BY Sahar Chmais
HAYS COUNTY – COVID-19 hospitalizations have dipped below 15% for seven consecutive days, meaning businesses can return to the capacity levels before regulations went into effect on Jan. 8.
Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra received a letter from Dr. John Hellerstedt, director of the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), informing him of the updated situation. The county is part of Trauma Service Area O, which has eased regulations due to lowered COVID-19 hospitalizations.
Businesses may go back to 75% capacity, hospitals can resume and schedule elective surgeries and bars may resume on-premise services up to a 50% capacity. These orders follow Governor Greg Abbott’s Executive Order GA-32. More details on exemptions can be found on Governor Abbott’s website.
Becerra said he is pleased with the efforts the region has made to slow the spread of the virus.
“This is a positive step in the right direction,” Becerra said. “Everything we are doing right now, combined with rolling out the vaccine to everyone who wants it, will aid in the fight against COVID-19.”
While Becerra has expressed joy in the capacity of residents who want to take the vaccine, Hays County is still far from vaccinating all residents who fit under Phase 1A and 1B.
“With the current severe lack of vaccine supply,” Becerra said, “the tremendous demand makes dispensing the doses a huge disappointment.”
Lack of supplies has not stopped the county from working toward getting more vaccines to those who want them. County officials continue to research, learn and consult with regional partners to get vaccines out to as many people as possible.
The Hays County Office of Emergency Services (OES) and the Hays County Local Health Department are working together to create a list for anyone in Phase 1 A and 1B groups.
The system will still lead to frustration due to lack of vaccine supply, said OES Director Mike Jones.
“While no system is perfect,” Jones said, “our goal is to take care of Hays County residents in the most efficient and effective manner possible. Receiving less than 2,000 doses per week from DSHS is a frustration felt by everyone at the county and in our community.”
Once the waiting list set-up is finalized, the county will share information on its website, www.hayscountytx.com, Jones said. That information will also be available on www.haysinformed.com and on the county’s official social media channels, including Facebook and Twitter.
To receive text alerts about the COVID-19 vaccine, residents can also text COVID to 844-928-3213.
