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Sunday Southeast Texas COVID19 Updates: Possible exposure prompts Vidor church to cancel services, schools adjust schedules

Here is a look at the latest COVID-19 headlines and updates from around Southeast Texas and the world for Sunday, March 15

BEAUMONT, Texas — We are continuing to track the latest headlines and updates regarding the global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Today's top headlines:

School Impacts | Map of cases | Coronavirus symptoms & prevention | Coronavirus questions answered

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Latest updates:

Here are the latest updates from around Southeast Texas, Texas, Louisiana and some from the world (all times are local Central Daylight Time):

March 15-5:20 p.m.— Port Neches-Groves ISD will extend Spring Break until March 23, 2020. 'The extension will allow students and staff to self-quarantine after their spring break travels and activities,' Superintendent Mike Gonzales said in a statement on Sunday.

Nederland ISD is closing all facilities immediately, and will resume school on Monday, March 23. Both districts were on spring break during the week of March 9-13. 

March 15 - 5:15 p.m. — Classes in the Little Cypress-Mauriceville Consolidated Independent School district will start as scheduled on Monday morning, March 16, 2020 according to a post on the district’s Facebook page on Sunday afternoon.

Attendance, however, is at the parent’s discretion and students who are sick or may have come to contact with someone who is sick should stay home according to the post. No penalties will be associated with attendance the post from superintendent Stacey Brister said.

Teachers are preparing materials for students who’s parents choose to self-quarantine them the post said.

The district is postponing open house, all field trips, professional development activities for teachers, out-of-district travel, and UIL performances/ballgames beginning March 16, 2020, through March 29, 2020 and may reschedule some of them when possible according to the post.

The district’s open status could change at anytime the post said.

March 15 - 4:30 p.m. — A possible coronavirus exposure to a few church members in Vidor who then attended Wednesday services was one factor in a First Baptist Church Vidor's decision to cancel services beginning this weekend.

RELATED: Possible coronavirus exposure to group of Vidor church members prompts online-only services

March 15 - 3:15 p.m. — Equipment rentals, including canoes, kayaks and bicycles, have been suspended until further notice at Martin Dies Jr. State Park as of Saturday morning according to a post on the park's Facebook page.

Currently there is no discussion about closing the park or canceling reservations according to the park in a comment on the post.

At this time there is NO discussion that parks will be closing or reservations will be cancelled. In fact, the opposite is true. We are committed to remaining open.  

March 15 - 1:50 p.m. — A minor leaguer for the New York Yankees has tested positive for the coronavirus, making him the first known player affiliated with Major League Baseball to contract COVID-19. The Yankees didn’t identify the player.

RELATED: MLB suspends spring training, opening day pushed back

March 15 - 1:30 p.m. — In a letter on Sunday, Lush announced it will be temporarily closing all of its stores nationwide and in Canada. The cosmetics retailer said it will close all stores from March 16 to 29 but still operate its online sites.

March 15 - 12:45 p.m. — The 55th Academy of Country Music Awards, which were scheduled to air CBS  Sunday, April 5 from Las Vegas is postponed and will be rescheduled. It's expected to air, still on CBS, in September.

The date and time of the award show hasn't been announced.

March 15 - 12:30 p.m. —  In a tweet Sunday, Governor Andrew Cuomo said "it is only a matter of time before ICU beds are full" in New York. Cuomo said, "we need more ICU beds and we need the federal gov’t to help us meet this urgent need."  

March 15 - 10 a.m. —  Gov. John Bel Edwards reported on Sunday that a second death from Covid-19 had been reported in Louisiana. At least 247 people have been tested in Louisiana, according to the health department. The CDC has confirmed two of the 91 positive tests in Louisiana. The number of cases in Louisiana has nearly tripled since Friday, and that number is expected to continue growing as more people are tested. Interactive map of Louisiana cases here.

March 15 - 9:59 a.m. — The City of Austin has banned gatherings of 250 people or more until at least May 1 to help tackle the spread of the coronavirus. Read more here

March 15 - 8:20 a.m. — The British Press Association is reporting one government proposal, reportedly expected to be introduced this month, could ask people over the age of 70 to stay home for up to four months. Under the proposal, those individuals will be "instructed" to keep under strict isolation in their home or in a care facility for four months in a "wartime-style mobilization effort."

March 15 - 8:14 a.m. —  A New Jersey city is imposing a curfew on residents. Those living in Hoboken must stay inside their homes from 10 p.m. - 5 a.m. starting March 16. Bars and restaurant are also being limited to only offering takeout and delivery services. Read more here.

>>>> Read SE Texas COVID19 updates from previous days here <<<<

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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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