Thursday, March 19, 2020

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update March 19

Today we moved to Stage 3 of the COVID-19 Action Plan for Bell County, after a 4th and 5th case have been verified in the county. Stage 3 allows the county to issue other "orders restricting and/or prohibiting mass gatherings and/or movement of people." and such an order has been made. This new order requires that individuals at high risk of the virus - including all people over age 65 - cancel, reschedule or not attend events with more than 10 people. It does not apply to grocery stores, medical centers and a few other essential establishments. 

Dan and I, because of our age, are under this restriction. According to this morning's newspaper (Temple Daily Telegram, Thursday, March 19, 2020), breaking this order could result in a fine of up to $1,000 or up to 180 days in jail! Until today limiting gatherings was recommended; now it is required for our age group. I have copied, below, the County Action Plan.



BELL COUNTY COVID-19 ACTION PLAN
Stage 1 (no confirmed cases of COVID19) • Stay home if you are sick • Avoid contact with persons who are sick • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unclean hands • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and throw the tissue away • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces with a disinfectant • Don’t travel to areas with active community spread of COVID19 • Wash your hands with soap and water regularly and use hand sanitizers with at least 60% of alcohol content when soap and water are not available.

Stage 2 (a confirmed case of COVID19) • All of Stage 1 measures • Actively practice ‘social distancing’ … whenever possible maintain 6 feet distance from other persons • Avoid physical contact with other persons in social and workplace settings • Recommend all gatherings of 50 or more persons be canceled or postponed.

Stage 3 (community spread of COVID19) • All Stage 1 & Stage 2 measures • Bell County &/or BCPHD may issue orders restricting and/or prohibiting mass gatherings and/or movement of people.

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