Archer County no longer exempt from mask mandate

Archer County Judge Randy Jackson announced on Monday, Oct. 26, that the county was no longer exempt from GA-29 including facial covers which was issued by Governor Greg Abbot.

Jackson said as of Saturday, Oct. 23, Archer County has reported 38 positive COVID-19 cases within the county.

“By having over 30 positive cases within a two-week period, Archer County lost its Exemption status for compliance with all aspects of GA-29 including requiring facial coverings in public places,” Jackson wrote.

Under GA-29, facial coverings and social distancing will be required in all public places, occupancy rates will be diminished to 50 % instead of 75%, and every person should use good-faith efforts and available resources to follow the minimum standard health protocols recommended by DSHS. Outdoor gatherings may need approval. Refer to GA-29 or https://tdem.texas.gov/ga29 for more guidelines.

There are multiple exceptions to the safety standards in Governor Abbott’s Order. Safety Protocols and exemptions can be found at www.dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus or GA-29.

“Please stay at home if you concerned with an environment or social event,” Jackson said. “Also use common sense and recommended precautions if you are in unfamiliar surroundings to protect yourself and your family.”

The judge encouraged anybody feeling sick to see a physician for screening, possible testing and isolation protocol. He added area hospitals are nearing capacity with Nov. 15 being estimated to be the peak day for hospitalization requests.

“As of today, county offices will be open for appointments only,” Jackson wrote. “Early voting will continue as scheduled at all polling locations. As information becomes available, my office will share that information to the appropriate offices and agencies. Please call or contact my office if you have any questions.”

According to the Center for Disease Control, symptoms of COVID-19 can include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headaches, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose or diarrhea.

According to the Texas Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19 cases dashboard, Archer County has had 137 positive cases COVID-19 since tracking started. The state of Texas has had 862,375 positive cases reported with 17,504 deaths, an estimated 755,095 recoveries and an estimated 91,885 active cases.