REGARDING COVID-19
Protect yourself and other by following theses steps:

1. If you are sick, stay home, unless you are seeking medical care.
2. If you have a weakened immune system, or underlying health conditions, that put you at greater risk of becoming ill, stay home. People 65 and older are also at greater risk of developing severe disease.
3. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds.
4. Disinfect hard surfaces and frequently touched surfaces, such as countertops, doorknobs and faucets. When you shop, wipe down the handle of your shopping cart with antibacterial wipes.
5. Practice social distancing by keeping six feet between you and other people, especially if they are sick.
6. Cover your cough with your elbow or a tissue and throw that tissue in the trash.
7. Avoid touching your face, eyes, and mouth.
We ask that you use caution and do what is best for you and your family.

Testing for Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The health department does not test for Covid-19.

Only positive results are reported to the health department.

If you are a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, or if you have traveled to a place where COVID-19 is widespread, or if you develop fever, cough and shortness of breath, seek medical attention.  Call ahead to your physician or emergency room.  if you feel you have been exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms. If you are calling 9-11, tell the dispatcher about your symptoms and any travel history or exposure you feel you’ve had. If you have questions or concerns, please call the Sweetwater -Nolan County Health Department at 325-235-5463.

11/25/2020

The Sweetwater-Nolan County Health Department would like to make the public aware of some changes that have taken place involving testing and reporting of cases during the Covid19 pandemic.

If you wish to be tested for Covid19, you must now call the Rolling Plains Memorial Hospital at 325-235-1701. You will be signed up, registered and told what time to be there for your test when you call.

Also, due to the rise in cases throughout Texas, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has a new database system called Texas Health Trace (THT) that we have been asked to take part in. This allows for a coordinated statewide approach to the Covid-19 disease response, including contact tracing.

Cases past and present are being put in this database and the cases are being called directly by the state health department. Through Texas Health Trace, the case is followed throughout their isolation period, notes are made on their progress and when the case is ready to be recovered or closed, the case is notified.

The Sweetwater Nolan County Health Department has hired three new staff members to help in contact tracing and data entry efforts. The team members have access to Texas Health Trace and can also answer questions for anyone who has tested positive as well as those who have been exposed to Covid19.

While the Sweetwater Nolan County Health Department is no longer calling cases daily as we did in the beginning, we want the public, as well as our positive cases to know we are here for you and will answer questions and give guidance as needed.

We appreciate your patience as we make this transition.