Austin Lewter, Jefferson Jimplecute
As COVID-19 infections rates increase across Marion County, and the state of Texas as whole, another local official has announced he is quarantining due to a positive diagnosis.
The increase is positive active cases across the area qualifies the county to again fall under the current mask mandate handed down from the governor’s office.
On Monday, Jefferson Mayor Rob Baker took to Facebook to announce he has tested positive for the virus.
Baker’s statement read as follows:
“As your newly elected Mayor I am committed to providing you with full transparency. Thus, it is my duty to let you know that this morning I received a positive COVID test result.
“Upon first notice of symptoms, my family and I have taken every precaution necessary, including the decision to self-quarantine, and isolate seven days ago.
“Over the past week, I have exhibited very mild symptoms and expect to make a full recovery. My family is not currently showing signs/symptoms of COVID, and are only making necessary trips (masked up) outside of the home.
“Following CDC and our physician’s guidelines, my family and I will remain in self-quarantine for another seven days to complete a total of two weeks.
“Over the last two weeks, we have seen an increase in positive COVID cases here in Jefferson. Although we are still at a very minimal number of active cases, I urge each citizen of Jefferson to use caution and observe social distancing measures.
“As always, I’m available to you by call, text, or email and will continue to support the citizens of Jefferson in any way possible.”
Baker’s announcement comes a week after Marion County Judge Leward LaFleur announced he would be working from home after his wife had tested positive for the virus.
Marion County is currently experiencing increased rates of positive infections in line with the numbers being seen across the state.
LaFleur reported on Tuesday that Marion County had surpassed 30 active cases of COVID-19.
The lasted COVID-19 infection numbers for Marion County, reported by the State of Texas DSHS, are:
- Confirmed cases – 224
- Fatalities – 17
- Recoveries (estimate) – 236
- Active cases (estimate) – 44
“Marion County does not track nor does it compile this information,” LaFleur said on social media. “We report what we are given by DSHS… Please continue to observe social distancing measures. Pray for those who’ve lost loved ones.
“Pray that we continue to show a low impact on our community.
“According to an order in place by Gov. Greg Abbott, any county in the state with 30 or less cases can apply for a mask mandate exemption.
“Marion County has qualified for such an exemption since the order was issued as cases have yet to reach the threshold of 30.
“With our numbers hitting 30 today (Tuesday), I will be notified via email if/when the exemption is no longer applicable to Marion County,” LaFleur posted to Facebook. “The mandate further states a county is no longer exempt when the county receives 30 or more active cases in a 14 day period.”
Effectively, the order requires masks be worn in all public indoor spaces.