Coronavirus outbreak reported at Corpus Christi halfway house

This story is updated to reflect officials' amended statements about the number of halfway house residents and employees who tested positive for COVID-19.

A coronavirus outbreak at a halfway house in Corpus Christi has sickened at least 18 people.

While several cases of COVID-19 were identified last week at a downtown-area transitional housing facility, at least 13 more were reported by city and public health officials Monday.  

In all, the 18 people are comprised of three employees and 15 residents, according to public health director Annette Rodriguez.

About 30 to 35 people usually occupy the facility, including employees and residents, she said.

At least three residents worked at STX Beef meat processing plant, where several cases have been reported, she said.

There are about 10 known cases at the plant, Rodriguez said.

It’s not clear whether the other cases are tied to the halfway house.

Thirteen people at the halfway house are under quarantine, while others have been relocated, according to officials.  

“We need to be extremely attentive to congregate settings where people are in close quarters, sharing meals, sleeping quarters and sharing other common areas,” Rodriguez said.

Last week, officials reported at least seven of the workers at the STX Beef meat processing plant had tested positive for COVID-19. 

A plan calls for all of the staff to be tested, Rodriguez said.

About 340 samples were taken Saturday, and at least 200 collected Monday, she said.

City Manager Peter Zanoni estimated the total number of plant personnel at about 800.

The health district is working with company officials, Rodriguez said.

Precautions taken so far include Plexiglass installation in the cafeteria, evaluating cleaning procedures and examining how people clock in and clock out, she said.

In a recent statement, company officials wrote that safety measures include face masks, face shields, enhanced sanitation, thermal camera temperature checkpoints and social distancing in the lunch room and break areas. 

Nueces County coronavirus cases reported Monday were the highest yet, at 15, with only two of the cases unaffiliated with the halfway house, according to officials.

The new cases bring Nueces County’s total number to 147, data shows.

In total, there have been about 4,800 tests performed in Nueces County, about 380 of which were reported Monday.

Of those who were infected, 78 have recovered, state the records. Seven people are hospitalized, with four in the intensive care unit.

The case increases in the past two weeks can’t be solely attributed to more testing, according to Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi researchers.

Other factors likely include the lifting of state and county stay at home orders, and a drop off in social distancing, according to a presentation Friday.

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Kirsten Crow covers government, industry and development in South Texas. Support local news by checking out our subscription options and special offers at Caller.com/subscribe