Coronavirus: Precautions in Texas Drivers License Workplaces

AUSTIN, TX – The Texas Department of Public Safety is taking precautionary measures against the spread of the new coronavirus virus by introducing additional hygiene measures in statewide driver license offices, officials said Thursday.

In addition, officials from the state agency said they provided guidelines on best practice to members of the department, as hygiene is important as a safeguard against the spread of disease.

State agency officials said they are following recommended guidelines from the Texas Department of Health and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The agency has a number of resources related to COVID-19 on its website that outline tactics to prevent the spread of disease.

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In particular, in driver’s license offices across the state, regulators and employees have issued guidelines to improve hygiene practices throughout the day – including cleaning office equipment with alcohol-based products after customer transactions.

In addition, the department has stepped up janitorial services in offices and public spaces within driver’s license offices (e.g. kiosks, public toilets, door handles, etc.), which are cleaned more frequently throughout the day, officials said in a press release. Hand sanitizer is also available to customers at all driver license offices, officials added.

“The best way to prevent infection is to take precautions to avoid exposure to COVID-19. These are similar to what you take to prevent the flu,” the agency said in a prepared statement. “For this reason, the department has put signs in all DPS offices that refer to best practices for hygiene and preventive measures.”

Agency officials took the opportunity to remind drivers to use online resources: “Additionally, DPS wants to remind Texans of the many ways to conduct their DL transactions online without going to an office,” said Officer. “Some people may be eligible to skip the trip and quickly renew their Texas DL or ID online (or by phone).”

Address changes can also be made online or through the mail in many cases, officials added. Visit Texas.gov to determine eligibility to renew online. The fee is the same for online, in-person and over-the-phone renewals, officials added. For more information on renewing your driver’s license or ID card, see the DPS website.

The respiratory disease now known as COVID-19 is caused by a member of the coronavirus family that is closely related to the SARS and MERS viruses that have caused outbreaks in the past. So far, no confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported in the state capital, Austin, but nearly two dozen cases have been confirmed elsewhere in Texas.

A novel (new) coronavirus was first spotted in Wuhan City, Hubei province, China, in late December, before an outbreak of respiratory diseases worldwide, the Texas Department of Health reported. As of March 12, there were 23 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in various counties in Texas – three dozen if you count others quarantined on a San Antonio military base. The Texas Department of Health provided this record: