Responding to COVID-19
By Jackie Zimmerman/Managing Editor—
The Floyd County Commissioners Court voted in its July 13 meeting to extend its existing disaster declaration through Aug. 10, following Gov. Greg Abbott’s June 10 announcement to extend the Statewide COVID-19 Disaster Declaration.
The declaration, initially announced the first week of June, is following statements issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services, Texas Division of Emergency Management and Gov. Abbott which all believe that a threat to public health still exists.
“Extending this Disaster Declaration helps ensure that Texas has the resources and flexibility needed to effectively respond to COVID-19,” Gov. Abbott said in his statement. “To further mitigate the spread of the virus and overcome this challenge, Texans should continue to do their part by wearing a mask, social distancing, and staying home if possible.”
In accordance with state code, the Floyd County declaration authorizes aid and assistance through the emergency management plan and authorizes the county to initiate other health safety measures.
According to the declaration, the county can do what is necessary to promote health and suppress the virus and lists actions including quarantine of persons and occupied structures, examining hospitals, and regulating anyone leaving or entering the county.
The declaration also follows state code stating anyone who violates the declaration commits an offense, punishable by a fie up to $1,000 or jail confinement for no more than 180 days.
