Still no confirmed cases in Waller County as of the time of this post. Below is the summary of Gov. Abbott's Press Conference that took place at 3:15 pm on 3.22.2020.
Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Statistics:
334 confirmed cases
43 counties
6 deaths
8700 people tested so far
Less than 10% of tests are coming back positive
John Hopkins Data:
566 confirmed cases (includes presumptive)
Other key highlights:
Testing Capacity will continue to increase. Texas is currently testing to the fullest extent of their ability. The issue right now is supplies - both of PPE (personal protective equipment) and testing supplies. Texas is working with Federal government to increase those supplies.
Gov. Abbott has signed two Executive Orders that lift restrictions to do several things
- Increase the number of nurses available to respond;
- Increase capacity for COVID-19 patients at hospitals by increasing the number of beds available at the hospitals
- All non-essential surgical and medical procedures are hereby postponed
Gov. Abbott has formed a task force to assist healthcare providers respond to this virus. Former Waller County State Representative John Zerwas is on that task force.
In regards to Gov. Abbott's Executive Order issued on Thursday (which took effect on Friday evening) - FULL COMPLIANCE IS EXPECTED. THIS APPLIES TO THE FOLLOWING
- NO GATHERINGS WITH OVER 10 PEOPLE
- NO IN-ROOM DINING AT RESTAURANTS
- ALL BARS AND GYMS CLOSED
- NO VISITATION AT ELDERLY FACILITIES
- NO ON PREMISE SCHOOLS
He highlighted the penalties for failing to comply with these orders
- Up to $1000 fine;
- Up to 180 days in jail;
- Mandatory quarantine orders from state officials
At this time, Gov. Abbott is NOT ordering any shelter in place order. He stressed the need to assess the level of effectiveness of the executive order he issued on Thursday before such a decision can be made. What might be good for one county may not be the right decision for another county. Texas still has over 200 counties with no confirmed case of COVID-19.
The Governor stressed that County Officials still have the ability to enact more restrictive orders or rules.
The Governor stressed that EVERYONE NEEDS TO BE FAMILIAR WITH THE EXECUTIVE ORDER ISSUED LAST THURSDAY AND THE PROHIBITIONS.
Lastly, the Governor said that the National Guard, which was activated a few days ago, will be deployed to assist healthcare facilities with a number of support efforts, such as setting up tents and infrastructure that may be needed. Everyone that is freaking out because of rumors - please calm down. Nobody freaks out when we call out the National Guard during a hurricane. Why should this be any different? If the Governor has not ordered a shelter in place order, then there's no chance of any martial law being imposed any time soon... Please do not feed into the rumors. That only feeds the hysteria, which is why there's still a shortage of toilet paper, paper towels, etc. Everyone needs to take a deep breath and just shop and buy what you need... Let the stores restock.
So, with all of this being said, I am going to emphasize once again to all of you - PLEASE FOLLOW ALL RECOMMENDATIONS AND ESPECIALLY COMPLY WITH THE GOVERNOR'S ORDERS. So far it appears that the vast majority of Waller County residents are doing so, and that is incredibly appreciated by myself and the Waller County Office of Emergency Management (WCOEM). That is what we must do to keep this virus from getting a foothold in Waller County.
Again, everyone needs to focus on FACTS not fear. Stay Calm. Get what you NEED at the grocery store. DO NOT HOARD. Remember we are a community. Think of your neighbors. Help someone out if they need something. Work together (just not in big groups).
FOLLOW ALL HYGIENE GUIDELINES. CONTINUE TO WASH HANDS AND SANITIZE SURFACES REGULARLY.
I'm really proud of Waller County. We are setting a great example across the State. Everything starts with you. Remember - although we don't have a confirmed case, let's all proceed as if we do have cases here (which we probably do). Keep that in the back of your mind ALL OF THE TIME so that you can do everything you can to help us reduce the transmission rate of this virus.
Added to today's message by RISD Communications: Reminders from a prior post by Judge Duhon:
