a summary of our findings, supporting data, and strategy to the American people.President Trump Speaking Sunday March 29, 2020 at the Whitehouse
Moore County Hospital District Statement
Moore County Hospital District has received a POSITIVE COVID-19 test result from the State for a patient in our community. The patient recently returned to Dumas from a current United States COVID-19 hot spot. Luckily, the individual had very limited contact with others upon arrival back in the community, and those in contact have been notified and are in home quarantine. None, including the individual who tested positive, are hospitalized, and MCHD personnel are monitoring their conditions daily for changes.
MCHD urges our community to please remain calm and to continue practicing precautions to stay well. Please wash your hands, disinfect your homes and vehicles, and maintain distance from other people if you need to leave the home. If you become sick, please stay home and call a doctor first before you go out. Please do not travel if you don’t have to.
MCHD continues to fully engage our personnel and pool resources to meet the demands of the COVID-19 virus, and we are actively coordinating with other Moore County entities to assure a uniform and organized response. We have been planning daily for every possible eventuality, and we are fully prepared to care for COVID-19 patients.
Finally, we would like to thank the community for your generosity and prayers during this time. Please be safe and stay well.
Moore County Emergency Management Press Release
On March 29 Moore County Judge, Rowdy Rhoades, received confirmation from The Texas Department of State Health Services that Moore County has a positive case of COVID-19.
The resident is in quarantine at their residence and is cooperating with health officials. People that they have been in contact with recently have also been contacted and are in quarantine as well.
Local leaders are not going to change any restrictions at this time. Everything in place is still valid. Residents need to continue to practice social distancing and washing your hands often.
Even though we have 1 positive case it is not a time to panic. The grocery stores have plenty of food, please don’t over buy [sic] and think of others when you shop.
Moore County and the Cities of Dumas, Cactus and Sunray are working together to keep you safe and protect all Moore County Residents.