Ellis County and Covid-19: What you need to know
ELLIS COUNTY – As of Monday morning, Mar. 16 there were 167,511 Covid-19 (Coronavirus) cases globally, with 13,903 of those cases being reported in the last 24 hours.
There were 6,606 six deaths as a result of that number, and 862 new deaths in the past 24 hours.
China had confirmed 81,077 cases with only 29 new in the last 24 hours, and 3,218 deaths of which only 14 were new deaths in the last 24 hours.
There were also four new countries reporting the Covid-19 virus in the past 24 hours of the 151 countries where the virus has spread.
While there are cases in Texas and 15 reported cases in Dallas County, in all there are 4,113 cases confirmed in the United States.
Ellis County has had no reported cases.
There is a hotline where residents can call at the DSHS COVID-19 Call Center: 1-877-570-9779 between the hours of 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday. A statement from Todd Little,
A statement from Todd Little, Ellis County Judge & Emergency Management Director stated, “At this time, we have made all the necessary precautions in Ellis County to protect the lives and health of our citizens.
“Ellis County supports President Trump and Governor Abbott in all mitigation efforts and the emergency declarations announced today.
“Further, we stand behind our leaders as they direct the country and state in this uncertain time.
“In Ellis County, our citizens are strong and resilient, but we must all understand the magnitude of this situation to reduce our risks.”
Little also assured Ellis County would continue to provide adequate resources to the sheriff’s department, first responders, and medical personnel.
“Until further notice, we are asking and requesting our local organizations to voluntarily minimize any planned large events and to either postpone or reset them to a future date.
“This will allow us to limit the risk and minimize exposure of the virus in our community,” Little added.
Other cities in Ellis County have decided to close facilities as listed below:
CITY OF FERRIS
Suggested cancellation of all community gatherings. All events at all city facilities are canceled until further notice. This will include the Library, Pavilion, Senior Citizens Center, Scout House, baseball and soccer fields. Until Apr. 6, the following will also be closed; Public Works, Animal Shelter, Library, City Hall, Parks and Recreation, Courts, Water Department, all meetings for boards and commissions, EDC, etc.
FERRIS ISD
The Ferris ISD will extend spring break one week to Mar. 20. In addition, this closure includes cancellation of all related events, activities, and practices effective immediately through Mar. 22. Ferris ISD is also working with the child nutrition department to deliver “on-the-go” meals at specific campus locations for families who are in need. More information about locations and logistics will be forthcoming.
CITY OF WILMER
The city has declared a local disaster of public health emergency. Closures include the Senior Center, Library, Community Center and Municipal Court. The city of Wilmer also encourages all residents to call or pay their water bill online.
CITY OF HUTCHINS
The city has declared a local disaster of public health emergency. Hutchins Municipal Court trials on Mar. 19 are canceled
CITY OF RED OAK
The city has declared a local disaster of public health emergency.
RED OAK ISD
Red Oak ISD has extended spring break another week to Mar. 20.
CITY OF WAXAHACHIE
The city has declared a local disaster of public health emergency. With this declaration, all community gatherings of 50 or more people shall also be suspended. This includes the temporary closure of the following city of Waxahachie facilities: Waxahachie Senior Activity Center, Waxahachie Sports Complex and Waxahachie Civic Center. This order does not prohibit this number of people at businesses, restaurants, retail establishments, places of worship, or private gatherings on private property.
WAXAHACHIE ISD
Waxahachie ISD will extend spring break by one week. All Waxahachie ISD schools and facilities will be closed and all extracurricular activities canceled until Monday, Mar. 23. Waxahachie ISD is currently putting a plan in place to feed students who rely on free and reduced breakfasts and lunches during the district’s closure. More information will be communicated about this soon.
CITY OF ITALY
No information regarding city closures.
ITALY ISD
Italy ISD schools and offices will be closed until Mar. 20, for all non-essential personnel. Closure includes cancellation of all events, travel and activities effective immediately through Mar. 22. The district also noted it is planning for delivery of home-based instruction to occur Mar. 23-27. Home-based instruction will be a combination of online and home study options that will allow to continue student learning. The ISD will also be working with the child nutrition department to offer “on-the-go” meals for families who are in need.
CITY OF ENNIS
Ennis Regional Hospital has implemented a plan that will restrict visitors into its facility. Local nursing homes have restricted visitor access into these facilities. The city and Ellis County are strongly discouraging any mass gatherings where people are in close physical proximity. A general rule of thumb is to maintain a distance of at least six-feet called social distancing.
ENNIS ISD
Ennis ISD has extended spring break through Mar. 20. Along with no classes, all extracurricular practices, performances, events, games, meetings, as well as district travel will be canceled.
CITY OF MIDLOTHIAN
Animal shelter visits will be by appointment only and the library is closed in Midlothian.
MIDLOTHIAN ISD
Midlothian ISD will be closed until Mar. 20, in addition, closure includes cancellation of all events and activities effective immediately through Mar. 22.
CITY OF OVILLA
The city has declared a local disaster of public health emergency.
CITY OF PALMER
No information regarding city closures.
PALMER ISD
All Palmer ISD schools and facilities will be closed, and all extracurricular activities canceled until Mar. 23.