SEN. KOLKHORST DISCUSSES NEW STATE RESTRICTIONS, BRENHAM AND WASHINGTON CO. DISASTER DECLARATIONS
State Senator Lois Kolkhorst has weighed in on Governor Greg Abbott’s decision to implement restrictions and bans to stop the spread of COVID-19, as well as the decisions by Brenham and Washington County government to declare local disasters.
(courtesy Office of Lois Kolkhorst)
Kolkhorst, the Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services, said the state’s declaration prevents a “patchwork quilt” approach to addressing the virus, and provides a singular guideline for all local governments to proceed with.
Kolkhorst said she was concerned when she learned about the City of Brenham and Washington County potentially moving forward with disaster declarations that would last through the end of May.
Kolkhorst said that, while there are many unknowns with this virus, the decision by the governments to limit their declarations to seven days, while adhering to Abbott’s 14-day declaration, was ultimately the right move.
Abbott’s new restrictions and bans, which go into effect at midnight tonight (Friday), limit social gatherings of more than ten people; close bars and restaurant dining areas, gyms, and massage parlors; and disallow visitors at nursing homes and retirement and long-term care facilities.
Kolkhorst said the 14-day restriction period, which lasts through midnight April 3rd, is crucial to stopping the spread of the virus. Kolkhorst said she is optimistic about increased testing opportunities coming in the near future.
Kolkhorst remains hopeful that people can go back to their normal lives sooner rather than later.
Kolkhorst also advised that the public continues to follow health information and updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at www.cdc.gov, and the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) at www.dshs.texas.gov.
Based on what’s going on in Italy as opposed to South Korea, the only way to slow the transmission of the Covid-19 virus is by testing, isolation and quarantine of those infected, and strict social distancing measures. Unfortunately, it looks like we haven’t followed the lead of South Korea. This virus has not reached its peak here in the USA.
I am in favor of the approach our elected officials (city, county, state and federal) are taking to help control the spread of this virus. In addition to agreeing with their efforts, I must examine myself and make sure that I am making good prudent decisions and be responsible to myself. If I discipline myself and stay home, eliminating the risk from exposure to this virus and maintain my health, to me that is a good thing. I recall when I came down with the flu in February 2018, I confined myself to the master bedroom. That was my world for over a month. But I made up my mind that (for now) this is my world, therefore, I’m going to enjoy the POSITIVE things I have in my world. Food trays served to me at my door…I have a toilet…I got my mobile desk and laptop…I have heartbeat in my veins…breath in my lungs…family and friends that love me…i’m getting better…and the BEST…this is only temporary. This is the attitude I have about quarantining myself to my house…however, mentally….I am NOT in solitary confinement. I can reach out to family and friends and communicate with them from the “SAFETY” and comfort of my home. I do pray for everyone that has been stricken with this virus and for those that are dealing with the uncertainty of these times. Bless YOU All, Jim
Has the senator in her state position DSHS have in motion all the plans to equip our rural hospitals with all the extra equipment and additional space they may need? Basic Girl Scout stuff, Be Prepared”.