Marion County Judge Leward LaFleur notified the public via a press release and a FaceBook post early first thing Wednesday morning about the addition of three new COVID-19 cases in Marion County.
The county also was notified by DSHS that they had two additional recoveries, so the active case count only increased by one.
The County has had 37 cases since the pandemic began and eight new cases this week. There have been 22 recoveries and one fatality.
LaFleur only reports on cases after receiving information from DSHS.
“Now is the time for us to work hard at following all the guidelines to prevent the further spread of COVID-19,” LaFleur said. “And I’d ask that you continue to pray for those affected and their families by this virus.
Governor Gregg Abbott issued an executive order making wearing face masks mandatory on July 2. In the order, Abbott allowed counties with less than 20 active cases to be exempt from the order if their county judge filed an exemption request with TDEM. LaFleur filed the request on July 2, and it was approved on July 6. However, if the active case count goes above 20, the exemption is automatically revoked.
In May, June, and July Commissioners Court meetings, LaFleur pushed County Commissioners to purchase 60,000 masks so the county could be prepared and not have to try and find masks. Commissioners approved purchasing 10,000 initially and additional ones as needed in July. Commissioners cited “there are less than 10,000 men, women, and children in Marion County, so that should be plenty,” when approving the purchase. Commissioners also limited the use of the 10,000 masks to the Sheriff’s Department.
Recommendations to prevent the spread include:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- If you are experiencing fever, cough or difficulty breathing, been exposed to a sick traveler or been exposed to a person with COVID-19 in the last 14 days, contact your healthcare provider immediately.