The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Freestone County increased over the weekend, with two more individuals added to the county total. The county now stands with three cases as of Monday afternoon.
On Saturday afternoon, Freestone County Judge Linda Grant released a county directive, confirming received information that two male individuals, one in his 20’s and one in his 30’s, have tested positive for the virus. The third case was a male in his 40’s, which was confirmed this past Tuesday. All three individuals reside in Teague.
“I and many others have long believed the virus was here and that there were active cases here, but not identified possibly because there were mild cases,” Grant stated. “We must be even more careful to protect ourselves and others.”
Grant goes on to state that residents should follow all recommendations and requirements from local, state and federal agencies, and that they should “stay at home except for essential services or engaging in essential daily activities while continuing to follow personal health hygiene practices, such as washing your hands.”
Other recommendations include wearing a mask or cloth face covering whenever you are out in public and cannot maintain six feet of social distancing, as well as limiting to only one person per household to handle essential functions, such as grocery shopping.
“We, as a county, are all in this together. We can show this support by [being] faithful to follow the precautions,” the directive states.
For more information, contact the county judge’s office at 903-389-3335.
Updated data from the Texas Department of State Health Services shows 19,458 confirmed COVID-19 cases throughout 198 Texas counties, with 495 fatalities reported thus far.
Other notes:
-Fairfield Lake State Park reopened to the public Monday, with risk mitigation efforts still in place from pre-closure proceedings. The park entrance gate will open at 8 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. daily. Trail users will be able to access the Dockery Trail beginning by the park entrance. Other stipulations are:
-Once the park reaches its daily capacity limit, it will be closed to further visitors.
-Masks must be work at all times within the state park boundary.
-Visitors must practice social distancing and remain six feet from anyone not in their group.
-Groups larger than five are not allowed to congregate.
-Park Headquarters and equipment rentals remain closed.
-Park programs and camping are suspended at this time.
-Day passes must be purchased in advance online.
-On Saturday, Freestone County Sheriff’s Office officers responded to a shooting incident east of Teague after a report that a bullet had entered a home through a living room window, with a trajectory less than 10 inches above the head of an individual sitting inside on the couch. FCSO Sgt. Martin was able to locate two male subjects shooting target practice on County Road 650, with the targets on county right-of-way property and less than a half mile away from the victims’ home. At the conclusion of the investigation, the two subjects were arrested for Deadly Conduct.
-Pre-K and Kindergarten registration is now available for Fairfield Elementary School. You may register online at bit.ly/FESregister, or call 903-879-2160. Those that register by May 15 will be entered into a prize drawing.
-Kennedy’s Korner Boutique in Fairfield is offering Boutique Baskets for Mother’s Day, as well as gifts for teachers and upcoming graduates. The boutique is offering curbside and local delivery, with a custom price range available. Cutoff dates apply for orders. Please contact the boutique at 903-389-2205 or 903-391-0258 for more information.