Coryell County judge issues local disaster declaration

By LYNETTE SOWELL

Cove Leader-Press

Coryell County Judge Roger Miller issued a local disaster declaration for Coryell County on Friday afternoon.

The declaration came after an announcement by Bell County officials on Friday that a 29-year-old Belton man tested presumptive positive for COVID-19, or coronavirus, Up to six additional individuals exhibited signs of illness, according to the disaster declaration.

Coryell County Emergency Management Coordinator Bob Harrell was notified on Friday morning that an employee of Laerdal Medical was presumed to be positive for COVID-19.

Representatives from Laerdal Medical confirmed the employee went home sick on Wednesday and all other employees had been asked to stay home beginning Friday, according to a press release from Coryell County Emergency Management.

Coryell County Judge Roger Miller said that an appropriate and immediate response is prudent for the safety and welfare for the citizens of Coryell County.

“It’s unfortunate this virus has reached our area so quickly. However, we are going to take the necessary steps to protect our great County,” Miller stated in a press release.

The declaration calls for “all public activities in Coryell County” to cease as of March 13, and that any event held a private facilities is urged to cancel, but “should make those determinations within their organizations and with staff of those facilities.”

“Events that would include any population at severe risk of severe illness should cease. The population at greatest risk is anyone over the age of 65 and/or those with severe medical conditions as defined by CDC guidelines.”

However, the order does not include school districts or private school facilities within the jurisdiction of Coryell County.

The declaration continues until it is rescinded, but will not continue for more than seven days without being authorized by the commissioners court.

An emergency meeting of the Coryell County commissioners has been called for Monday, March 16, at 9 a.m. at the commissioners’ court, located at 800 E. Main St. Suite A in Gatesville.

The 29-year-old man had been in Europe from March 4-10 and had traveled to Paris, France and Barcelona, Spain, prior to his return to the United States. He is now under self-quarantine.