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Closures & Cancellations

7th COVID-19 Death Reported in Gaines County

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The South Plains Public Health District confirmed Gaines County’s seventh death due to COVID-19 on Monday, Sept. 21. Currently, 36 cases remain active in the county, and 274 individuals have recovered of the 317 total.

COVID-19 recovery numbers in county on the rise

The latest data from the South Plains Public Health Department indicates that 268 of the 307 patients in Gaines County testing positive for COVID-19 have recovered. Forty-three of the positive cases remain active as of press time. Death totals locally remain at six.

The 2019 projection from the U.S. Census Bureau estimates the population of Gaines County to be 21,492. Using those numbers, only 1.4 percent of the county’s population has contracted the virus since March. Currently, 87 percent of those testing positive have recovered.

GC Residents Now Required to Wear Masks as Cases Continue to Rise

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With Gov. Abbott's recent disaster declaration addressing the most recent second wave of the coronavirus, resulting in more stringent rules, an increasing number of Texans have raised the issue of personal liberty, as well as the effectiveness of mask requirements that have accompanied the declaration.

Governor Abbott Establishes Statewide Face Covering Requirements, Issues Proclamation to Limit Gatherings

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AUSTIN - Governor Greg Abbott today issued an Executive Order requiring all Texans to wear a face covering over the nose and mouth in public spaces in counties with 20 or more positive COVID-19 cases, with few exceptions. The Governor also issued a proclamation giving mayors and county judges the ability to impose restrictions on some outdoor gatherings of over 10 people, and making it mandatory that, with certain exceptions, people cannot be in groups larger than ten and must maintain six feet of social distancing from others.

City begins reopening local facilities

Round up the teens and toddlers, grab a swimsuit or trunks, and get ready for summer. On Tuesday, May 26, the day after Memorial Day, the Seminole Splash Pad and the pool at the M.S. Doss Youth Center will open for muchanticipated fun and sun at 50 percent capacity.

Many of Seminole’s favorite summer spots are now open. According to City Administrator Tommy Phillips, parks in Seminole opened on May 18, per the governor’s phase two of Open Up Texas. According to Judge Tom Keyes, Gaines County Park is also open.

Governor Abbott, DPS announce limited reopening of driver license offices

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AUSTIN - Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) will begin a phased opening of driver license offices starting May 26th with limited service offerings. As part of this opening plan, DPS will launch a statewide driver license (DL) appointment system that allows customers to book appointments up to six months in advance. The limited services being offered will be by appointment only.

Need Help Paying Your Natural Gas Bill? Atmos Energy Has Solution to Manage Past Due Balances

Midland -- Widespread recommendations to stay home amid at the public health emergency have many Americans anxious about balancing unforeseen energy expenses with the desire for a comfortable home. As the country continues to navigate these uncertain times, Atmos Energy reminds customers struggling to pay their monthly natural gas bill that payment options and financial assistance are available.

County Receives the Go Ahead to Open at 50%

On April 27, 2020 Governor Abbott issued Executive Order GA-18. You may view GA-18 on the Gaines County webpage. There is also a 64-page report, that is referenced in GA-18, that includes further guidance to open up Texas and is also available on the county webpage, entitled "The Govenor's Report to Open Texas." GA-18 authorized retail stores and restaurants to open at 25% capacity on May 1, 2020.

 Gov. Greg Abbott to allow Texas hair salons to reopen Friday and gyms to open May 18

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                    May 5, 2020

                    Gov. Greg Abbott will allow hair salons in Texas to reopen Friday — and gyms will be allowed to open May 18.

The businesses will be required to follow certain rules, however, as the state continues to grapple with the novel coronavirus. For example, hair stylists will only be able to work with one customer at a time, while gyms can only reopen at 25% capacity, and their showers and locker rooms should remain closed for now.

Memorial Hospital Drive-Thru Clinic Discontinued; Confirmed Cases Remain at Two

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Since a second case of COVID-19 in Seminole was confirmed, local testing to date has yielded negative results, according to Seminole Memorial Hospital CEO Larry Gray. Gray also told the Sentinel that hospital policy has yet to be affected by Governor Abbott’s more relaxed sixth Disaster Declaration, a phasedin approach to reopening Texas businesses.