Closures and restrictions announced
Cass County school districts and agencies have announced closures and restrictions this week after state and national declarations of emergency were made to slow the spread of Coronavirus.
On Friday, President Donald Trump declared a national emergency over the coronavirus, freeing up additional resources and funding as federal, state and local governments to combat the disease. Gov. Greg Abbott also declared on Friday that the new coronavirus is a statewide public health disaster and was directing daycares, nursing homes and prisons to limit visitations and ordering state employees to work from home, where possible.
Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath said that decisions on school closures would be left to local school districts though he told school superintendents and lawmakers on Sunday to be prepared for long-term school district closures, potentially through the end of the school year, especially in areas where the new coronavirus has spread.
Cass and Morris County superintendents met Saturday to discuss the closing of schools. Atlanta, Bloomburg, Queen City, McLeod, and Linden-Kildare released the same statement.
“Out of an abundance of caution and to give our staff time to plan for the many unknowns ahead of us, we have made the decision to close [schools] for the week of Monday, March 16 - Friday, March 20, 2020.”
The districts are currently developing a plan to offer alternate instruction and meals should there be extended closures. There is uncertainty about how extended closure will affect the state’s mandatory 75,600 hours of instruction and if days will be added to the school year to satisfy the requirement.
First United Methodist Day School in Atlanta has announced that they will remain open. Kim Cullins, the school’s director issued a statement regarding its restrictions.
“We are basically triaging in the foyer and having parents complete a questionnaire. Parents and children have to wash their hands when entering. Parents are not taking their kids to class through the glass doors or picking them up in the classroom. We have taken staff and children’s temps twice today and will do so again this afternoon. We have been in contact with child care licensing. Staff cleaned and wiped all toys and surfaces yesterday.”
Cullins said that her staff has been given the option to not work if they feel their health and safety are compromised.
Kinder Elite Academy in Atlanta is also remaining open and has outlined new restrictions on their Facebook page.
“We are also required to screen your child upon entry by taking their temp and making sure they do not have any trouble breathing. If they have a temperature of 100.4 or above or any respiratory problems (such as a cough or sore throat) we are to send them home. We will personally take your child to their class during drop off, and bring them to you at pick up at the main doors. Parents do not need to enter unless absolutely necessary.”
Cass County Judge Becky Wilbanks is working with emergency management personnel at the state and local level and bringing information to the public as it becomes available.
“Thankfully, at this time, we have not had a confirmed case of COVID-19 in Cass County. My office has issued information to the public via Facebook about how to avoid infection as much as possible. I am in constant contact with our Emergency Management Coordinator as well as the County Sheriff as we work together to be proactive against COVID-19. In addition, I have participated in telephone conference calls with the White House and the Governor’s Office. The state has assured local governments that all resources are at our disposal if needed.”
Wilbanks added, “I urge all of our citizens to remain calm and positive as we work our way through this challenging situation.”
Sheriff Larry Rowe has suspended in-person visitation to the county jail, but families will be able to visit inmates via webcam. Additionally, Rowe said that those taken into custody will be examined for fever and not admitted to the jail if they have one. Those inmates will be taken to the hospital, directly.
The 5th District and County Court at Law Courts are taking precautions as well. Cass County Criminal District Attorney, Courtney Shelton, issued a statement.
“Pursuant to the recommendation of the Texas Office of Court Administration, due to the Coronavirus and COVID-19 concerns, all non-essential court hearings and jury trials will be postponed until after April 1, 2020.”
“For us, this means all defendants currently out on bond will not appear for their scheduled appearances before the County Court at Law for Cass County or for the 5th Judicial District Court for Cass County on any date between today and April 1, 2020.”
“At this time, they will need to appear at their next scheduled appearance after April 1st. All inmates who are currently incarcerated in jail will still appear in court on their scheduled docket dates as previously ordered.”
Brandy Pulliam, Director of Nursing at Golden Villa Nursing and Rehabilitation issued an update on Friday that further restricts entry and access to its residents.
“Until further notice, only essential medical staff will be allowed at Golden Villa Nursing and Rehab.”
Pulliam added, “We at Golden Villa will make every effort to assist families with communicating with their loved ones via telephone, social media and or video chat.”
Christus Health issued an updated statement on Sunday to assure the public of their safety in seeking medical care.
“We want to be perfectly clear - CHRISTUS St. Michael 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 our Associates are involved in making sure we provide a safe environment for our patients and their families, our Associates and this community we serve.”
Abbott announced Monday he would waive testing requirements for this year’s STAAR exam, as many schools expect to be closed at least through the April testing window. He also said he would ask the federal government to waive this year’s federal standardized testing requirements, which apply to all states.