WASHINGTON CO. EXTENDS LOCAL DISASTER DECLARATION THROUGH APRIL 3RD

  

Washington County has extended the local state of disaster because of the public health emergency of COVID-19.

At the meeting this (Tuesday) morning of Washington County Commissioners, the state of disaster was extended through April 3^rd, aligning with the disaster declaration of Governor Greg Abbott.  Washington County’s disaster declaration also maintains the guidelines, restrictions and bans set forth by Abbott.

The court initially passed a seven-day disaster declaration Thursday, tabling discussion on a more permanent declaration that would have lasted through May 31^st.  Commissioner Candice Bullock said the court feels confident that this is the document the county wanted to put out.

Bullock said she, along with Commissioner Kirk Hanath and Brenham City Councilmembers Keith Herring and Clint Kolby, worked together on the declaration.  County Judge John Durrenberger, along with the rest of the commissioners court, thanked the city for its cooperation in this collaborative effort.

 

Hanath, who noted that this declaration can be extended if necessary, said commissioners are doing what they legally can to ensure all proactive measures are taken.  Commissioner Joy Fuchs said this in no way means the county is panicking, but instead is doing this to keep sanity.

Monday, the county announced it would be closing all county offices to walk-ins, and that they would accessible by appointment only.  Public access to the courthouse is limited to the west door on Park Street, with everyone requesting access being screened before they are granted access.

Hanath said there were still no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Washington County as of this morning.  He cautioned that the county will need to take a hard look and make some tough decisions on how it spends its money in the future, depending on how long this pandemic lasts.

Hanath said county officials are currently provided daily updates on the situation surrounding COVID-19 by Emergency Management Coordinator Bryan Ruemke.  He noted that Washington County EMS now has a screening tool on its website, providing those who are screened with more information about the virus.  It is not meant to act as a formal diagnosis, and should not be used in lieu of consulting a medical professional.  The screening tool is available online at www.washingtoncountyems.net/education/covid-19.

You can read the full disaster declaration here.