State’s reopening slows as COVID-19 numbers spike

Blame it on the availability of testing; people who don’t wear masks; or recent gatherings of community activists – bottom line is, cases of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) are on the rise both locally and across the state.

On May 26, Cherokee County officials reported only 20 active cases county-wide -- 16 of which were in a state facility. Active case numbers began to shrink through the first weeks of June, as officials reported 16 active cases on June 5; then seven cases on June 12. Active cases started to rise again by June 15 as 10 cases were reported, which increased to 25 by June 23; and 36 as of June 25.

By Monday, June 29, the Cherokee County Public Health Department reported the county’s total active cases to be 80 – bringing the total number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 since the pandemic hit this area to 141.

Two of the 80 current cases have been connected to a state facility. A total 20 cases of the entire 141 that have been reported have been linked to a state facility. The remaining 121 cases were reported in county residents. Currently the bulk of active cases in Cherokee County (43) have been reported in Jacksonville. City officials report 53 total cases have occurred inside Jacksonville city limits.

“I think now it is paramount that our citizens continue to take personal responsibility to minimize the risk of spread in our community,” Mayor Randy Gorham said in a statement released via email on June 25. “We would much rather control the spread by each of us living responsibly, helping to keep our residents safe and our businesses open.”

Governor Greg Abbott on June 26 issued an executive order again limiting certain businesses and services, as cases in Texas increased by over 10 percent.

“COVID-19 is now spreading at an unacceptable rate in the state of Texas, and it must be corralled,” Abbott said. “We have several strategies to reduce the spread without shutting Texas back down, but it is up to all of us to do our part to protect ourselves and others. We need all Texans to follow the safety protocols developed by our team of medical experts, including staying home if you are sick or at risk, sanitizing your hands, social distancing, and wearing face coverings or masks. COVID-19 hasn’t gone away, but neither has our ability to slow the spread of it.

“Texans have shown that we don’t have to choose between jobs and health — we can have both. We can protect lives while also restoring livelihoods. Together, we will keep Texans safe and we will keep our state open for business.”

Establishments that receive more than 51 percent profit from the sale of alcoholic beverages were required to close at noon on June 26. These businesses remain open for delivery and take-out, including for alcoholic beverages. Restaurants’ dine-in services are not to exceed 50 percent of total listed indoor occupancy, as of Monday, June 29.

Rafting and tubing businesses have closed. Outdoor gatherings of 100 or more people also must now be approved by local governments.

“At this time, it is clear that the rise in cases is largely driven by certain types of activities, including Texans congregating in bars,” Abbott said. “I know that our collective action can lead to a reduction in the spread of COVID-19 because we have done it before, and we will do it again.”

As of June 25, the state has paused any further phases to reopen Texas. Businesses already open under previous phases continue to operate under the minimum standard health protocols as provided by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). Visit open.texas.gov to learn more about the state’s protocols.

A walk-up COVID-19 testing event will be held 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, July 3 at JISD’s John Alexander Gym, 800 Farnsworth St., in Jacksonville. Tests are free to the public. Participants must have access to a telephone.