CoVID-19 Updates and Resource Page

As the world continues to respond to the developing Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) outbreak, officials in Texas are working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in monitoring the outbreak as well as taking steps to protect our communities and public health.

TNP is actively participating in state events dedicated to keeping state and local agencies and private sector partners up-to-date and coordinated on the latest guidance related to the outbreak. To that end, this week, TNP began participating in conference calls and planning meetings led by officials from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).

Below is some key guidance and information from officials:

• Remain vigilant and monitor the situation
• Preventing and mitigating spread is everyone’s responsibility
• Work closely with your local health department if you suspect COVID-19 in your differential diagnoses, they can provide guidance on testing
• Review your infection control strategies
• Practice and encourage a personal regimen of washing hands, coughing into the crook of your elbow, disinfecting surfaces and staying home when you feel sick

Important Resources
This page will connect NPs to information and resources regarding COVID-19 from DSHS and the CDC.

Texas Coronavirus Website, Information for Hospitals and Healthcare Professionals
DSHS is the main state website dedicated to providing the most up-to-date information about COVID-19: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/healthprof.aspx

Contact Information:

DSHS COVID-19 Call Center:

1-877-570-9779

Hours: 7:00am – 6:00pm, Monday – Friday

Email: coronavirus@dshs.texas.gov

Local Health Entities
For local assistance, see the listing of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‑19) Local Health Entities.

CDC Coronavirus Website
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/

Case Counts
State: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/#casecounts
National: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-in-us.html

Recommended Disinfectants
Take care to wipe down all surfaces with products that have been approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for use against emerging, enveloped viral pathogens. This is a critical step in keeping you and your facility protected. A list of appropriate cleaning products is being kept by the Center for Biocide Chemistries, which can be found at https://www.americanchemistry.com/novel-coronavirus-fighting-products-list.pdf

Testing Criteria
All specimens for COVID-19 virus testing require pre-approval. Contact your Local Health Department or DSHS Public Health Region to ensure a patient meets Person Under Investigation (PUI) criteria for testing and to obtain DSHS approval to test. Specimens MUST meet PUI criteria for testing prior to shipping and WILL NOT be tested without prior approval. Please DO NOT ship specimens prior to receiving this approval.