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Dozens of COVID-19 cases confirmed at Jasper nursing, rehab center

Judge Mark Allen told 12News he believes the county will be battling a surge of the virus for the next couple weeks after the holidays

JASPER, Texas — A Jasper nursing and rehab center is dealing with dozens of COVID-19 cases in the facility according to Jasper County Judge Mark Allen. 

Timberidge Nursing & Rehabilitation had 44 positive cases as of January 2, according to Allen. 

Contact tracing is being performed to find out who was exposed and isolate those residents. It's not clear how many of those with the virus are staff, residents or rehab patients.

Allen said the cause could be linked to residents and staff being able to leave the facility and come back. 

He's encouraging people to wear a mask and social distance, and believes the county will be fighting the COVID-19 surge for the next two or three weeks following Christmas and the New Year holiday. 

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This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.

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Coronavirus symptoms

The symptoms of coronavirus can be similar to the flu or a bad cold. Symptoms include a fever, cough and shortness of breath, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Most healthy people will have mild symptoms. A study of more than 72,000 patients by the Centers for Disease Control in China showed 80 percent of the cases there were mild.

But infections can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death, according to the World Health Organization. Older people with underlying health conditions are most at risk.

The CDC believes symptoms may appear anywhere from two to 14 days after being exposed.

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Human coronaviruses are usually spread through...

  • The air by coughing or sneezing
  • Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
  • Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands.

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Help stop the spread of coronavirus 

  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Eat and sleep separately from your family members
  • Use different utensils and dishes
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with your arm, not your hand.
  • If you use a tissue, throw it in the trash

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Lower your risk

  • Wash your hands often 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.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
  • If you are 60 or over and have an underlying health condition such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes or respiratory illnesses like asthma or COPD, the World Health Organization advises you to try to avoid crowds or places where you might interact with people who are sick.

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