The Texas Association of City & County Health Officials (TACCHO) is the premier member organization serving both Texas local public health officials and the departments which they lead in order to enhance local public health practice in Texas with the ultimate goal of improving the health of Texans and the communities in which they live.
Learn what is happening at the national, state and local levels!
Learn more from national, state and local entities regarding the Coronavirus Disease - COVID-2019. TACCHO members understand the severity of this novel (new) coronavirus infections (called COVID-19), are actively monitoring the evolving situation and working closely with local, state and national entities to refine plans and respond appropriately.
Casie Stoughton, TACCHO President-Elect and Director, Amarillo Area Public Health District Speaks During May 27 Governor Press Conference in Amarillo
On May 27, Governor Gregg Abbott held a press conference in Amarillo to update on the COVID-19 surge response efforts in Amarillo. The Governor was joined by Amarillo Mayor Ginger Nelson, Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) Chief Nim Kidd, Amarillo Public Health Director Casie Stoughton, as well as State Senator Kel Seliger and State Representatives Four Price, John Smithee, and Ken King. See more of the Governor's press release statement here.
Casie Stoughton serves as the TACCHO President-Elect, moving into the President position on October 1. "Before the pandemic, the mission of public health was to Prevent, Promote and Protect. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the mission of public health is Prevent, Promote, Protect, and after the COVID-19 pandemic, the mission of public health will be to Prevent, Promote, Protect", stated Casie.
In each of the three areas of Prevent, Promote, Protect, Casie noted that in the Prevent area, work with the Department of State Health Services state and regional offices, as well as the Centers for Disease Control, provided much appreciated partnerships for assistance in securing supplies and testing strike teams. In the Promote area, Casie noted the work and partnership with peer members of the TACCHO, particularly Houston, Denton and Lubbock, who were ready and available to answer questions and share resources. For the Protect area, Casie stated that the partnership with local healthcare systems and university were key in arranging testing efforts, communication and surge plans. See Casie's full statement here.
Austin and Dallas Provide OnLine COVID-19 Risk Guidance Chart
On May 13, Austin Public Health and Dallas County have posted charts that alert the public to the current risk for COVID-19 as Texas begins to re-open businesses across the state. Risks have been developed using information and guidance from local, state and national public health experts. Both charts use a color-coding to denote the various risk levels in the community.
The Dallas County Risk Guidance chart notes risks categories of High Community Risk for COVID-19 Transmission, Medium Community Risk for COVID-19 Transmission, Low Community Risk for COVID-19 Transmission and New Normal Risk for COVID-19 Transmission. For more detailed information visit https://www.dallascounty.org/covid-19/
The Austin Public Health chart notes COVID-19: Risk-based Guidelines, that outlines 5 stages for Higher Risk Individuals and Lower Risk Individuals. It also notes when to Maintain Social Distancing and to Wear Facial Coverings, as well as noting the type of Workplaces to access per risk level. For more detailed information visit http://www.austintexas.gov/page/covid-19-risk-based-guidelines
See the charts atTACCHO In The News
Local Public Health Departments (LHD) are the first line public health responders to health threats that affect the population of their communities. Visit the TACCHO Member website to locate a LHD in your city/county atTACCHO Members
Governor Abbott Announces Opening of Additional Businesses and Activities
On May 5, 2020 Governor Abbott issued a new Executive Order that expanded the opening of certain businesses and activities. See the full order here https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-issues-executive-order-to-expand-openings-of-certain-businesses-and-activities
Governor Abbott Announces Phase 1 To Open Texas, Establishes Statewide Minimum Standards Health Protocols
On April 27, 2020 Governor Greg Abbott announced phased plans to open Texas starting May 1. See announcement at https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-announces-phase-one-to-open-texas-establishes-statewide-minimum-standard-health-protocols
Texas Re-opens Retail Businesses:
On April 17, 2020, Governor Greg Abbott signed an Executive Order authorizing the re-opening of retail businesses effective April 24. Review the DSHS guidance on how to re-open safely for both employees and customers.
How can Texans slow the spread of COVID-19?
You can do your part! The Texas Department of State Health Services recommends these everyday actions to help prevent the spread of any respiratory virus, including COVID‑19:
- Stay home if you can.
- Wash hands often for 20 seconds and encourage others to do the same.
- If no soap and water are available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue away.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Disinfect surfaces, buttons, handles, knobs, and other places touched often.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- If you are in generally good health and have mild symptoms, stay home and take care of yourself like you would for a cold or the flu.
- If symptoms worsen, call your doctor.
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