6 Covid-19 cases confirmed in Ellis County

WAXAHACHIE – As counties around the state of Texas are taking measures to halt the spread of the Covid-19 virus, on Monday Ellis County confirmed one additional case in Midlothian.

Sunday, the Local Health Authority confirmed the sixth case in the county.

There are four males and two females who have been confirmed to have the Covid-19 virus, all appearing to be from community spread.

Five of the cases are currently being monitored by the Texas Department of State Health Services, while one of the cases is in hospital isolation.

The male in hospital isolation is age unknown and is a resident of Midlothian.

Another Midlothian resident is a 32-yearold male. Two other females are in home isolation, a 72-year-old Maypearl woman and a 37-year-old female resident of Ennis.

The additional two cases are a 44-year-old man from Palmer and another male resident of Waxahachie whose age is unknown.

There are currently 18 additional persons under monitoring in Ellis County.

Every PUM is self-isolating while being monitored for fever and additional signs and symptoms consistent with Covid-19.

After Texas Governor Gregg Abbott’s Executive Order issued last week, Ellis County Judge Todd Little issued the same order for Ellis County.

This is not a Shelter in Place Order as in Dallas County, which began Monday night at 11:59 p.m.

The stay at home order consistent with Governor Abbott’s order is in effect until Apr. 3 at 11:59 p.m.

A press release issued by Ellis County said, “ Failure to comply will result in fines of up to $1000, potential jail time of 180 days, and potential mandatory quarantine orders.”

However, some were confused with exactly what the order included since it was not a Shelter in Place Order, and Ellis County was complying only with Governor Abbott’s Executive Order.

“In summary,” the press release stated, “if there is not an essential reason to leave your home then stay home. If people refuse to prevent the further spread of Covid-19, stricter standards may be required. Every person shall avoid all gatherings in groups of more than 10 people .”

During Judge Little’s stay at home order, all critical infrastructure remains open to continue providing essential services. Businesses were asked to implement policies allowing employees to work from home to eliminate the spread of the virus. Inside dining at bars, restaurants, and food courts, or visiting gyms or massage parlors is prohibited. Restaurants and other establishments are being allowed to utilize drive-through, delivery and pick-up options. People shall not visit nursing homes, retirement, or longterm care facilities unless to provide critical assistance. Schools throughout the state are also temporarily closed through Apr. 3, 2020.

The Ellis County Judge’s Office and the Office of Emergency Management have been working with the mayors, emergency managers, medical personnel, and first responders of local jurisdictions, to ensure public health and secure the safety of all working to mitigate the effects of Covid-19.

Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness for Covid-19 cases. These include symptoms of fever, cough and/or shortness of breath, viral pneumonia, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which can lead to permanent damage and or death .

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