“I believe if we were below five through Wednesday of next week that that would be the trigger for the 14 days of the seven-day average being under five, and there would be an automatic expiration of the ordinance,” Dougherty said. The health department has administered first doses to about 4,000 people. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Looking at the data from KDHE, Kennedy said that on Sept. 3, 2020, the county recorded its highest number of people tested since testing began in early 2020. “My personal opinion is, we have reached a level where we have enough people in the community that have some level of immunity, either through having the virus, or being exposed to the virus, or through vaccination, or through good public health measures,” Kennedy said. Brawl breaks out in Scottsdale Bath & Body Works AZCentral.com / The Arizona Republic . That’s a bigger shipment than usual. The pharmacies at Walmart and Dillons in Ellis County have also been approved to vaccinate, and likewise have sign ups on their web sites. He worked to improve the criminal justice system, pushing for more efficiency in trial scheduling. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. After Nov. 24, 2020, that relationship began changing. In light of the state's decision to eliminate the mask mandate, Hays County Physical Therapy and Wellness will continue to require all patients, staff, providers, and visitors to wear a mask while at the clinic. Hays County officials are recommending, but not yet requiring, all of its residents to start wearing masks while out fulfilling essential duties. There have been quite a few days with zero new cases, he said, despite there being a high amount of testing for the virus in the county. That wasn’t the case for administration, public works, parks, water resources and other staff. Face masks required in most circumstances in Hays County By Anita Miller on June 24, 2020 Buda, Community, Dripping Springs, Hays County, Kyle, News, San Marcos, Wimberley Hays County residents are now, for the most part, be required to wear face masks while out in public. It was set to expire Aug. 31. TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas — On Friday, Travis County Judge Sam Biscoe extended the county’s mask order, requiring residents to wear face coverings when in public, until Dec. 15, 2020. Restrictions on a county level also may not reduce the capacity for businesses and facilities to less than 50%. Effective on Wednesday, March 10, all businesses of any type may open to 100% capacity. Hays, Dripping Springs and Wimberley school districts will continue following the Texas Education Agency (TEA) guidelines. The county continued with big numbers of people getting tested, but new cases dropped drastically, Kennedy said. We'd love to hear eyewitness The order states if COVID-19 hospitalizations in any of the 22 hospital regions in Texas climb above 15% of the hospital bed threshold for seven straight days, a county judge may implement COVID-19 mitigation strategies. Hays city commissioners voted 3-2 Thursday night to extend the city's face mask ordinance through Oct. 5, 2020. 1:06. KXAN'S Tahera Rahman reports - the move comes as the county reports a new daily record of 210 COVID-19 cases. The first round of shots for a group of 40 employees was Feb. 24, Dougherty said. HAYS COUNTY, Texas - Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra called the governor's decision to lift the mask mandate "ambitious, but premature and reckless." On Feb. 3, when the county recorded its second-highest number of people tested, 296, only nine people turned up positive. “After careful consideration and much deliberation, I call the governor’s order lifting the mask mandate ambitious, but premature and reckless,” Becerra says. SUMMARY: Hays County requires masks in public and requires businesses to implement health and safety plans. In a statement to the county, Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra expressed disapproval of Gov. Hays County leaders, businesses respond to lifting of mask mandate. “That really is the only way to explain what we’re seeing,” he said. The City of Hays, for example, reached out to Graham County to get vaccines for some of the city’s 181 full-time employees. Right now, the odds of getting COVID-19 in Ellis County are low, he said, but Kennedy still encourages testing, particularly for anyone with symptoms. Scammers call asking people to pay out-of-pocket for a vaccine, or to get on a waiting list or to get early access. Sign up with us, sign up with the pharmacies, sign up with anybody anywhere you can get it. Normally, Ellis County receives about 500 or fewer, all of which are administered by appointment the next day at the county’s vaccine clinic in the former Gordmans retail store in Big Creek Crossing mall. Some scammers offer to sell or ship doses for payment. County Judge Ruben Becerra says that less than 0.7 percent of Hays County people have been vaccinated, meaning the threat of COVID-19 is not over. “Some of these counties outside of Ellis have received more vaccines than they have people that are signed up. Hays County Sheriff Gary Cutler said these procedures are being implemented to stop the spread of the virus: All inmates are given masks upon arrival in the jail. Higher wind gusts possible. racist or sexually-oriented language. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Ellis County doesn’t have a mask mandate. None of that is legit, he said. Kennedy estimates that about 6,000 people have been vaccinated so far with the first dose. Threats of harming another Wearing a mask while in a place of business is no more trampling on the Constitution than mandating folks to wear a seat belt.” “Lead, follow, or get out of the way,” Becerra added. “By the beginning of April, I’m hopeful that we’ll have enough vaccine that really anybody can get it,” Kennedy said, cautioning however that, “I shudder to put any numbers out on how many vaccines we get until I have them in my hands. City officials added a trigger mechanism Oct. 2, 2020, so that once a benchmark is reached, the ordinance goes away without the city commission taking action. About 3,000 people are registered now with the health department, although more continue to sign up, he said. accounts, the history behind an article. The Harford County Health Department, in partnership with the Maryland Department of Health, will hold a #MasksOnMaryland drive-thru clinic to distribute free masks to Harford County businesses. © 2021 www.hdnews.net. Geographie. Hays County Judge Issues New COVID Order Read the full order issued by the County here. 25 talking about this. Two weeks ago, we were scrambling because our vaccines were stuck in Tennessee because of the snowstorm. So they are trying to get as many people vaccinated as they can. “We’re getting it out as quickly as possible,” he said, but “sign up anywhere that you can sign up. Be Proactive. “There’s no reason to sit back and see. HaysMed has probably vaccinated another 1,000, he said, and pharmacies another 1,000. Hays County officials are recommending, but not yet requiring, all of its residents to start wearing masks while out fulfilling essential duties. Das County liegt etwa 100 km südöstlich des geographischen Zentrums von Texas und hat eine Fläche von 1761 Quadratkilometern, wovon 5 Quadratkilometer Wasserfläche sind. Deona Jo Sutterfield's role as a mother changed drastically on July 20, 2018, when her son was trapped in the middle of one of the most heartbreaking events in San Marcos history. Hays County Emergency Coordinator Alex Villalobos said in the press release other variants had been found in Harris County. We’ve had very good success with the vaccine, very low amount of symptoms.”. This Wednesday, however, many of the doses are reserved for educators and school staff, from K-12 to Fort Hays State University and NCK Tech. Texas State's Staff Council voted to extend its scholarship application deadline and acknowledged staff members who helped during the February winter storm at its March 9 meeting. Keep it Clean. “And if you have signs, or any other reference to the ordinance, please take it down, and we’re reminding people that there still is a state mandate.”. The event will be held on Wednesday, October 21, 2020, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the 120 S. Hays … Even a jump in cases over five early in the week wouldn’t start the clock over on the 14 consecutive days, said Kennedy. Use the 'Report' link on Wes Mau for Hays County DA, Dripping Springs, Texas. “For the people that are in that wait-and-see round, the vaccine is safe, the vaccine is effective, there’s really no reason to wait,” he said. He was assigned emergency service coordination and helped set up COVID-19 testing sites throughout the county. Be Truthful. or anything. DATE/TIME: Thursday, June 18, 2020. You have permission to edit this article. Staff Report. Laura Kelly’s executive order requires that masks be worn. Greg Abbott's statewide March 2 announcement of an executive order that will lift the state-wide mask mandate and increase the capacity of businesses and facilities to 100%. Low 64F. Though Gov. Laura Kelly’s statewide mask mandate that went into effect Nov. 25. In a press release and statement to KXAN, Becerra says it is too early to ease restrictions in place, especially after more contagious and dangerous strains of COVID-19 have been detected within and near Hays County. As vaccine is available, people are given an appointment. Becerra said in Hays County … Elementary, Middle and High School Athletes. Ellis County hasn’t taken action to require masks, nor did the county commissioners opt out of Gov. Greg Abbott has been urging Texans to wear masks voluntarily during the COVID-19 pandemic, he’s refused to make it a requirement for individuals. Greg Abbott's statewide March 2 announcement of an executive order that will lift the state-wide mask mandate and increase the capacity of businesses and facilities to 100%. It was set to expire Aug. 31. A ccording to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), Texas received 676,280 COVID-19 vaccines, and Hays County received 4,680 weekly vaccine allocations.. On Saturday, DSHS reported that Hays County had vaccinated 24,385 with a single dose, and an additional 10,820 have received their second dose.. Out of 254 Texas counties, Hays County is the 17th highest population … person will not be tolerated. After school personnel get their doses, Ellis County health department doses will continue being administered by appointment to people over 65 or frontline workers first. Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra listens to a speech at a protest held for and in honor of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, Friday, May 29, 2020, at the Hays County Historic Courthouse. “And if somebody doesn’t want to comply, then our police department could get involved from a trespassing perspective, just like any other thing that a customer’s not complying with.”. Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra, left, along with Emergency Management Coordinator Alex Villalobos hand out some of the 5,000 N95 masks to … Overcast. Hays County Judge Issues New COVID Order, Requires Masks in Public Jun 18, 2020 | Press Releases Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra today issued a new Executive Order that, among other provisions, requires face coverings be worn in public. Some employees welcome new Hays County mask order, set to go into effect Monday. Low 64F. Much like the rest of Texas, Hays County has enforced mask wearing restrictions and business capacity rollbacks for months to help prevent the spread of … The Hays County Commissioners Court approved the making of two new county precincts and addressed confusion regarding COVID-19 vaccine distribution at its March 9 meeting. The City of Hays began requiring masks where social distancing isn’t possible July 27, 2020. That information includes the seven-day average. LOCATION: Hays County. Hays Free Press reported that there were many ups and downs for Villalobos during his two-year tenure at the county. Baby Goat in Adorable Puppy Sandwich Will Help Beat … City officials added a trigger mechanism Oct. 2, … We see our work as a public service that is necessary for a community to thrive because knowledge is empowering. Executive Order GA 34 will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. on March 10. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Winds S at 15 to 25 mph. The Ordinance requires all persons in the City of Hays to cover their mouths and noses with a mask or other face covering in certain circumstances. Kennedy said Friday that the county is seeing about one new case of COVID-19 a day. Greg Abbott's statewide March 2 announcement of an executive order that will lift the state-wide mask mandate and increase the capacity of businesses and facilities to 100%. that is degrading to another person. Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra issued an executive order mandating face coverings in public places effective June 22. Das Hays County ist ein County im Bundesstaat Texas der Vereinigten Staaten. The Ellis County Health Department releases new COVID-19 case numbers every Monday, Wednesday and Friday in the early afternoon. The answer for many school districts in Hays County is masks will still be required unless the school board votes otherwise. Get the vaccine as quickly as possible.”. “The city’s ordinance is specifically written to reference the seven-day average,” Kennedy said, “as long as there’s not a spike high enough to skew the seven-day average. In his announcement, Abbott cited advancements in vaccinations, specifically the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine, as well as the high number of recoveries from COVID-19 in the state as reasons for the decision. Don't knowingly lie about anyone Likewise, Kennedy encourages getting vaccinated. The city of Hays began requiring masks where social distancing isn’t possible July 27, 2020. “Testing should be to rule out what’s going on,” he said. The city of Hays is one of several cities that has a mask mandate in place. Winds S at 15 to 25 mph. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism If you enjoyed this story, please consider helping us "Defend the First Amendment" by donating today! Our HR director contracted with them to come down essentially on four separate occasions to administer the two shots to all the city employees who want it.”. 478 likes. This order also ends the statewide mask mandate in Texas. In a statement to the county, Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra expressed disapproval of Gov. More than half want the vaccine, he said. Don't Threaten. In the midst of one of the worst pandemics in history, universities across the country have allowed their students to return to campus. Another round of employees will get their first shot Wednesday. Hays County Hornets is an AAU Select Basketball Girls and Boys Basketball Organization. “We have a large amount of the population that is unable to contract the virus at this point, and so that’s why you see our numbers of testing really high, and our number of cases really low.”. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, Ellis County doesn’t have a mask mandate. The Hays mask mandate will automatically expire Wednesday if Ellis County continues so few new COVID-19 cases a day. “Make no mistake, COVID-19 has not disappeared, but it is clear from the recoveries, vaccinations, reduced hospitalizations and safe practices that Texans are using that state mandates are no longer needed.”. With the Johnson & Johnson one-dose vaccine on the verge of being shipped, Kennedy thinks the county is three weeks away from having widespread vaccine availability. “I’m not going to say it’s unenforceable, but it has a low-level enforcement mechanism,” said Dougherty, indicating Hays police wouldn’t be enforcing it. 3988, requiring the wearing of masks or other face coverings, at their regular meeting held July 23, 2020. As Winter Storm Uri brought below-freezing temperatures all across Texas, it also sparked a need for action among many stranded Texas residents. But unlike the city ordinance, which carries a fine for violations, there is no penalty provision with the governor’s mandate, Dougherty said. Journalism is an act of civic responsibility. Friday, the most current numbers until Monday around noon, showed the county tracking 10 days with a seven-day average of two, according to Jason Kennedy, Ellis County health administrator. Law enforcement and fire department employees got their vaccines earlier this year during the first rollout to frontline workers. Travis and Hays counties are following the footsteps of other local governments in Texas and directing businesses to develop safety policies that require employees and customers wear masks. 1:05. Wes Mau currently serves as the Hays County District Attorney. Higher wind gusts possible.. Overcast. Following Governor Greg Abbott’s Executive Order (GA-34) to lift the mask mandate in Texas, Hays County officials encourage residents to continue practicing safety precautions as COVID-19 has not disappeared.. On June 19, Hays County issued a correction to the previous release regarding the order. Hays City Commissioners approved Ordinance No. Anyone wanting a vaccine from the county can register for an appointment through the health department’s website. The districts will maintain the current safety protocols in place, which include wearing face masks. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. With half the Ellis County population unable to contract the illness, then the infection rate is half that, said Kennedy, or 0.75, leaving the virus unable to propagate. In a statement to the county, Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra expressed disapproval of Gov. “That’s quite frankly not something we would undertake.”. The Hays County Local Health Department reports 23 new lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 83 recoveries on March 10, bringing the total number of cases in the county to 16,615, total active cases to 499 and recoveries to 15,887. Related Videos. Hays County judge calls governor's lifted mask mandate 'premature and reckless', Hays County reports 23 new COVID-19 cases, Opinion: Prioritize resident assistants once vaccines arrive on campus, Mother of Iconic Village fire survivor becomes Texas' Mother of the Year, Weathering the storm: Students unite to find creative solutions amid Texas snow, Commissioners Court approves two new precincts, receives vaccine distribution update, Staff Council extends scholarship application, thanks winter storm staff. Of 306 people tested, 55 turned up positive, a high daily rate of cases for the county. “We went through a pharmacy out of Graham County,” said Dougherty. “As a private business, you can set the terms and conditions of entrance to your business, so if Walmart, Dillons, whatever, Ace Hardware, wanted to require mask mandates, they have every right to do that,” Dougherty said. Dougherty explained what is likely to happen Wednesday. Kennedy warned that a national vaccine scam has turned up in Ellis County, too. "We must continue to … So it would have to be a pretty significant jump.”. Local businesses may have a different plan. From what he sees, he estimates a third of people want the vaccine as soon as they can get it, another third are undecided and wait-and-see, and another third are dead-set against it. Executive Order GA … On Thursday, the city commission voted 3-2 to extend that ordinance throughout the end of September and into October. In a statement to Community Impact Newspaper, Hays County Deputy Sheriff Bruce Harlan wrote: “All inmates are given masks and medical screening upon arrival in the jail. “You might be sick from something else.”. COVID-19 has an infection rate of 1.5, meaning every person who gets it will likely infect 1.5 other people, he said. Becerra also points out Hays County, with its population of nearly 300,000, only receives “fewer than 2,000 vaccines a week.”. For the city to put a new mask mandate into place, the city commission would have to start the process over again, he said. The governor adds no county judge can impose penalties or jail time for failing to follow COVID-19 orders or wear a face mask. “Correction: There is no $1,000 penalty for businesses in Judge Becerra’s new Order. Ellis County expects to receive 1,000 Pfizer doses on Tuesday, the day of its next weekly federal shipment funneled through the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Be Nice. At a June 18 press conference in front of the Hays County Historic Courthouse, Becerra announced face coverings will be required for all people aged 10 and up in public spaces. All rights reserved. Abbott says Texas’ COVID-19 testing capacity exceeds 100,000 tests per day, and the number of Texans who have recovered from COVID-19 is likely four to five times higher than the confirmed 2.5 million lab-confirmed recoveries. Share with Us. The county reports the total active cases in the past 21 days is 782. The City of Hays ordinance requiring masks automatically expires if the county hits a specific benchmark for new virus cases, confirmed city manager Toby Dougherty on Friday. Gov. Hays County Courthouse, San Marcos, TX (April 6, 2020) – The CDC is now recommending that persons visiting grocery stores, pharmacies, etc., wear cloth face masks to help keep those individuals who are asymptomatic (not showing symptoms) from spreading the virus without knowing that they are infectious. Executive Order GA 34 will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. on March 10. Anyone worried about a phone call they've received should call the health department for verification, he said. “If that’s the case and those numbers are under five, and it’s under five today and Monday, then yes, whenever we got those numbers that day, we would send a press release out, informing the public that the ordinance has expired,” he said. So you know, there’s so many factors that we don’t control.”. If the city tried to prosecute under the governor’s order, it would have to file charges in district court and let the court figure out what the penalty is, he said. Der Sitz der County-Verwaltung (County Seat) befindet sich in San Marcos. “Which means less sickness in the community,” said Kennedy. "We must now do more to restore livelihoods and normalcy for Texans by opening Texas 100%,” Abbott says.