Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update March 24

As of midnight last night, until at least April 3, Bell County is under a mandated "shelter in place" order.

Residents will only be allowed to leave their homes to perform essential activities. Residents may engage in outdoor activity, as long as social distancing requirements of six feet are in place.

Essential businesses may remain open, but must practice social distancing guidelines. Some of the essential businesses include healthcare facilities, grocery stores, restaurants (drive-through, pick-up and delivery only), laundromats and gas stations. Essential service providers, such as mail and shipping services, plumbers, exterminators and electricians may also remain open.

All businesses that are not considered essential are required to cease all in-person activities. Operations can continue if employees work from home.

It's becoming more difficult to purchase groceries. I've been placing orders on-line, and then requesting curbside pick-ups at the next available time slot. More and more items are now labeled "not available." But so far we are doing okay.

I'm grateful for our back yard patio, where I can privately enjoy the sights, sounds and fresh air of this spring season. Getting outside of the walls of the house is a blessing.