Coronavirus cases climb in Texas, but not in Falls County

The State of Texas began reopening under Governor Greg Abbott’s direction on April 27 via Executive Order No. GA-23.

Falls County has not seen a surge of cases since then, but the surrounding counties have seen a 67.5 percent increase. Numbers in Robertson, Milam, and Limestone counties have all but  doubled since the start of Phase One, while McLenann and Bell Counties have seen significant increases.

As of May 25, Falls County remains at six cases, but Robertson County is up to seven from two. Milam County has 28, previously 13, while Limestone County has 23, previously 12.

McLennan has risen from 82 positive cases to 107 and Bell County is up to a whopping 298 cases from the 165 reported on April 27.

The Department of State Health Service reported a total of more than 56,000 positive cases across the state Monday, a 54.8 percent increase from the 25,000+ reported at the start of reopening procedures.

All of these numbers are likely higher because so many people go untested and many studies show that people can be infected with the virus may not show symptoms.

Memorial Day, complete with crowded beaches and festivities across the weekend saw a total increase of 1,899 positive cases and an additional 21 deaths, bringing the death count of all 254 counties to 1,527 .

Neither Falls nor Robertson Counties have not reported any deaths so far, though the other named counties have a total of nine all together. Four of the nine are in McLennan County.

Beaches, certain entertainment and personal service-related businesses, and restaurants had all been allowed to reopen under Phase One.

Phase two was announced on May 18, setting the stage for a number of openings through the end of the month. A number of businesses were allowed to open at limited capacity with the announcement.

On May 22, bars, breweries, and tasting rooms were granted the opportunity to reopen, as well as restaurants were allowed to move to 50 percent capacity from the previously mandated 25 percent.

Additional entertainment options, like bowling alleys, aquariums, and bingo halls were allowed to open on as well.

There are additional openings scheduled for later in the week. 

Though the state is lifting preventative measures, Abbott maintains that social distancing and self-protection is the best way to stop the spread.

“Now more than ever, we need to work together as one Texas,” said Governor Abbott in a press release. “I ask all Texans to continue heeding the guidance of our state and federal medical experts and do their part to protect public health.” 

“If we all unite in our resolve, we will overcome this challenge,” he continued.

For most people, the coronavirus manifests mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. When this is the case, symptoms typically clear up in two to three weeks time. Older adults and people with existing health problems can suffer a more severe illness, including pneumonia, and in some cases death.

Refer to coronavirus.gov for more information on prevention of COVID-19 or to https://gov.texas.gov/organization/opentexas for specific guidelines for both business owners and consumers during the reopening process.