Marion County Judge Leward LaFleur formally declared Marion County in a State Disaster for the next seven days.
LaFleur made the declaration after discussions with State and Local Officials, and in coordination with Marion County Emergency Preparedness Director Constable David Capps.
Earlier today Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued an executive order closing all restaurants, bars, and gyms to in-house gatherings. Restaurants and bars can continue to serve customers but only through take-out or delivery services. Yesterday Abbott allowed restaurants and bars to continue to offer alcoholic beverages as long as their is an accompanying food order and the whole order is for take-out or delivery. All of this is in effect through April 3, 2020, but can be extended.
Abbott also banned all public gatherings of more than 10 people. Abbott is also closing all public schools and requesting school districts investigate and try to move to online based instruction. This is also in effect until April 3. JISD was already closed for normal operations until April 3 and the School Board gave Superintendent Rob Barnwell the authority to extend the closure as necessary without additional board approval.
LaFleur’s declaration follows:
County Commissioners have seven days to ratify the declaration or it will automatically expire. The Judge can then issue additional declarations.
LaFleur also issued a separate statement on the COVID-19 virus via email:
March 19, 2020
To the People of Marion County,
In the last few days and weeks we have faced something no one in our lifetime has had to face. I urge you to be calm, strong, and vigilant as ever! We are facing a silent enemy who creeps through our lives undetected.
We as a county have been caught between a rock and a hard place. We have no cure and no way to know where it will strike next. After much counsel I tell you its no longer if but when we will have a confirmed case of COVID-19.
In this situation there is no right or wrong answer. I now urge you to form a vital role into trying to combat this virus. Please adhere to the CDC recommendations. We are the only ones who can keep this virus at bay.
I do not want you to live in fear, I hope and pray that we as citizens can do what needs to be done to slow this virus down as to not over extend our healthcare system in East Texas.
As we move forward please remember I fully intend to do whatever necessary to combat the COVID-19 in Marion County, we have a measured response to whatever may be coming and we will keep the best interest of the people of Marion County at the forefront of the conversations and decisions.
If you have any questions or concerns please reach out.
Office 903-665-3261, Cell 903-930-1782, or email leward.lafleur@co.marion.tx.us
Continue to pray for our nation, state, and Marion County
Respectfully,
Judge Leward J. LaFleur”