Boswell: Harlingen is working closely with CDC, DSHS

Dear City of Harlingen Resident,

Many in our community have been following news reports about infections pertaining to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). I want to take the opportunity to assure you that the City of Harlingen is monitoring this situation and is working closely with The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Texas Department of State Health Services, the Cameron County Health Department, and our City Health Department to ensure the health and well-being of our citizens, staff, and visitors.

Much is being learned about this newly emerged virus. Based on the current information, health officials are recommending local communities should take the same basic preventative measures to protect against the coronavirus as we take to avoid the spread of common respiratory illnesses, like the cold and flu:

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick and do not return to work or school until you have been fever-free without the use of fever reducing medication, such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen, for at least 24 hours.
• Cover your coughs or sneezes with a tissue (not your hands) and then throw the tissue in the trash; if tissues aren’t available, cough or sneeze into the inside of your elbow.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

While health officials continue to indicate that the risk for all Texans remains low, the City of Harlingen is working proactively by encouraging these simple but effective habits with our citizens, closely monitoring illnesses like the flu and ensuring our city buildings and parks receive more frequent and thorough cleanings, especially in high-traffic, high-touch areas.

As we continue to be in contact with our City, County, and State Health Officials and monitor the COVID-19 situation, we will provide updates to our community should it become necessary. For the latest updates on coronavirus in the United States visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/summary.html. The most recent information on coronavirus in Texas is available at https://dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus. Also, as most school districts prepare for Spring Break, please pay particular attention to the established travel advisories. As always, we thank you for the trust and confidence you place in us every single day to keep our citizens, employees, and visitors healthy and safe.

Respectfully submitted,

Chris Boswell
Mayor