News Flash

More information on COVID-19

COVID-19 Hotline Information

A DSHS COVID-19 Call Center was established and an email box created to receive incoming questions from the general public.

Email: coronavirus@dshs.texas.gov

DSHS COVID-19 Call Center: 1-877-570-9779

Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Monday – Friday

COVID-19 Update - June 24th

As of yesterday, The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) notified the Ellis County Office of Emergency Management of a change in the COVID-19 case reporting structure within DSHS Public Health Regions 2/3. 

 They have informed the County due to the increasingly high volume of cases in the region and the transition to a statewide system for contact investigation and contact tracing through the Texas Health Trace (THT) web-based platform, DSHS will no longer be providing the daily COVID-19 case line lists outlining cases within 49 counties across the region. THT will now conduct investigations for COVID cases, rather than DSHS PHR 2/3 epidemiology staff.  

 For residents actively monitoring COVID-19 within Ellis County, the Office of Emergency Management will no longer be able to provide breakdowns of COVID-19 cases by age, gender, and jurisdiction due to this change in case reporting. DSHS recommends using their COVID-19 Texas Data Dashboard which includes cases over time by county and cumulative tests over time by county for future updates, or their interactive map. 

 We understand this dashboard can be confusing to navigate through. Ellis County will continue to provide updates based on information made available on the DSHS Texas Data Dashboard and interactive map. 

 Patients with COVID-19 have been found to lack symptoms (“asymptomatic”). This means that the virus can spread between people interacting in close proximity—for example, speaking, coughing, or sneezing—even if those people are not exhibiting symptoms.

With a case increase like we have seen today, it is imperative that residents are aware of the existence of COVID-19 within Ellis County. We are relying on every individual to remain vigilant in coming together to protect our families, our neighbors, and our community.  Residents should wear masks while in public, wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your face, and practice physical distancing. Businesses should provide a safe and sanitary environment for their customers in accordance with the Open Texas guidelines to mitigate the risks of COVID-19.

COVID-19 in Ellis County (these numbers are available on the DSHS Data Dashboard):

Total Cases: 684

Active Cases: 162

Fatalities: 19

Recoveries: 358

Tests Administered: 9,176

Todd Little,

Ellis County Judge & Emergency Management Director