COVID-19: Get ready for 50% capacity again!

WAXAHACHIE – Ellis County residents returning from Thanksgiving break faced strict new coronavirus measures around the county Monday as health officials brace for a disastrous worsening of the nationwide surge because of holiday gatherings over the long weekend. 

As COVID-19 numbers are reportedly on the rise again, residents in Ellis County and surrounding counties might as well get ready for a holiday shutdown.

A source who has requested anonymity said this is what he hears is about to happen.

“As a county, we are about to have to go back to 50-percent capacity on Thursday or Friday,” the source said.

While COVID-19 case numbers coming out of Ellis County are often confusing since the various state agency numbers do not match up, reports indicate hospital numbers have reportedly been at 15 percent COVID capacity for the past several days. 

Per executive order GA-32 issued by Governor Greg Abbott, which was effective Oct. 14 – after seven consecutive days above 15- percent COVID-19 capacity, then that changes the equation for patients to schedule elective surgeries. Bars will be closed once again too due to these higher COVID numbers, which are being reported.

On Oct. 8, Abbott issued his Executive Order to reopen certain venues to 75-percent capacity and allow resumption of elective surgeries in certain counties. 

Executive Order GA-32 does allow counties in Trauma Service Areas with high hospitalizations to choose to operate at 75-percent “if the county has minimal COVID-19 cases.

Effective Oct. 12, minimal cases are defined as when a county has reported fewer than 30 new confirmed cases in the last 14 days,” according to https://www.dshs.texas.gov/ga32/ outlining the governor’s GA-32 Executive Order.

Now, an imminent shutdown is looming as the holidays approach.

Ellis County Judge Todd Little’s office said he had no comment as of press time. His office said he is awaiting more information from the state.