VIDEO: City officials, TTU provide latest on coronavirus cases, 3rd case reported in Lubbock

LUBBOCK, TX (KCBD) - A third case of coronavirus has been reported in Lubbock, announced by the city at joint news conference on Wednesday night.

The city released this statement on Thursday:

“The City of Lubbock Health Department is currently working through the investigation process on the third reported case in Lubbock. This person has made their situation public. Those with close personal contact on or after March 12, 2020 are advised to self-quarantine in their residence until they receive direction from the health department. The department will work through each situation and will facilitate testing as indicated. If you have severe symptoms please contact your health care provider and let them know that you had a possible exposure to COVID-19.”

Texas Tech student tests positive, family quarantined

Texas Tech University says one of their students who returned from Europe is one of the people who has tested positive for coronavirus. TTU says that student has been isolated and their family has been quarantined. The student developed symptoms and was tested at UMC on Monday, March 16.

Texas Tech has arranged transportation and provided a place for returning students to stay as they return from Study Abroad programs to comply with the 14-day isolation advisory in effect, but the city says this student did not stay in that facility, they went back to their home.

The family has been placed under legal quarantine that prevents them from traveling. Family members will be monitored by the health department for signs and symptoms of coronavirus for at least 14 days. That order can be extended if anyone in the household shows symptoms.

Texas Tech student visited airport, Rosa’s Cafe after reporting symptoms

The student reported developing symptoms while traveling back to Lubbock and while visiting a local restaurant. The city has released the times this patient was at the Lubbock airport and at Rosa’s Cafe. They were at Lubbock airport between 8:45 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. on March 15 and then at Rosa’s Cafe at 4th & Quaker from 9:30 p.m. until close at 11 p.m.

If anyone who was at Rosa’s or the airport during that time develops symptoms through March 29, they are asked to immediately contact the Lubbock Health Department at (806) 775-2933.

Director of Public Health Katherine Wells said the restaurant’s ordinary cleaning process at the end of the shift would have likely limited public exposure to the virus. Rosa’s is closed for additional cleaning tonight and will be closely monitoring the health of all employees.

Additional cleaning is also being done at the Lubbock airport.

Hockley County patient hospitalized

The coronavirus patient identified in Hockley County has been hospitalized. The health department describes them as “an older individual.” This person traveled to a state where there was community transmission. This person was seen at Grace Clinic, Covenant Emergency and UMC. The medical facilities will be conducting their own investigation as to who this person came in contact with to make sure they were using proper protective equipment.

This individual did not visit any public places while traveling between their home and the clinics. People in that person’s household will be monitored by the Texas Department of State Health Services.

Mayor revises disaster declaration

Lubbock Mayor Dan Pope is issuing a revised disaster declaration that will go into effect Thursday at 5 p.m. Gatherings will be limited to 50 people or less and many exemptions have been removed. There will no longer be exemptions for weddings, funerals, and church services.

The city says fines are possible for gatherings of more than 50 people.

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