To help Texans and others better understand the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is working with federal and state entities to help provide the latest information on the disease and share tips on how to prevent its spread.   

The Texas A&M University System continues to monitor the spread of the virus as more cases are confirmed in the U.S. and other countries.

The first case of COVID-19 in the U.S. was announced on Jan 21 and other cases have been identified. The Texas Department of State Health Services is working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, in monitoring the developing outbreak.

Access the latest information from the Texas Extension and Disaster Education Network

Information and resources related to the coronavirus are available at the Texas Extension and Disaster Education Network (EDEN) website.

Texas EDEN, part of AgriLife Extension, provides credible and reliable research-based information related to disaster preparedness, mitigation and recovery. It includes disease and epidemic resources.

“The Texas EDEN website is a repository of emergency and disaster preparation and recovery materials from experts associated with land-grant educational institutions throughout the country,” said Monty Dozier, Ph.D., director for AgriLife Extension’s Disaster Assessment and Recovery Unit. “Through this network we hope to provide Texans and others with accurate, objective, timely and helpful information related to the coronavirus and what they can do to help prevent its spread.”      

For additional information, go to the Texas Department of State Health Services website or try these other resources:

“We are each responsible for engaging in these daily practices in order to protect ourselves and those around us from COVID-19 and the flu. AgriLife Extension agents can provide education on these health practices to ensure that community members are doing them frequently and correctly.”

Miquela Smith
AgriLife Extension specialist – health, Amarillo

Help prevent the spread of COVID-19

To help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including COVID-19, the CDC recommends everyday preventive actions, including:

  • Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoiding touching the eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Staying home when sick.
  • Covering a cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throwing the tissue in the trash.
  • Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating and after blowing the nose, coughing or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

“There are personal and environmental health practices that help slow the spread of communicable diseases and those are where we are focusing our efforts, said Miquela Smith, AgriLife Extension specialist – health, Amarillo. “Proper handwashing and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces are examples of small actions that can make a big difference.

AgriLife Extension has put together an online resource page to provide Texans with an assortment of digital resources to sustain them during times of social distancing. Resources include guides, publications, digital resources and online learning regarding health, parenting and child activities, food and nutrition, and self-reliance.

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