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Coronavirus News

COVID Concerns Discussed at Commissioners Court

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Highlights of the Nov. 24 Gaines County Commissioners Court meeting included the decision to require masks in all county buildings, a discussion of whether to limit the county golf course to locals only and a change of hours for both the Seminole and Seagraves branches of the library.

Governor Abbott, DSHS Announce COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Plan

AUSTIN - Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) today announced the guiding principles for Texas' COVID-19 vaccine allocation process, which will serve as a foundation for the state's initial distribution for COVID-19 vaccines expected as early as next month. These principles have been established by the Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel (EVAP), created by DSHS to make recommendations on vaccine allocation decisions, including identifying groups that should be vaccinated first to provide the most protection to vulnerable populations and critical state resources.

Hospital Fighting a Rise in COVID-19 Cases

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Reporting on the COVID-19 status at Seminole Memorial Hospital during the board's monthly meeting on Nov. 23, CEO Larry Gray said it had been a hectic week at the hospital. "We also expect it to be busy after Thanksgiving; who knows what's going to come out of the woodwork. We'll have to see what happens next week."

Masks Required in County Buildings

With the rapid rise in the number of COVID cases in Gaines County, Judge Tom Keyes and the county commissioners voted unanimously in their meeting on Tuesday to mandate wearing masks in all county buildings.

SPPHD Reports 3 More COVID-19 Deaths

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With the Seminole Memorial Hospital reporting a spike in COVID cases, the South Plains Public Health Department confirmed 50 new positive cases in Gaines County on Monday, Nov. 23, and a total of 13 deaths locally since the beginning of the pandemic.

Gaines County COVID Death Total at 11

The South Plains Public Health District confirmed a new death this week in Gaines County due to CO- VID-19 bringing the county’s total to eleven. According to the Texas Tribune, “As of Nov. 19 Texas has now reported over 20,000 coronavirus deaths since the pandemic began. Meanwhile, the state reported over 12,000 new cases on Thursday, as the average daily tests have increased 35% since the beginning of October. COVID-19 hospitalizations are also up, having more than doubled over the same time period.”

SPPHD Reports Tenth COVID-19 Death in Gaines County

A tenth death due to COVID-19 has been confirmed in Gaines County by the South Plains Public Health Department. Also, new positive daily cases topped out at 29 on Tuesday, Nov.10. Currently in Gaines County, as of press time of Nov. 13, there have been 752 cases since the outbreak in March. A total of 284 remain active and 458 have recovered.

According to the Seminole ISD dashboard, the following cases have been reported since Monday, Nov. 9:

School Board Reports on COVID-19, Annual Audit

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In addition to unanimously approving an independent audit report from Davis, Ray, and Co., the Seminole ISD School Board discussed current COVID guidelines and procedures within the district.

COVID-19 numbers increase

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With the onset of cooler temperatures throughout the country, COVID-19 cases continue to rise. Gaines, Dawson, and Terry counties have all exceeded 600 positive cases of the virus since the world-wide outbreak in March.

Increased COVID-19 Cases Decrease Occupancy Limits in Gaines County

Gaines County Judge Tom N. Keyes received a letter Tuesday from the Medical Director and a Commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services informing the judge that Gaines County no longer meets the threshold to open at the higher occupancy limits (75%).

Those businesses required to return to a maximum of 50% occupancy in Gaines County include restaurants, retail stores, offce buildings, manufacturing facilities, gyms and exercise facilities and classes, museums, and libraries.