SECOND CONFIRMED COVID-19 CASES REPORTED IN AUSTIN, FAYETTE CO.

  

Austin and Fayette Counties have reported their second confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Austin County Judge Tim Lapham said the county received notification Friday afternoon of a second COVID-19 positive case in a man in his 50s west of Sealy.  The man is currently quarantined at home.

A week ago, Austin County reported its first positive case of COVID-19 in a woman living in Sealy.  Lapham said it is unknown at this time if the two cases are related, but investigations continue.

Lapham urged the community to support its local businesses, adding that closing the county would have a detrimental effect on businesses and employees.  He asked community members to stay home as much as possible, especially if they are sick, and maintain proper social distancing.

Saturday evening, Fayette County Emergency Management Chief Craig Moreau reported a woman tested positive for COVID-19.  According to Moreau, state health officials did not provide the woman’s age or where she lives in Fayette County, but the state’s report did say she is currently at home in isolation.

Moreau said the state’s report also suggests the county’s second case is not connected to the first, which was confirmed March 20^th in a man in his 60s.

Last week, Fayette County Commissioners extended the county’s local disaster declaration through April 9^th.  Moreau said the county is not currently looking to change the emergency orders in the declaration, which prohibits gatherings of more than ten and bans inside eating and drinking at bars and restaurants.