All Non-Essential Court Proceedings Scheduled Before May 1 In JP Courts To Be Reset
Hopkins County Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace BJ Teer and Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace Brad Cummings on Monday issued a temporary standing order (see below) impacting litigation in their courts. All non-essential court proceedings scheduled before May 1 in the justice of the peace courts will be reset for after that date to protect the community and limit potential exposure to COVID-19
The district and municipal courts also were impacted by orders for preventive measures to prevent potential exposure to COVID-19.
President Urges All Americans To Avoid Gatherings Of 10 Or More
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic situation is changing rapidly, with several states and now the city of Dallas shutting down theaters, gyms and bars. Restaurants in Dallas are now take out and delivery only. These latest changes come after President Trump encouraged all Americans to avoid social contact, including avoiding gatherings of 10 or more. The President released a list of guidelines for “15 days to slow the spread”.
It is only a matter of time until we see more restrictions across the state of Texas and in our own county.
SSHS Student Advances To State In Theatrical Design Contest
AllieGrace Woodard advanced to State in UIL Theatrical Design, marking her second year to do so, according to Lesha Woodard, Director of Theatre at Sulphur Springs High School.
This year’s Theatrical Design Contest concentrated on creating sustainable, time-traveling designs for Pedro Calderon De La Barca’s “Life is a Dream.” AllieGrace’s advancing hair and makeup entry featured Rachel Bramlett, Chase Berry, and Hannah Shultz as models.
Schedules for state UIL contests have has yet to be determined as UIL over the weekend suspended all UIL contests through March 29 due to COVID-19.
HHS: Only Essential Visitors Will Be Granted Access To Texas Hospitals
AUSTIN – To protect vulnerable hospital patients from COVID-19, Texas Health and Human Services has issued updated, expanded guidance to hospitals that now includes granting access only to essential visitors such as medical professionals and authorized caregivers acting specifically on a patient’s behalf.
“At the direction of Governor Greg Abbott and effective immediately, we are requiring hospitals to prevent non-essential visitors from access given the significant health and safety risk to patients posed by COVID-19,” said David Kostroun, HHS deputy executive commissioner for Regulatory Services. “These measures are precautionary and based on the state disaster declaration made by Governor Abbott, as well as new federal guidance.”
This new prohibition applies to general hospitals, special hospitals, and private psychiatric hospitals, excluding outpatient clinics operated by hospitals.
Essential visitors include government personnel; one designated caregiver acting on the patient’s behalf, such as a parent of a minor or a legally authorized representative; patient family members no more than one at a time; clergy members authorized by the hospital; and additional family members of patients at the end of life or presenting at the emergency department, subject to hospital policy.
“We understand these new restrictions will be difficult for patients and their families and loved ones,” Kostroun said. “We must take every measure to protect patients, as well as hospital personnel who are on the front lines in the battle against this new virus.”
Hospitals also must implement screening protocols for anyone entering their facility, including staff, medical professionals, and other essential visitors, using guidelines issued by CMS. Under certain compassionate care situations, such as a patient’s end-of-life, non-essential visitors will be allowed in a hospital, and the facility must follow all CMS protocols.
Texas HHS is working closely with the Office of the Governor, the Department of State Health Services (DSHS), the Texas Department of Emergency Management, and other state and federal agencies to monitor and assess the coronavirus outbreak in the U.S.
Hospitals in Texas are required to maintain strong infection prevention and control programs to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. If a hospital believes a patient, visitor, or employee might have been exposed or infected with COVID-19, it is required to immediately report it to the local health department or to DSHS.
Texas HHS is also requiring hospitals to post signs at the entrance about access restrictions; check for fever of visitors and staff; continue to monitor and isolate patients with fever or acute respiratory symptoms; provide infection control training to staff; execute frequent handwashing; and provide personal protective equipment to patients or staff as needed. For more information, visit the CDC’s coronavirus page.
During this rapidly evolving situation, the agency is also issuing updated infection control guidance for other licensed entities such as child care operations and long-term care facilities. All regulated providers are encouraged to stay up-to-date on the latest guidance by visiting the Texas HHS COVID‑19 page.
Texas HHS licenses and regulates 703 general, special, and private psychiatric hospitals throughout the state.
For health-related information and general precautions on COVID-19, visit the DSHS website and the CDC page.
HHS Monitors COVID-19, Provides New Guidance to Child Care Facilities
AUSTIN – Texas Health and Human Services is providing updated guidance to the almost 17,000 regulated child care operations throughout the state – including new screening requirements for staff and visitors – as the agency continues to closely monitor the evolving novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
“Protecting the health and safety of children in the settings we regulate is paramount,” said David Kostroun, HHS Deputy Executive Commissioner of Regulatory Services. “We are taking these proactive measures to limit the spread of COVID-19 and safeguard children and their families.”
Effective immediately, all current child care providers will implement the following guidance, consistent with new requirements in accordance with state law, federal guidance, and Gov. Greg Abbott’s recent disaster declaration:
- Prohibit any person except the following from accessing an operation: operation staff; persons with legal authority to enter, including law enforcement officers, HHSC Child Care Licensing staff, and Department of Family and Protective Services staff; professionals providing services to children; children enrolled at the operation; and parents or legal guardians who have children enrolled and present at the operation.
- Require pickup and drop-off of children outside of the operation, unless its determined that there is a legitimate need for the parent to enter an operation.
- Before allowing entry into the operation, screen all individuals listed above, including taking the temperature of each person upon arrival at the operation each day, and deny entry to any person who meets any of the following criteria:
- A temperature of 100.4°F or above;
- Signs or symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as a cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, and low-grade fever;
- In the previous 14 days has had contact with someone with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19; is under investigation for COVID-19; or is ill with a respiratory illness; or
- In the previous 14 days has traveled internationally to countries with widespread, sustained community transmission. For updated information on affected countries, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/travelers/index.html.
- Ensure that each child is provided individual meals and snacks. Do not serve family style meals.
Because this situation is rapidly evolving, child care providers are highly encouraged to contact the Child Care Licensing (CCL) team at [email protected]. CCL is prepared to answer questions, provide technical assistance, and grant regulatory flexibility to operations when needed to protect children in care.
Stay up-to-date on the latest guidance to providers by visiting the HHS COVID-19 page.
Casino In Hot Springs Closes For 2 Weeks, Horse Racing Continues
Oaklawn, a popular destination in Hot Springs, Arkansas, is closing their Casino for two weeks in respone to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The horse racing track will remain in operation, but will run races without on-site specatators Of course, some wagering will be possible on these races via online betting. No word on exactly how many people it takes to run the races and how they will keep a safe distance from one another.
The following is a statement from oaklawn.com
MARCH 15, 2020
OAKLAWN TO CLOSE CASINO FOR TWO WEEKS; RACING TO CONTINUE
HOT SPRINGS, AR (Sunday, March 15, 2020) – With the unfortunate announcement Sunday afternoon that two people have tested positive for Covid-19 (Coronavirus) in Garland County, Oaklawn has made the decision to voluntarily close the casino for two weeks effective Monday, March 16 at 8 am through March 30. This includes Silks Bar and Grill, Bistro 2705 and the Sports Book. The racing operations will continue without spectators during this same time period.
“As a good community citizen, we felt this was the right thing to do for public health,” Oaklawn President Louis Cella said. “As for the nearly 1,000 team members we have on staff during this live racing season, including all year round and seasonal team members, we will continue to pay their salary and benefits during this two-week period.
“As for racing, it has always been the life blood of Oaklawn and we are happy to offer the horsemen an avenue for racing their horses in these challenging times. While no fans are permitted to experience racing during this time, fans can still to watch and wager on Oaklawn Anywhere if they Arkansas residents or any other ADW platform. We will continue to monitor everything on a day to day basis. We appreciate the patience of our guests, team members and horsemen.”
For additional details and future updates, please visit oaklawn.com.
Saltillo ISD Working To Help Families Meet Students’ Needs
Saltillo ISD is working with student families to identify any needs students may have. If a family needs assistance and has not been contacted, that family can call the main office of Saltillo ISD.
Saltillo ISD is monitoring the situation with COVID-19 and will send out announcements as soon as available, via, iris telephone alerts, social media and the team app, according to school officials.
Hopkins County Officials Are In Daily Contact With State Health Officials
Hopkins County Commissioners and Emergency Management officials, during a commissioners work session Monday, reported steps are being taken in Hopkins County related to novel coronalvirus.
Local emergency managements officials are in daily contact, often multiple times daily, with the Department of State Health Services epidemiologist by phone as well as with and the Texas Division of Emergency Management regarding the COVID-19 situation in Texas and the country.
As of last reporting, no confirmed cases of COVID-19 had been reported in Hopkins County. Anyone who suspects they have symptoms — fever, dry cough and shortness of breath — are urged, per the CDC and DSHS to contact their primary care physician. Each will be screened that way using state and federal medical guidelines. Those who meet them will be given a number to be tested. Tests are available in Hopkins County for those who truly present symptoms and have been potentially exposed to COVID-19. The established protocol will be followed regarding testing and treatment or isolation.
County emergency management officials will be meeting again this afternoon with “stakeholders” from the various agencies, schools, medical facilities and other to discuss the issue and make sure all are “on the same page,” according to the judge and emergency management officials. Press releases regarding “factual information for Hopkins County” will be posted on the Hopkins County, Texas Emergency Management Facebook page. County officials encourage everyone to check there for that information, the officials noted. They hope to have daily updates, as information becomes available.
District Tax Assessor/Collector Debbie Pogue Mitchell addressed the court regarding precautions her office can take to better protect her staff as well as the general public from potential exposure to germs and illnesses. Hand sanitizer and bleach are being made available to her staff to clean. Anyone who has business with the county that can be handled by mail or online are encouraged to do so. Tax notices and vehicle registration notices include information on where those items can be paid and handled online.
Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom noted that “County government will continue. We will be here and continue to work for you.”
Meetings, such as commissioners court and work sessions, will continue on schedule at this time.
County officials ask that people who have fever or have illnesses that are contagious to please stay at home until they are well so that others are not infected.
The county jail and fire department have implemented no visitor policies at the station until the threat of COVID-19 has passed. Only essential personnel are being admitted. Sheriff Lewis Tatum reported his staff are being checked for fever and symptoms of illness as they report for work. Only essential people are being allowed into the jail.
The trustee work program continues, but inmates will not be allowed to enter stores for supplies. Also sanitizing is ongoing at the sheriff’s office. Bleach spray is being used at least hourly on all door handles and frequently touched surfaces in the building, according to Tatum.
Eighth Judicial District Judge Eddie Northcutt Friday reported access to necessary court proceedings is being restricted to essential personnel. To adhere to the open courts rules, accommodations may be made with notice. Many dockets and proceedings are being rescheduled until threat from COVID-19 has passed.
City officials also reported that they too are coordinating with the other local agencies regarding public safety response to make sure all are on the same page. The city has also canceled all court hearings and trials in the Municipal Court until further notice.
The Senior Citizens Center is closed until further notice as a precaution for older residents who the CDC and DSHS report are more vulnerable to illness. Meal A Day program will continue to operate out of the center for meal delivery. All other activities are suspended until the facility reopens, according to SCC Program Director Karon Weatherman and City Manager Marc Maxwell.
The City of Sulphur Springs today on their page posted that due to CDC recommendations, the public library will close it’s doors beginning March 17 at 6 p.m. Those in need of books need to visit the library today and tomorrow. Any late fees accrued will be waived until the library can safely re-open it’s doors.
All are reminded to avoid large gatherings and observe good hygiene, per CDC recommendations, to reduce risk of exposure to illnesses.
CHRISTUS Establishes COVID-19 Hotline 1-800-458-4559
The following is a news release received by CHRISTUS Health Systems Public Relations.
We continue to work in solidarity with our partners in the health care community, city and county leaders, and local health authorities to ensure our community is well prepared. Together, we stand united in our commitment to keep the people of East Texas safe.
At CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Sulphur Springs, we remain vigilant in responding to this evolving situation. We continue to follow Centers for Disease Control guidelines for health care facilities and are meeting throughout the day to ensure we are ready to respond to present and potential future needs of our communities.
We do have emergency preparedness plans in place and are fully prepared to execute as appropriate for our community circumstances. Those preparations include monitoring and evaluation of our capacity and requirements across our hospitals, including Emergency Departments, ICUs, laboratories, imaging centers and other treatment and testing areas. Our
hospitals will continue to balance the needs of caring for patients with COVID-19 while providing vital services to others in the community who need care.
Though there have been no confirmed cases in the community, we suggest that everyone follow the CDC guidelines regarding prevention and treatment of respiratory diseases such as COVID-19 and the flu. The best things anyone can do to prevent the spread of illness are:
(1) wash your hands well before eating, drinking or touching your face
(2) get your annual flu shot and
(3) get a pneumonia shot if you have not already and are above the age of 65 or have diabetes
or other illnesses that affect your heart or lungs.
In addition, we advise anyone who may be ill with fever and cough or shortness of breath and have had travel to any region that has known community spread of COVID-19 or if you have any of the above symptoms and exposure to a person with confirmed or suspected COVID-19, call 1-
800-458-4559 to be connected to our CHRISTUS COVID Hotline. For more information on COVID-19 and preventive measures, please visit www.CDC.gov.
NEWS RELEASE
CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Sulphur Springs remains a safe place for all to receive quality care. While COVID-19 is new, our processes and procedures in place for infection prevention and preventing the spread of illness are not. From physicians and nurses, quality and safety experts to those responsible for ordering supplies and keeping the hospital clean — all of our Associates are involved in making sure we provide a safe environment for our patients.
Every single day.
About CHRISTUS Health
At CHRISTUS Health, we deliver a complete healing experience that respects the individual. We serve our communities with dignity. And with a good deal of admiration. CHRISTUS Health is a Catholic, not-for-profit system made up of more than 600 centers, including long-term care facilities, community hospitals, walk-in clinics and health ministries. We are a community 45,000 strong, with over 15,000 physicians providing individualized care. Sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate
Word in Houston and San Antonio and the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, our mission is to extend the healing ministry
of Jesus Christ to every individual we serve.
Wildcat Winter Guard Receive Gold Medal At NTCA Event
Congratulations to the Wildcat Winter Guard on their achievements at the North Texas Colorguard Association.
