WASHINGTON CO. ORDERED TO REDUCE BUSINESS CAPACITY, CLOSE BARS AFTER INCREASED COVID-19 HOSPITALIZATIONS
Bars in Washington County will have to close and businesses will need to reduce capacity, following word from the state on rising COVID-19 hospitalizations in the region.
Washington County Judge John Durrenberger received a letter late Monday from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), informing the county that “Trauma Service Area N,” which includes Washington County, has had seven consecutive days of COVID-19 hospitalized patients making up more than 15 percent of total hospital capacity.
Per Governor Greg Abbott’s executive orders, business capacity must reduce to 50 percent from 75 percent, and establishments that receive at least 51 percent of their revenue from the sale of alcohol must close immediately, per the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC). In addition, hospitals are being told to restrict elective procedures.
“Trauma Service Area N” is also made up of Brazos, Burleson, Grimes, Leon, Madison and Robertson counties. The region has been above 15 percent COVID-19 hospitalization since December 22nd.
On Monday, the TABC updated its dashboard showing which counties are allowed to have bars open, removing Washington, Brazos, Burleson, Grimes and Robertson counties from the list.
Counties are allowed to appeal the order if they have fewer than 30 total cases of COVID-19 over the last 14 days, and if their county judge submits an attestation to DSHS. Occupancy rates can increase once the region’s hospitalization rate is 15 percent or lower for at least seven straight days.
Baylor Scott and White released this statement to KWHI in reference to the limitation of elective procedures:
"Currently, Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – College Station has sufficient capacity. We have been able to continue caring for our patients because of enhanced safety measures and protections in place across our hospitals, surgery centers and clinics, in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance and recommendations by our clinical experts to safeguard our patients’ health and well-being—as well as that of our caregivers—from COVID-19.
However, the number of patients in need of care for COVID-19 infections has increased. To continue ensuring that our hospitals are ready for those who need care most during this time, we have recently begun working with our patients to reschedule non-emergent procedures that require an overnight stay.
As we approach the New Year and with vaccines now arriving in our state, there is much hope on the horizon. In the meantime, we ask for continued vigilance. The safety and well-being of our community starts with each member and the decisions we each make. We ask that the public continue the sense of urgency shown in following the recommended guidelines of physical distancing, masking, and hand hygiene. Each member of the community has a role to play in preventing hospitalizations and intensive care unit admissions while protecting ourselves, our loved ones and our communities."