Commentary: This Is Not a Drill

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Infectious Disease

Background:

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the first U.S. case of novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), on January 21, 2020.
• The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) recognized the imminent threat of SARS-CoV-2 reaching Texas.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document the initial response of the DSHS to the emerging SARS-CoV-2 threat.
• To outline the proactive measures taken by the DSHS in anticipation of the virus's arrival in Texas.

Main Methods:

• Activation of the DSHS State Medical Operations Center on January 31, 2020.
• Implementation of preparedness protocols for an impending public health crisis.

Main Results:

• The DSHS initiated a coordinated response to the novel coronavirus outbreak.
• Preparedness measures were established prior to the virus's confirmed arrival in Texas.

Conclusions:

• Early activation of public health emergency operations is crucial for effective crisis management.
• Proactive state-level preparedness is essential to mitigate the impact of novel infectious diseases.