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Jefferson County judge issues order to close bars, limit restaurants to take out only

The order will require gatherings to be kept to under 10 people

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Texas — Jefferson County Judge Jeff Branick confirms he is signing an order limiting public gatherings to 10, closing bars and restricting restaurants to take out only in the county. 

The order encourages people to use curbside pickup options at grocery stores.

Beaumont Mayor Becky Ames issued an amended declaration of disaster on Thursday.  Bars and nightclubs, along with arcades and game rooms are to close and remain closed until further notice. Restaurants are to stop dine-in services, but are allowed to continue serving take out, drive thru and to deliver food. Customers can't go inside to place carry out orders. Delivery of alcohol is to be allowed. 

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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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