1. What is COVID-19? How does it spread?
COVID-19 is a novel (new) coronavirus that has been named “coronavirus disease 2019” (abbreviated “COVID-19”). It is currently in the United States and many other countries, after originating in China. Health experts are concerned because this new virus has the potential to cause severe illness and pneumonia in some people — especially people over age 60 or who have weakened immune systems.
The virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly from person to person, mainly through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Spread is more likely when people are in close contact with one another (within about six feet).
Learn more at on the CDC website.
2. How is COVID-19 treated?
Most people with mild symptoms will recover on their own by drinking plenty of fluids, resting, and taking pain and fever medications. However, some cases develop pneumonia and require medical care or hospitalization.
Most COVID-19 illnesses are mild with fever and cough. The vast majority of people with the virus do not require hospital care. A much smaller percentage of people get severely ill with lung and breathing problems, like pneumonia. Elderly people and people with underlying medical conditions are at highest risk.
3. How many positive confirmed cases are there in Fort Worth?
Get daily updates on confirmed cases, hospitalization rates and more are available from Tarrant County Public Health.
Prevention & Monitoring
1. How can I protect myself from COVID-19?
People should practice routine healthy hygiene habits to help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses like COVID-19:
- Stay home if you can.
- Wash hands often and for at least 20 seconds, or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Put distance between yourself and other people
- Wear a cloth face covering in public settings where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue away.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Disinfect surfaces, buttons, handles, doorknobs and other places touched often.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
2. What do I do if I have a suspected case of COVID-19?
Monitor your symptoms and call your doctor. Restrict activities outside your home, except for getting medical care. Do not go to work, school or public areas. Follow isolation and recovery guidelines from the CDC.
Community and Business Resources
1. Where do I go for local information?
Residents and business professionals have several options for finding resources to help them in their response to COVID-19:
- For questions about COVID-19: call 817-248-6299 (this number is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week) or email COVID19@fortworthtexas.gov
- For questions related to businesses: call 817-392-8478 (this number is answered from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday) or email COVID19@fortworthtexas.gov
- For questions related to city services changes, contact the City Call Center: by phone at 817-392-1234; or email 1234@FortWorthTexas.gov
- Daily updates on confirmed cases, hospitalization rates, etc. from Tarrant County Public Health
Additional resources