COVID-19 cases continue to climb as economy reopens

Fourth death reported

Posted Thursday, June 11, 2020 12:49 pm

Mobile testing for COVID-19 available Tuesday in Moulton

The Texas Military Department will have a free mobile COVID-19 drive through testing station set up at Saint Joseph Catholic Church Social Center, 611 N Pecan St. in Moulton on Tuesday, June 16 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Starting Sunday, June 14, people can call 512-883-2400 (between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.), or go to txcovidtest.org to be screened and to get an appointment for a time to be tested. Testing will not be provided to people who just drive up to the testing site. Tests are conducted by appointment only.

Anyone with the primary symptoms of the coronavirus, which include fever and dry cough, will be eligible for the test without needing a prescription from a medical professional. A screening process will be in place and administered by State Health Department personnel trained to gather information and assess symptoms which could suggest that a person should be tested for COVID-19.

People who are being tested will stay in their car and be administered the test without leaving their vehicles.

Following the test, patients will receive a text message with a link to a portal with results and information. Those testing positive will be contacted by their local health department. Clients can also email help@txcovidtest.org to inquire about test results.

By Joe Southern Interim editor

As the local economy continues to open up, more cases of COVID-19 continue to be reported in Gonzales County.

“Gonzales is reporting two new cases of Covid-19 and 13 recoveries,” Emergency Management Coordinator Jimmy Harless reported on social media Tuesday. “One new case is located within the city limits of Waelder and the other case is located in the unincorporated area of Gonzales County. This brings our total reported cases to 166.”

On Thursday (after press time), Harless reported two more cases (168) and a fourth death from the disease.

“One case is located within the city limits of Nixon and the other is located within the city limits of Gonzales,” he said.

According to state reports on Monday, Gonzales County has 155 confirmed cases, 11 probable cases, with 134 recoveries and three deaths. There are 29 active cases in the county.

“We had 14 tests performed in Nixon on May 31 and two were reported as positive,” Harless said. “I am not sure if they have already been reported or not. We only get a case number and address. We do not get a date nor location of where the test was performed.”

Two weeks ago the county crossed the 100-case mark and last week that number jumped past 150. The 16 additional cases so far this week are expected to climb in number when Thursday’s report comes out.

The growing number of cases in combination with the reopening of the economy has created some discomfort within the community. Last week the Gonzales Inquirer asked a poll question related to COVID-19. More than half the respondents, 52%, said the county needs stricter measures to help control the spread of the disease.

“The few places I have went in Gonzales, people are not adhering to the current guidelines, so no use to make more,” Jean Floyd commented. “People will continue to do what they want. Everytime I need to go shopping for necessities, I see people standing next to each other in the stores gossiping and catching up with each other, no social distancing and blocking the aisles. Then actually on the way to and from the stores, there have been many times people are having parties at their house, with no social distancing with more that 20 people. I’m sure they all don’t live at the same household. No wonder the numbers keep going up.”

“I think people don’t take things seriously and don’t care about others so I agree with anything Gonzales can do to keep our community safe since people don’t care about one another especially our elderly and children,” said Laura Montalvo.

“Things are really bad here in Waelder. Stricter rules are needed again,” added Mary Esparza.

In the poll, 17% said the county should follow current guidelines and 31% indicted that we have gone too far and need to open up more.

“If you’re scared stay home while the rest of society lives their lives,” commented Edward Taylor.