WACO, Texas — Waco and McLennan County officials held a press conference update about the COVID-19 response in the area Wednesday.
Waco Mayor Kyle Deaver said that although virus case numbers in McLennan County have gone down that residents, "Must continue to be extremely vigilant." Deaver reiterated that sentiment as Govoner Abbott allows more businesses to reopen for business.
Dr. Jackson Griggs said there are a total of 92 cases in McLennan County, with seven active cases as of Tuesday. One of those cases remains hospitalized in critical condition. 81 people have recovered, 75 others are being monitored, and there have been four total deaths. No new deaths were reported Tuesday.
According to the press conference, there have been a total of 3,332 tests performed in McLennan County.
Dr. Griggs said that asymptomatic coronavirus carriers are the ones that unknowingly spread the virus, not necessarily those who have symptoms of the virus. He reminded the community to maintain social distance from those that are not in your immediate household and to wear a mask when in public areas, such as stores and parks.
Dr. Griggs reported that the monitoring of individuals close to virus patients by the public health department has led to the discovery of 12 new cases, which are included in the 92 cases that have been reported.
Deaver said city facilities will open in accordance with the state's guidelines. The city recently put out a timeline for reopening local facilities.
Deaver also brought up the city's "tough" decision to cancel the Fourth of July celebrations. He said there were, "Contract considerations" that would not allow the city to wait until a later date to decide whether or not to move forward with the annual celebrations.
In response to a question regarding the virus in nursing homes, Dr. Griggs recommended that those who work at nursing homes should continue to protect themselves from exposure since they could introduce it to the nursing home community. He also made the same recommendation for people who work in close quarters in an office or facility.
Deaver said gatherings, like family reunions, where a family is coming together from different parts should be held online rather than in-person to protect one another from the virus.
"This is not the time for that," Deaver said.
Deaver also said that residents should continue to stay home, go out only when necessary and follow social distancing guidelines to avoid a second wave of COVID-19 cases.
Municipal court is set to open May 18, with in-person hearings set to begin June 6, according to Deaver. Garage sales are still not allowed.
Deaver referred to the governor's opening plans as "opening the spigot" little by little to balance the threat of the virus with the economic impact.
When asked about tourism as local businesses reopen, Deaver said, "It's a big concern. It's now a big part of our economy."
He said the city will work with popular attractions, like Magnolia, to see when they can reopen safely while maintaining social distancing protocols.
Deaver said 11 first responders have been in quarantine for nearly two weeks after a person involved in a fatal accident on I-35 tested positive for the virus. He did not indicate whether or not any of the 11 people in quarantine have had symptoms of the virus or tested positive for it.
The Bell County Public Health District reported three new cases of COVID-19, which makes the total number of cases 196.
Meanwhile, the Texas Department of State Health Services reported a total of 210 cases, which includes cases on Fort Hood.
There are currently 14 cases on Fort Hood. 70 cases remain active in Bell County. There have been 123 recoveries and three deaths.
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