COVID-19 Update: Disaster Declaration Extended, Governor’s ‘Stay At Home, Stay Safe’ Order Clarified
Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom today extended the disaster declaration for Hopkins County to match the Executive Order issued by Governor Greg Abbott due to COVID-19 on Tuesday. Hopkins County Emergency Management Team during their COVID-19 update clarified the order stay at home and stay safe order, which is different than a shelter at home order.
While the Governor’s Executive Order goes into effect at 11:59 p.m. tonight (April 1), the county disaster declaration is effective immediately and will remain in place for seven days or until Hopkins County Commissioners Court approves or changes it during a meeting; they are expected to meet as usual next Monday, April 6, to consider officially extending the declaration.
“It basically follows everything the Governor said yesterday afternoon. Anything the Governor said in his words are put into our words. It is not called a shelter in place order. It is a stay home, stay safe order. That means people are to stay at home unless performing essential activities. We are following what he said, but more specifically and up front from the way he did,” Judge Robert Newsom said Wednesday afternoon.
“The Governor asked to quit using ‘shelter in place’ That is for an immediate disaster, like a tornado. That’s something that can be told over the radio or TV, as a way communicate the need to immediately take shelter. This is a stay home order for everyone except essential services and activities,” Hopkins County Emergency Management Coordinator Andy Endsley said.
Essential services, according to the Governor’s order, specifically include:
Tattoo and piercing studios, and cosmetology salons were added to the list of nonessential businesses cited in the Governor’s order which are to remain closed during the stay at home order, in keeping with CDC and the President‘s guidelines.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Tanner Crump said as far as compliance goes regarding essential businesses, it will be up to the business employer to issue letters or work application designating their employees as essential. The employees can attach the essential services designation to show if asked about their travels in the community.
According to Hopkins County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Tanner Crump, as far as enforcement goes, the executive order stipulates not following the stay at home, stay safe guidelines could be punishable by fine or warrant. Hopkins County officials will take the “appropriate action” needed to keep citizens safe.
The HCEMT noted the Governor did address religious services, as being essential, but also called for them to follow CDC guidelines regarding gatherings of more than 10. Abbot encouraged people to use think teleconferencing, radio or video when possible, the officials pointed out. Newsom said he thinks people in Hopkins County are doing that well.
The officials said a prayer vigil like the one planned April 5 from 8-8:30p.m. in Sulphur Springs High School parking lot meet the terms outlined by the Governor. Provided everyone stays in their individual vehicles to pray together such gatherings are OK, as is turning on the vehicle’s hazard lights to show participation.
All infrastructure and critical services will continue to be provided in the city. Sulphur Springs city parks will also remain open.
Sulphur Springs city and county government will continue to operate, but lobbies will continue to be closed for the duration of the order.
City government meetings such as next Tuesday’s regular City Council meeting will be conducted via Zoom, with access for the community to view online and a means to communicate comments as appropriate. Additional information about that will be included with meeting agendas, City Manager Marc Maxwell reported earlier Wednesday.
County Commissioners court meetings tend to have smaller attendance, and at this time will continue to be held on the normal dates and locations. Those needing to attend should contact the judge’s office to be admitted to the courthouse, according to Newsom.
Endsley emphasized the importance of social distancing and staying home as a means to reduce spread of Coronavirus.
“Social distancing is the key to this whole situation. Scientists around the world and the CDC are trying figure this out. Social distancing is proven to work,” Endsley said.
As of noon today, Hopkins County still only had three confirmed positive cases of COVID-19. Hopkins County Hospital District/EMS this week reported 62 potential cases meeting the criteria for testing; 16 had come back as negative; three were positive; and the rest are still pending. It’s taking about 10 business days for testing results.
Watch Newsom discuss the declaration and other COVID-19 related information at Hopkins County, Texas Emergency Management Facebook page.
COVID-19 related questions may be emailed to HCEMT at [email protected]
Brashear Man Arrested For Trespassing Also Charged With Violation Of Parole
A 54-year-old Brashear man taken into March 30 for criminal trespassing at a relative’s home following two complaints from the address was later charged with violation of parole, according to jail and arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office was contacted twice March 30 regarding the State Highway 19 south residence. At 9:56 a.m., they were told a person had showed up at the relative’s home and the father did not want the individual there. At 12:10 p.m. March 30, HCSO was contacted by someone concerned the resident was being held hostage by his son, according to sheriff’s reports.
Deputies responded to conduct a welfare check at the location. Upon arrival, they located Russell Lynn Stracener, who had previously been issued a criminal trespass warning which records showed to still be active, for the SH 19 location, Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputy Aaron Chaney and Sgt. Shea Shaw alleged in arrest reports.
Stracener was taken into custody at 12:26 p.m. March 30 on a misdemeanor criminal trespass charge. A charge of violation of parole was also later added to the list of offenses Stracener is accused of, according to jail reports.
The arrest marks the second time in the last 6 months that Stracener has been booked into the county jail, and the second time he’s been charged with violation of parole, according to jail reports.
Stracener was arrested Oct. 26, 2019, for violation of parole and for making a terroristic threat to a family or household member. He remained in Hopkins County jail until March 26, 2020 on the charges, jail reports stated.
On Nov. 17, while in jail, Stracener was charged with an additional Class A misdemeanor terroristic threat of a family or household member offense, according to jail reports. That charge stems from an allegation that he “made comments when he got out of prison he was going to come back and cut his father and brothers’ heads off,” during a contact visit with his elderly father on Nov. 9 sheriff’s deputies noted in Nov. 17 arrest reports. Deputies also served Stracener in November with a a criminal trespass warning, prohibiting him from entering his father’s property when released from custody, according to sheriff’s reports, according to reports.
Stracener’s criminal history includes numerous felony offenses, including being sentenced in December 2013 to two years in prison for an unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon conviction and 1 year on a possession of controlled substance 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.
Dinner Bell Today With Some Changes
The First United Methodist Church will be providing ready-to-go meals today, starting at 11:45 AM. This is a necessary retooling of the popular Dinner Bell program started in 2012.
“Everyone’s safety is our first priority,” said Judy Gilbreath. Rev Ed Lantz had this to add, “We want to welcome everyone, but at the same time we also need to keep everyone safe. We have some new rules, and they are for everyone’s protection.”
That’s the primary reason no dining will be allowed on site. People wanting a free community meal will need to grab an already prepared meal and go. Furthermore, the only place you can get a meal is under the large carport on the North East corner of the building. (See picture below)
Dinner Bell will serve drive-ups, and walk-ups today. Participants will be encouraged to return home, and not loiter on the premises. Enforcing “social distancing” is a must.
The mission of the Dinner Bell is to end hunger in Hopkins County. Fresh, hot, nutritious meals are prepared by volunteers each Wednesday and served to our guests at the First United Methodist Church. Through the generous support of church and community members and corporate sponsors we have been able to serve over 20,000 meals to those in need since opening our kitchen in 2012.
If you or your business would like to sponsor a Dinner Bell meal, give them a call at 903.885.2185
Avoid Gilmer: Use Oak/Davis Instead
Much needed work on the railroad crossing on Gilmer Street is going on today.
Consider using Oak or Davis streets until the work is complete.
Prayer Vigil Set for April 5 at SS High School Parking Lot
2nd HOPKINS COUNTY PRAYER VIGIL – PLEASE JOIN IN AND SPREAD THE WORD!
Matthew 18:20 “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
We would like to invite the people of Hopkins County to join together in prayer on Sunday, April 5, 2020 from 8:00p.m. – 8:30p.m.
Where: SSHS Student Parking Lot
When: Sunday- April 5, 2020 from 8:00 p.m – 8:30 p.m.
How it works: Please arrive and STAY IN YOUR VEHICLES!
Turn your hazards on so we know you’re praying with us. We want to respect and stick to the guidelines of social distancing. (If the clicking noise of the hazards bother you, you can turn on your parking lights instead.) Please stay for the full thirty minutes or as long as you can.
During this time, we ask that you pray for God’s will to prevail and for His peace to reign in our country, state, county and communities. Pray for our school district, our students, our teachers, and for this virus to end. Please also pray for all the businesses that are fighting through the adversity to overcome this financial hardship and for those who have lost their jobs. PRAY FOR OUR HEALTHCARE WORKERS AND ALL THOSE AFFECTED BY THIS VIRUS. Pray for unity in our homes, communities, states, and country. Pray for the lonely and vulnerable of our society during this time of seclusion. Pray for God to be glorified in this. God is big and this is nothing he can’t handle! Stay for the full 30 minutes or for as long as you can.
Psalm 107:28-30 Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven. Whenever I hold back the rain or send locust to eat up your crops, or send an epidemic on my people, if they pray to me and repent and turn away from evil they are doing, then I will hear them in heaven, forgive them their sins, and make their land prosperity again. 2nd Chronicles 7: 13-14
Jamie VanWinkle, Shelia Aaron, Elizabeth Shaw Moss, and Shirley Patchen
Chamber Connection-April 2
By Lezley Brown, CEO/President, Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce
Several of you who know me know I do not have Facebook on my phone. I check it at the Chamber as it is an important tool for us to share happiness and positivity. I took it off my phone after finally realizing it causes me some anxiety and overall disgust. I’m appalled at how people will say anything … absolutely anything, because there is no accountability for the words written. And, typically I sit silent regarding posts made. After reading something this morning, though, I want to take an opportunity to point out something.
Our leaders of this community are working so very hard to make the best decisions for us. All of them are. They aren’t sleeping. They aren’t being present with their families. They are constantly processing information in a world extremely foreign to us. They are making difficult decisions KNOWING it is an impossible outcome and there is no right way or wrong way. They must make the best decision they can with the information they are given.
This is hard. They are not taking it lightly. So, when I read a comment that began with, “Rumor has it,” I just about came unglued. Let me please urge you … if you have not spoken with a community leader firsthand, then
don’t share the information. This is no time for rumors. This is a time for truth. This is a time to build up, promote, help, encourage, and be brave. This is our time to shine light. Do not tear down … build up. Leave your rumored information silent.
Call your neighbor and check on them. Call your community leader and support them. Send them a Dr. Pepper. Do something kind, because kindness is what we need. And, we don’t need a little bit of it … we need all of it. Be the best part of someone’s day. Because I’m going to tell you, firsthand, a little bit of kindness goes a long, long way. We want to look back at this period of time and think to ourselves, “I don’t know if we did the right thing or the wrong thing in regard to this virus, but I know that I was kind.” And that, my friends, is what matters.
Here is an update to life as we know it right now, and it is changing quickly!
Chamber of Commerce
We are postponing our Chamber Golf Tournament to Friday, June 19 . Our lobby is closed to visitors at this time. We are at the office from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily to answer questions by phone.
Restaurants
All restaurant sit-down dining has been halted until April 30. Most have moved to curbside service and some are even offering home delivery. Just call ahead and visit with your favorite restaurant, and they will bring your food out to you. You can also visit “Takeout Together” on Facebook and Instagram. This is a place where restaurants are publishing current information and items they are offering.
Banking
Most financial institutions have closed their lobbies are banking by appointment. Most transactions can be handled online, and they are also available by phone.
Shopping
Most clothing stores are offering online shopping, curbside pickup, and even doorstep delivery. Please, please don’t forget about your favorite place to shop during this time. They are all fearful and need your help!
Groceries
Our grocery stores have changed their hours of operation. They are closing at nigh to disinfect and re-stock shelves. They are also limiting quantities of items that you can purchase. Hopefully, this will help distribute goods in a more effective manner.
Pharmacies
Our pharmacies are open. Some have closed their lobbies but can be reached through the drive through or curbside service.
Museums
All museums are closed to the public. Most of them still have staffers and can be reached by phone.Main St. Theatre is also closed.
Library, Senior Citizen Center
Closed indefinitely. Meal-A-Day is still making daily deliveries.
Hotels
All of our hotels are open for business and have increased their cleaning protocols.
Energy Companies
Our energy companies have closed their lobbies to visitors but can be reached by phone if needed.
Hospital
For the safety and health of the community and our ministry, CHRISTUS Health is screening all associates and visitors to our hospitals to help lessen the risk of infectious disease transmission among our patients, associates, and guests.
- (1) Entrance to hospital through Emergency Department 24/7
- (1) Visitor per patient
- Visitors must be between the ages of 16 years-old and 65-years old
- All visitors are screened at the door, including a temperature taken
- All associates are screened at each shift, including a temperature taken
- Visiting hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (subject to change)
School Districts in Hopkins County
All school districts in Hopkins County have moved to online learning.
SSISD: Free Meals for Children
SSISD Food Services is providing FREE meals for ALL SSISD students
AND any community children who are between the ages of 1-18. Meals will be available for pick-up each Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m.-11 a.m. until further notices. Students will be able to pick up one breakfast and one lunch meal at this time. Students do not have to attend any one of these campuses to participate. Pick-up areas will be curbside grab-and-go and will be held at the following locations across Sulphur Springs:
- SSES (Lee Street bus lane)
- Bowie (Mockingbird Lane student drop off/pick up lane)
- Bush (South bus lane circle to awning), and
- Douglass (Calvert Street awning).
Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Office, Civic Center
Both are open at this time, with limited staff
Business Highlight
During the year 2020, The Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce is highlighting a business each week.
Please join me in congratulating our Business of the Week for April 2, Slaughters BBQ Oasis.
Most State Parks Remain Open, But Permits Must Be Purchased Online
Most state parks remain open during the COVID-19 pandemic, but there are some important changes to park procedures that become effective April 1, to help protect the health and well-being of visitors, volunteers and staff. One big change will be that all day-use and camping permits must be purchased online before your visit.
As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, more changes including park closures may happen suddenly, according to Texas State Parks Director Rodney Franklin.
Park visitors are reminded to check the Texas State Parks Alert Map or contact the park for updates before they head out until the COVID-19 pandemic improves. Some may also be closed due to weather or other related issues.
For instance, the TSP Alert Map shows Cooper Lake State Park Doctor’s Creek Unit closed March 26 due to high water levels from recent rain, and the closure may last until May. The Alert Map also lists CLSP South Sulphur Unit closed as of March 26 to all day use visitation and the following areas will remain closed until further notice, due to flooding and flood damage in the Deer Haven restroom; Buggy Whip restroom; Heron Harbor day-use area and restroom; Honey Creek boat ramp, restroom, and fishing pier; Oak Grove camping area; and Sunset Cove and Eagle Point piers.
Franklin said visitors should expect the following at state parks that are open:
- There will be no on-site transactions beginning April 1. Vistors must pre-register and pay all day-use and overnight fees online before you arrive. For help with this process, visit our Reservation Information page for simple how-to videos.
- Fewer park visitors are allowed. Fewer visitors make it easier to comply with social distancing guidelines.
- There will be no programs as all in-person events and equipment rentals are cancelled.
- All group sites (halls, campsites, etc.), those where more than 10 people can gather, have been closed, including park headquarters buildings, visitor centers, interpretive centers, stores, and park stores are closed.
- Some parks are closed due to difficulty complying with guidelines for social distancing or disinfecting. Check the Alert Map for the latest status of parks.
TPWD will waive cancellation fees for individual who cancel in March and April, provided the individual contacts the Customer Service Center at (512) 389-8900 or [email protected]
If a reservation is impacted by a facility or park closure, a Customer Service Center agent will contact the individual – individuals in those instances do not need to contact the park service. Customers are being contacted in order of arrival date. For general park information visit TexasStateParks.org.
“We urge you to follow guidelines set by federal, state and local officials regarding social distancing, crowd size and other protocols. In return, we promise to remain diligent in making your visit safe and enjoyable,” Franklin stated.
There Is No Scientific Evidence Mosquitoes, Ticks Transmit COVID-19
By Dr. Mario Villarino
At this time, there is no scientific evidence that COVID-19 is transmitted by mosquitoes and ticks, explained Texas A&M AgriLife experts.
“Ticks, like mosquitoes, are blood-feeding external parasites,” said Pete Teel, Ph.D., Texas A&M University interim head for the Department of Entomology in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. “The viruses they are known to transmit to humans must survive and grow, or replicate, inside the tick as well as survive through tick developmental stages.”
Mosquitoes, ticks and other blood-feeding arthropods are vectors of other viruses and pathogens.
“People still need to exercise caution and good judgment in avoiding bites,” said Zach Adelman, professor in the Department of Entomology. “But there is no evidence that a coronavirus can survive being digested by a mosquito, let alone transmitted to another person. As a result of social distancing, people are also spending more time outside. This is understandable as many outdoor activities like running, biking, etc., are very compatible with social distancing, explained Kevin Myles, professor in the Department of Entomology.”
“One unintended consequence of this trend is that people may be increasingly exposed to mosquitoes and other disease vectors as the weather warms. As a result, everyone should be reminded to wear appropriate clothing and insect repellant when spending time outdoors, as vector-borne diseases continue to pose a threat to public health, in addition to flu and COVID-19,” Myles said.
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person including people who are in close contact with one another — within about six feet —and through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
The World Health Organization has also reported there is no information nor evidence, at this time, to suggest that that novel coronavirus could be transmitted by mosquitoes.
The American Mosquito Control Association is monitoring the situation.
For more information regarding the Coronavirus, visit Texas A&M AgriLife’s Disaster Education Network.
To help prevent the spread and protect yourself:
- wash hands under soap and water for at least 20 seconds,
- use a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol,
- avoid close contact and practice social distancing.
THHS Commission Launches Statewide COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line
AUSTIN – Texas Health and Human Services has launched a 24/7 statewide mental health support line to help Texans experiencing anxiety, stress or emotional challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This new resource offers COVID-19-related mental health support for all Texans. People can call the Statewide COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week toll-free at 833-986-1919.
“Through this new effort, we are connecting Texans with mental health professionals who can help provide support to those who are feeling overwhelmed and stressed,” said Sonja Gaines, deputy executive commissioner for Intellectual and Developmental Disability and Behavioral Health Services. “It can be helpful to talk to someone when you are facing anxiety, depression and stress, which are not uncommon to experience in the face of a rapidly changing situation like a pandemic.”
Operated by the Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD, the support line offers trauma-informed support and psychological first aid to those experiencing stress and anxiety related to COVID-19. Counseling services are confidential and free of charge to people who call the hotline.
“It is important to recognize how our mental health can be affected by the pandemic,” said Sen. Jane Nelson. “The mental health support line for COVID-19 will go a long way to ensure Texans who are struggling with anxiety, depression or other mental health issues can access the care they need.”
For general health-related information and precautions on COVID-19, people can visit the DSHS webpage and the CDC webpage. To stay up-to-date on the latest news impacting HHS services and regulated providers, people can visit the HHS COVID-19 webpage.
For more information on mental health resources, find the local mental health authority by clicking here.
Governor Extends School Closures; Implements Essential Services, Activities Protocols
Governor Greg Abbott issued an Executive Order today implementing Essential Services and Activities Protocols for the entire state of Texas. The protocols direct all Texans to minimize non-essential gatherings and in-person contact with people who are not in the same household.
(Photo: Office of Governor Greg Abbott)
The Governor’s Executive Order renews and amends his previous order enforcing federal social distancing guidelines for COVID-19, including closing schools and instructing Texans to avoid eating or drinking at bars and restaurants. The protocols allow exceptions for essential activities and services based on the Department of Homeland Security’s guidelines on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce. Examples of these essential services include healthcare, grocery stores, banking and financial services, utilities, child care for essential service employees, and government services.
Today’s Executive Order follows the decision by President Trump and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to enhance social distancing guidelines and extend the deadline for these guidelines to April 30.
“Social distancing is our best tool in the fight against COVID-19, and the actions we have taken thus far have proven to be effective in limiting the spread of this virus,” said Governor Abbott. “Now it is time to redouble our efforts to reduce further exposure as much as possible and flatten the curve. As with all the actions the state is taking, the Essential Services and Activities Protocols is informed by the expertise and guidance of the CDC as well as state and local health officials. I urge my fellow Texans to heed these heightened social distancing directives to protect their health and the health of those around them. By following these guidelines, we will limit the spread of COVID-19 and overcome this challenge together.”
The Executive Order renews and expands the Governor’s previous directive to minimize social gatherings and minimize contact with people who are not in the same household. It also renews the Governor’s directive to avoid eating or drinking at bars, restaurants, and food courts, and visiting gyms or massage establishments, and it expands the order to include tattoo studios, piercing studios, and cosmetology salons.
In accordance with federal guidelines, people are still prohibited from visiting nursing home, state supported living centers, assisted living facilities, or long-term care facilities unless to provide critical assistance. Additionally, schools will remain temporarily closed to in-person classroom attendance through May 4, 2020.
This Executive Order does not prohibit people from accessing essential services or engaging in essential daily activities, such as going to the grocery store or gas station, providing or obtaining other essential services, hunting or fishing, or engaging in physical activity like jogging or bicycling, so long as the necessary precautions are maintained to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 and to minimize in-person contact with people who are not in the same household. The order also includes exemption for religious services conducted in churches, congregations, and houses of worship. All critical infrastructure will remain operational, and government entities and businesses will continue providing essential services.
TDEM will maintain an online list of essential services specified in the Governor’s Executive Order at www.tdem.texas.gov/essentialservices/. Other essential services may be added to this list with the approval of TDEM.
These orders will be effective on a statewide basis starting at 12:01 a.m. on April 2, 2020 and will end on April 30, 2020, subject to extension thereafter based on the status of COVID-19 in Texas and the recommendations of the CDC.
