Walmart Limiting Customer Entry In Stores To Support Social Distancing
Walmart today announced new COVID-19 preventive measures the business will be implementing that will affect how shopping is conducted at the store. In the last few weeks, the business has adjusted the hours of operation and implemented additional sanitizing and preventive measures. Starting Saturday, April 4, Walmart Customer Entry will be regulated and some stores will also be implementing “one-way movement” through the aisles, according to a corporate news release.
Walmart US Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Dacona Smith in an April 3 news release explained the changes being made in an effort to “promote health, safety and consistency for our associates and customers,” by better helping to facilitate social distancing in Walmart stores.
“While many of our customers have been following the advice of the medical community regarding social distancing and safety, we have been concerned to still see some behaviors in our stores that put undue risk on our people. We want to encourage customers to bring the fewest number of people per family necessary to shop, allow for space with other customers while shopping, and practice social distancing while waiting in lines. We’re also seeing states and municipalities set varying policies regarding crowd control – which has created some confusion regarding shopping,” the news release by Smith stated.
Regulating Store Entry
According to the release, Walmart will begin limiting the number of customers who can be in a store at once starting Saturday. No more than five customers will be allowed per 1,000 square feet at a time, which is roughly 20 percent of a store’s capacity, Smith stated in the release.
Customers will enter through a single marked entry door, the grocery entrance for many stores, and exit the store through another door. Customers will be admitted one-by-one and counted. After a store reaches that capacity, customers will be admitted on a “1-out-1-in” basis. They’ll exit through a different designated exit door after checking out. Store associates should be available to help direct customers to the proper doors
Shopping Inside the Store
Next week, Walmart also plans to “institute one-way movement” through store aisles using floor markers and direction from associates “in a number of our stores,” according to the corporate release. Ideally, one-way movement will “help customers avoid coming into close contact with others as they shop,” and thereby helping to facilitate social distancing.
After checking out, customer will be directed to the newly designated exit door as a means to “lessen the instances of people closely passing each other,” the release stated.
Sulphur Springs Store
An associate at Sulphur Springs Walmart confirmed the store will be limiting entry to the store starting Saturday, with only one person per household allowed in the store at a time.
Brookshire Grocery Offers Discount For Emergency And Critical Service Providers
Brookshire Grocery Co. today announced a discount for emergency and critical service providers as well as a new policy regarding reusable bags as well.
Discounts
According to a GSC announcement, the discount applies for all:
- Emergency first responders — EMS, fire department and law enforcement officers;
- Hospital personnel; and
- Active-duty military, including National Guard and Military Reserve.
“We believe it is important to show appreciation to those who are serving on the front lines caring for our neighbors,” said Brad Brookshire, chairman and CEO for Brookshire Grocery Co. “These providers are the pride of our communities and we want to offer this as a symbol of our gratitude for their service during this time.”
“Supporting first responders and military heroes is a pillar of our Giving Back program and this discount is an extension of our commitment to honoring them for their incredible service,” said Trent Brookshire, chief operating officer for Brookshire Grocery Co. “BGC is committed to making a difference in the communities we serve. We are forever grateful for these heroes for their dedication and service during these unprecedented times.”
The store brand discount applies to Brookshire’s, Super 1 Foods and Spring Market branded products, along with Goldenbrook, Pure Harmony, Top Care, Simply Done, Paws, Tippy Toes, Full Circle, CharKing, Wide Awake Coffee Co., Over the Top, That’s Smart and Culinary Tours, the announcement stated.
Critical and emergency service providers must present active first responder, hospital or military identification or name badge at checkout to receive the discount, which can’t be combined with other discount offers, according to the BGC release.
Emergency and critical responders aren’t the only ones BGC has offered special discounts for. A 5 percent discount for senior citizens was announced March 18 and is to continue through May 5. The store also asks the community allow “our first hour of operations be reserve as a dedicated time for senior citizens,” and asks patrons to allow any senior guests to move to the front of the check-out line throughout the day as well.
Reusable Bags
As the business continues to adjust to the current needs of the community and adapt procedures as needed as preventive measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic, BGC also April 3 announced a new policy. Reusable bags will will not be permitted in Brookshire’s and BGC stores until further notice. This is a preventive measure implemented to protect the health and safety of employees and customers.
“As much as we appreciate and share in our customers commitment to sustainability we believe this is the right thing to do in order to further safeguard against the spread of COVID-19. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation,” BGC posted in the announcement.
Social Security Recipients Will Automatically Receive Economic Impact Payments
For those wondering, Social Security beneficiaries were approved to receive an Economic Impact Payment. Like the Americans within the income levels established in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security or CARES Act, Social Security beneficiaries won’t have to do anything except wait for the payment to be disbursed, according to the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service.
“Social Security recipients who are not typically required to file a tax return do not need to take an action, and will receive their payment directly to their bank account,” said U.S. Department of the Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin.
The IRS will use the information on the Form SSA-1099 and Form RRB-1099 to generate $1,200 Economic Impact Payments to Social Security recipients who did not file tax returns in 2018 or 2019. Recipients will receive these payments as a direct deposit or by paper check, just as they would normally receive their benefits.
TEA: State Accountability, Testing Waived For All Districts, Campuses
All Schools To Receive “Not Rated: Declared State of Disaster” For State Academic Accountability
For those worried what the mandatory school closures due to COVID-19 will mean as far as state academic testing and ratings and for their schools, don’t. For 2020 state academic accountability, all districts and campuses will receive a label of “Not Rated: Declared State of Disaster,” according to Texas Education Agency.
TEA this week received approval from the U.S. Department of Education to waive statewide assessment and accountability requirements under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act, for the 2019–2020 school year. School administrators should be receiving letters from TEA notifying them about this very soon, if they have not already received one.
Most state and federal funding and other opportunities schools received are tied to school ratings which are impacted by students’ scores on state tests and other indicators. After Governor Greg Abbot ordered schools closed through May, and suspended the annual academic assessment requirements, the question of what that would mean for schools arose.
TEA on March 24 requested a federal assessment and accountability waiver from USDE; the waiver was granted on March 30. TEA will issue “labels indicating Not Rated: Declared State of Disaster for 2020 to recognize that the closure of schools during the state’s testing window inhibited the ability of the state to accurately measure district and campus performance.”
Campuses identified for comprehensive support and improvement, targeted support and improvement, and additional targeted support in 2019 will maintain that label and interventions for 2020–2021.
Districts or campuses that received D or F ratings in 2019 will “continue to implement the previously ordered sanctions and interventions.”
“If a campus has been ordered to prepare a turnaround plan and then receives a rating of Not Rated: Declared State of Disaster, that campus is strongly encouraged, but not required, to implement the approved turnaround plan,” TEA reports.
Overall ratings or domain ratings of D or F in both 2019 and in 2021 by a campus or district “will be considered to be consecutive for the determination of multiple-year unacceptable status.”
Express Transport Offering Elderly Care Packages For Those In Need
Express Transportation is offering free grocery delivery to Northeast Texas elderly in need by offering elderly care packages, which include the basic essentials which might be hard to obtain in stores during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Many elderly are confined to their homes due to their immune systems or not being of good health preventing them from getting to the stores. We have coordinated with businesses throughout Northeast Texas to offer drop locations for folks to donate supplies,” said Mandy Kay with Express Transportation & Tipsy Taxi.
Express Transport started as a transport service, and expanded their services. The business provides people with rides to the airport, doctors’ appointments, grocery pick up, hospital pick up, errand service and a weekend Tipsy Taxi to take people who have imbibed alcoholic beverages home.
Seeing a need among elderly in the business’ service area for basic supplies they either can’t find in stores or can’t go to stores to get during the COVID-19 pandemic, Express Transportation decided to step in and help where they can. And, they are asking those in the community who have time or supplies to spare to pitch in as well.
“We are finding that some elderly don’t have anything to eat or even basic supplies. In some cases, it’s because there was nothing on the shelves. People stocked up and there was nothing for them to purchase. In other cases, they don’t have anything,” the Express Transportation representative said.
Express Transportation reported receiving reports from professionals and community members of elderly Northeast Texas people in need.
“People are reaching out. Nurses are reaching out, LVNs who help take care of people. We have lots of elderly people in our community who need help,” Mandy Kay said.
She stressed that this service is offered on a need basis. The care packages are not offered for people who want them and don’t want to go to the grocery story; they are for elderly community members who are in real need. Each is packaged individually to meet the specific needs of the elderly person who will receive it.
Those who have a little extra they would like to donate for elderly individuals may do so at any of the partnering business drop locations during collection hours; for donations during other hours or donations of perishable items, contact Mandy Kay directly at Express Transportation,
Donations may be made at the following drop locations by county:
- Hopkins County- Backstory Brewery, 211 Magnolia Street, Sulphur Springs, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. If no one is present to receive donations for the elderly care packages, Express Transportation asks that people not leave items; call (469)332-9124.
- Wood County — First Baptist Church, 100 Church Street, Yantis, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday- Thursday; contact if no one is available 903-383-2393.
- Gregg County — Kratom King, 315 West Marshall Ave., Longview, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; mention elderly care packages.
Express Transportation is hoping to add drop locations in Hunt, Upshur and Rains Counties, where Express Transportation serves as well. If any business or agency is interested in serving as a drop location for elderly care packages, they are encouraged to call 469-332-9124.
Items most needed by elderly include:
- Body wash
- Hand soap
- Lysol
- Kleenex
- Toilet paper
- Adult wipes
- Milk
- Eggs
- Bread
- Sandwich meat
- Canned meat
- Vegetables
- Soup
- Crackers
- Small containers of bleach
- Hand sanitizer
- Rubbing alcohol/aloe
- Toothpaste
- Dry beans
- Flour
- Sugar
- Hamburger meat, small packages
- Spaghetti noodles and paste
- Canned Tuna
- Cranberry juice
- Oatmeal
“Tell someone if you have cold food so they can be separated and refrigerated or call 469-332-9124,” Mandy Kay said. “We want to try to help as many as can, but we need donations and volunteers in Hopkins County. most cases are here.”
All packaging will be handled on-site at the drop location. For the health of the elderly who will receive the donated items as well as that of the volunteers and Express Transportation drivers who will help deliver the packages, all donated items are sanitize twice, even bags and boxes, with 15 minutes of time between.
Volunteers are welcome, but Mandy Kay emphasizes that they, like Express Transportation delivery drivers, can’t be sick or exhibit signs of sickness. Those who are are asked to stay home so as not spread illness in the community.
For additional information about the elderly care packages, including donating, volunteering or request help for a needy senior adult, call 469-332-9124.
Collin County Man Held On Warrants For Alleged Child Sex Crimes In Hopkins County
A 53-year-old Collin County man arrested Thursday, March 26, in Collin County following a Hopkins County investigation into child pornography allegations, has been served with two warrants for alleged child sex crimes in Hopkins County and has a federal hold related to the investigation as well, according to Collin County jail reports.
Christopher Hardesty was taken into custody at his residence for alleged possession of child pornography and online solicitation of a minor for sexual conduct, according to Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office investigators and Collin County jail reports. Hardesty has subsequently been served with Hopkins County warrants for sexual assault of a child and sexual performance by a child.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s investigators, while collecting forensics evidence in ongoing investigations, located videos of suspected child pornography that, based on evidence, appears to have been produced in Hopkins County, according to a HCSO press release following Hardesty’s arrest in Collin County.
A suspect was reportedly developed with further investigation and legal process. A search warrant was obtained for a residence in Collin County, HCSO officials reported.
Plano Police Department, Collin County District Attorney’s Investigator and a federal partners assisted Hopkins County sheriff’s officers in serving the search warrant at the Collin County residence, according to HCSO reports.
Based on evidence discovered during the investigation and execution of the search warrant, Christopher W. Hardesty was taken into custody at his Collin County residence and booked into Collin County jail Thursday, March 26, according to an HCSO press release. Investigators then obtained warrants for his arrest on two Hopkins County child sex warrants
Hardesty remained in Collin County jail Friday morning, April 3, in lieu of $305,000 bond on the charges: $100,000 bond each on the two second-degree felony Collin County charges; and $75,000 on the Hopkins County second degree felony sexual assault of a child charge and $30,000 on the third-degree felony sexual performance by a child charge, according to Collin County jail reports.
Dike Teen Accused Of Making False Report To Sheriff’s Officers
An 18-year-old Dike teen was accused Thursday morning of making a false report of sexual assault to officers, according to sheriff’s investigators.
The young woman reportedly made an allegation of a sexual assault. Using forensics, interviews and surveillance evidence officers determined the person accused in the offense was actually about an hour and a half away from the supposed location when the sexual assault was alleged to have occurred, investigators reported Friday morning.
“She provided false statements,” Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Chief Investigator Corley Weatherford said. “If people choose to give false statements about alleged crimes, we will prosecute.”
Thus, a warrant was obtained for the 18-year-old’s arrest for making a false report. The teen was in an interview room at the sheriff’s office when the warrant was issued, so officers took her into custody at 10:20 a.m. April 2 and escorted her into the county jail on the Class B misdemeanor false report charge, according to arrest reports.
The teen spent the night in jail and was released from custody Friday morning, April 3. Bond on the charge was set at $1,000 on the misdemeanor charge, according to jail reports.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
COVID-19 Update: 3 Positive Cases, 41 Negative, 32 Tests Pending For Hopkins County
Hopkins County Hospital District COO/EMS Director Brent Smith today reported that after 18 days, a total of 76 potential cases have met the criteria set by Centers for Disease Control and Texas Department of State Health Services for COVID-19 testing. Of the 44 test results returned for Hopkins County as of Thursday afternoon, April 2, three have been confirmed as positive for novel coronavirus 2019, and 41 negative COVID-19 tests for Hopkins County, Smith reported.
As of the last report on Monday morning, 62 tests had been sent off, 16 negative tests returned, 44 tests were still pending results and 2 confirmed positive COVID-19 cases for Hopkins County. One of those pending results came back Monday evening, with Hopkins County Emergency Management officials reporting confirmation of a positive case, bringing the county’s total to 3 positive COVID-19 cases.
That means while there have been no additional positive cases reported for Hopkins County since Monday evening, 25 tests did come back negative for COVID-19. It also means 14 additional tests were sent for testing, for a total of 32 screenings still out pending test results for Hopkins County, according to the data provided by HCHD/EMS.
In Texas, 143 of the 254 counties have reported confirmed cases of COVID-19 to DSHS. Throughout the state, there have been 50,679 tests conducted, with 4,669 confirmed COVID-19 cases reported, including 70 fatalities. At least 47.7 percent of cases were male and 45.9 percent female, with information still pending for 6.4 percent of confirmed cases.
The age groups in Texas with the most reported cases are those individuals ages 40-49 years (201 cases), 50-59 (196 cases), 30-39 years (166), 20-29 (152) and ages 60-64 years (100 cases). All other age groups had fewer than 100 cases, according to DSHS.
With the Governor’s March 31 Executive Order for Texans to stay at home, stay safe and the extended disaster declaration put in place by the Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom April 1, local and state emergency officials urge community members to remain at home unless obtaining necessary supplies or active for a job, government or other activity deemed by the Governor to be “essential.”
When out for essential business or in groups, all are reminded to observe social distancing — maintain 6 feet between you and other people and reduce gatherings to 10 or less as a precaution. Doing so will help cut down on the spread of illnesses in Hopkins County, and could save lives.
Good hygiene, washing hands with soap in warm water for at least 20 seconds, regular disinfecting and cleaning of surfaces, and avoiding touching the face, and avoiding people who cough or sneeze are also important, according to DSHS and the CDC guidelines.
If you’re not sure whether or not your job or business is considered essential? Read the Governor’s executive order or follow the steps outlined on the Texas Department of Emergency Management’s website (http://tdem.texas.gov/essentialservices/) to see what is and isn’t considered essential.
Channel 18: COVID-19 Precautions in Spanish
Please share this video with any of our Spanish-only or Spanish as a first language community. Video produced by Hopkins County EMS.
Texas A&M University-Commerce To Donate COVID-19 Testing Kits To Area Healthcare Facilities
COMMERCE, Texas — Texas A&M University-Commerce is set to donate 100 COVID-19 testing kits to several local healthcare providers.
According to A&M-Commerce PresidentMark Rudin, “In this time of crisis, we are all doing what we can to help each other in our community. Hopefully, this donation will combat the shortage of supplies in East Texas so more people can be tested forCOVID-19.”
The viral testing kits will be rushed to A&M-Commerce by the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory in College Station. The kits were assembled from lab supplies usually reserved for pigs, cows and chickens at A&M’s four diagnostic labs across the state.
Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp said the veterinary experts who track animal disease outbreaks were ready to assist with the current human pandemic.
“No one has ever done this before, but tough times call for creative measures,” said Sharp.
Dr. Bruce Akey, director of the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, said he sent out a plea for supplies to his labs in Amarillo, Center and Gonzales, Texas, and they began overnighting the supplies late last week.
“We assembled the supplies into testing kits here in our College Station lab,” Akey said. “We know that the 2,000 we came up with may not seem like much when there are 20-plus million Texans at risk who may need testing, but if you need to be tested and you can’t right now because they don’t have this kit, then it’s a pretty big deal to you and your family. So we are doing what we can right now.”
The kits consist of a swab, a vial with transport media to preserve the sample in the vial, and a bag. The components of the kits are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for use in sampling humans for the COVID-19 virus.
Before the pandemic exhausted the supply, the kits usually cost between $4-$5 if they were ordered in bulk. Now, these simple supplies are back-ordered for months, crippling efforts to test humans for COVID-19.
“We hope to get these testing kits in the hospitals or clinics where they are most needed as soon as possible,” Akey said. “We are pulling out all the stops.”
