News Flash

Last Friday, the State of Texas had 39 confirmed COVID-19 cases. As of today, there are more than 140 Texans identified to have been tested positive for COVID-19. That number continues to change by the hour. In Ellis County, we currently have one presumptive positive case of COVID-19 and several who are being self-quarantined in order to take precautionary measures of potential exposure. A presumptive positive result is when a patient has tested positive by a local public health laboratory, but those results are still pending confirmation at a Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lab. We must all make sacrifices and commit to stopping the spread of COVID-19.

Communities across the state shall follow Federal, State, and CDC guidelines for preventative actions to stop the spread of COVID-19. These guidelines continue to evolve by the hour. You can find the most updated guidelines at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html. Today, Governor Abbott issued an Executive Order effective 11:59 p.m. on March 20, 2020, through 11:59 p.m. on April 3, 2020. This order is subject to an extension thereafter based on the status of COVID-19 in Texas and the recommendations by the CDC. 

Every Texan shall avoid all gatherings in groups of more than 10 people. All critical infrastructure shall remain open and continue providing essential services. Businesses are to implement policies allowing employees to work from home to eliminate the spread of COVID-19.

In conjunction with the President, CDC, and Governor Abbott’s Executive Orders, citizens shall not eat or drink at bars, restaurants, and food courts, or visit gyms or massage parlors. Restaurants and other establishments are allowed to utilize drive-through, delivery, and pick-up options. People shall not visit nursing homes, retirement, or long-term care facilities unless to provide critical assistance. Schools throughout the state shall temporarily close through April 3, 2020.

The Texas spirit has always cultivated freedom and resilience. With the help of every member of our community, we can move past the negative effects of COVID-19 that we have begun to see across the Nation. It is imperative that every citizen follow these guidelines to help contain the spread of this deadly virus.

Todd Little

Ellis County Judge & Emergency Management Director