Texas Department of State Health Services and Lamb County Judge Mike DeLoach have confirm that a Littlefield resident has tested positive for COVID-19.

DeLoach released a statement Friday, March 27, 2020 immediately after receiving confirmation from TDSHS.

“We do not have any further information at this time,” the county judge said. “As is standard procedure, the DSHS is investigating this incident. Everything is being done that can be done to identify those who are directly affected by this situation. As new information is available, I will continue to receive updates and will keep the public up to date.”

DeLoach encouraged all Lamb County residents to continue to follow the policies and recommendations of the TDSHS and the Centers for Disease Control.

“Additionally, I encourage anyone who is contacted by TDSHS to cooperate fully, giving them as much information as possible to make sure all people affected by this case can be identified and monitored,” he said. “Of course, if anyone is advised to self-quarantine, please do so.”

DeLoach indicated it had been an issue of “when” rather than “if” Lamb County would have a confirmed case.

“I want to remind everyone that this is not a surprise to any of us,” he said. “For some time now,

COVID-19 has been confirmed in most of the counties surrounding us. We have been

working to prepare and respond to this virus in a safe and effective manner.”

“I hope the citizens of our great county will join me in remembering who we are,” the judge said. “We are going to embrace this family, and respect their privacy while working to keep our citizens safe and healthy. The people of this county are good, Christian people. We look after our neighbors, and stand up for what is right. Nothing about that will change now.”

DeLoach assured residents that county and municipal government are doing all they can to protect residents.

“It’s up to each of us to be careful not to take unnecessary risks, and to abide by all the recommendations of the TDSHS and CDC,” he said.

The judge said this is no time to panic.

“Lamb County citizens must continue to do what we do best — to take care of our families, and check on our neighbors,” he said.

DeLoach expressed appreciation for the “cooperative and responsible efforts of our citizens” in working together “during an ever-changing time.”

Before a COVID-19 outbreak occurs, the Centers for Disease Control recommends that everyone make plans.

“Creating a household plan can help protect your health and the health of those you care about in the event of an outbreak of COVID-19,” the CDC says. “You should base the details of your household plan on the needs and daily routine of your household members.”

The CDC suggests talking with the people who need to be included in your plan.

“Meet with household members, other relatives, and friends to discuss what to do if a COVID-19 outbreak occurs and what the needs of each person will be,” they say.

The organization suggests planning ways to care for those who might be at greater risk for serious complications.

“Older people are more likely to have serious COVID-19 illness,” the CDC says.

Here are some tips for getting ready:

•Get to know your neighbors. Talk with your neighbors about emergency planning. If your neighborhood has a website or social media page, consider joining it to maintain access to neighbors, information, and resources.

•Identify aid organizations in your community. Create a list of local organizations that you and your household can contact in the event you need access to information, health care services, support and resources. 

•Create an emergency contact list. Ensure your household has a current list of emergency contacts for family, friends, neighbors, carpool drivers, health care providers, teachers, employers and other community resources.

•Practice good personal health habits and plan for home-based actions

•Practice everyday preventive actions now. Remind everyone in your household of the importance of practicing everyday preventive actions that can help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses

•Choose a room in your home that can be used to separate sick household members from those who are healthy. Identify a separate bathroom for the sick person to use, if possible. Plan to clean these rooms, as needed, when someone is sick. Learn how to care for someone with COVID-19 at home.

•Stay home from work, school, and all activities when you are sick with COVID-19 symptoms, which may include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.

•Keep away from others who are sick.

•Limit close contact with others as much as possible (about 6 feet).

•Stay informed about the local COVID-19 situation.