[Seguin, Texas] June 18, 2020 — The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Guadalupe County is 231 including 178 people who have recovered and 53 active cases (including 29 probable) and the first reported death of a Guadalupe County resident. Over the last week GRMC has seen an increase in COVID-19 like illness and more positive tests.

Governor’s Announcement: On June 16, 2020, Texas Governor Greg Abbott held a press conference to address the rising number of COVID-19 cases in our state. Governor Abbott reminded us that as we continue getting back to work under Phase 3 of reopening our state, we expect to see an increase in COVID-19 cases and that our hospitals have adequate capacity and are prepared for a potential patient surge. Governor Abbott stated that his administration is ‘laser focused’ on ensuring Texas hospitals have capacity to care for COVID-19 patients and will consider issuing another prohibition on elective procedures if that is necessary to preserve hospital beds for COVID-19 patients.

GRMC Surge Plan: Guadalupe Regional Medical Center has dedicated a portion of its campus as a “Public Health Emergency” unit (aka PHE) so that COVID-19 patients hospitalized here are treated in a centralized location. In the event GRMC sees a patient surge that requires additional beds beyond what our main campus accommodates, we have permission from the state to house patients at 214 Medical Drive which was previously used as the GRMC Outpatient Surgical Center. As the COVID-19 pandemic has unfolded GRMC has been purchasing as much personal protective equipment (aka PPE) as possible to equip our staff, providers, and patients with the levels of protection they need.

How to Stay Well: Practicing proper hygiene is vital to containing the spread of COVID-19 since the illness is predominantly spread between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds and wear a facemask when you are in public spaces where you cannot practice social distancing. It is important to avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Forgo shaking hands with people for a while, they will understand. At this time, CDC believes that symptoms of COVID-19 may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure. People are thought to be the most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest).

What to Do If You Are Sick: If you develop flu-like symptoms and are not short of breath, the best thing you can do for yourself and your community is stay home. You may contact your health care provider for advice. If you are feeling severely ill, and especially if you are having trouble breathing, do not delay in seeking medical care. If you are unable to present to a local emergency room, call 911.

Stay Informed: Guadalupe Regional Medical Center is committed to providing our community with updated information as warranted during this challenging time. For further information, please visit our website at www.grmedcenter.com.