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City, county call virus contingency planning session


Julye Keeble

Staff writer

Though no known cases of the coronavirus, or COVID-19, have been reported in Uvalde, city and county staff, law enforcement and representatives from Uvalde Memorial Hospital are making preparations if the illness reaches Uvalde.

Yesterday, approximately 80 people representing more than 15 agencies attended a meeting directed by Uvalde Mayor Don McLaughlin Jr. and Uvalde County Judge William R. Mitchell.

Those present included representatives from local health care facilities, area first responders, including game wardens, representatives of local schools and the tourism industry, and Uvalde County and city staff.

“The CDC has upgraded COVID-19 to a pandemic status. This decision was not necessarily due to the seriousness of the illness itself, but rather because of how quickly it has spread,” UMH CEO Tom Nordwick said.

“Uvalde has a plan in place, but we have no current known cases of the coronavirus,” said Mayor Don McLaughlin Jr. “If we get one, we will inform the public immediately, and plans are in place to handle the situation. Preparations are being made.”

“Don’t be fearful. Take precautions but don’t necessarily change your daily life,” said Mitchell.

He noted Uvalde County public health nurse, Terri Black, has been in constant contact with local doctors, hospitals, health clinics and school nurses. Officials have had daily conference calls with the governors office for approximately three weeks.

“We have an emergency management plan that includes this type of scenario. Should it happen, we will respond and provide safety to citizens of the county,” Mitchell said.

Two cases were reported Friday morning in Austin, and 12 have been reported in San Antonio. Eleven cases are from among evacuees brought to federal quarantine at Lackland Air Force Base, but on Friday morning officials announced the first confirmed case of coronavirus in San Antonio from outside of the Lackland quarantine, stating the affected person had previously traveled out of state.

McLaughlin stated that he could see the point in other areas canceling events to help prevent crowds from gathering and potentially spreading the virus.

“But the kids, teenagers, are already there in Concan. If we cancel events, they aren’t just going to go home,” McLaughlin said, adding that anyone who feels sick should stay home as a precaution.

“We just need to take precautions, wash our hands, use sanitizer, cover your face when you cough,” said McLaughlin. “Life goes on.”

With toilet tissue and other life essentials flying off the shelf, H-E-B grocery store has issued a statement that shelves are being replenished round-the-clock with supplies such as bottled water, toilet tissue and cleansers. The store encourages preparedness, not panic, asking purchasers to remain considerate of their neighbors and avoid needlessly stockpiling items.

 

 

Bill Mitchell

Bill Mitchell

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