COVID-19 cases rising in Jefferson County

Published 3:02 pm Sunday, April 5, 2020

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The number of confirmed cases of coronavirus, or COVID-19, in Jefferson County has risen to 65, the Southeast Texas Emergency Operations Center reported Sunday.

That’s 13 more cases since the center last updated the numbers at about 5 p.m. Friday. Port Arthur now has 17 cases, an increase of three; Nederland has six, an increase of two; and Groves has three, an increase of two.

The Port Arthur Health Department received confirmation of four positive cases of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in Port Arthur residents on Sunday. These individuals are between the age range of 20-70.

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The four most recent positive cases are not believed to be travel related.

One of these individuals is hospitalized, and the other three are quarantined at home and are cooperating with local health officials.

For confidentiality purposes, the PAHD is not releasing any additional information to identify these individuals. This brings the total to 17 positive cases for Port Arthur.

Beaumont has the most cases with 36. The China/Nome area has two and Fannett/LaBelle area has one.

In all, the EOC counts 121 cases for a six-county area including Jefferson, Hardin, Jasper, Newton, Orange and Tyler. The numbers are a compilation from several different health departments.

Anyone experiencing fever, dry cough or shortness of breath, or has been exposed to an infected individual can call 409-550-2536 to be evaluated for testing. The call center is open 24 hours per day, seven days per week.