The final week of 2020’s “Awful April” was one of fast changes, new ideas and what looks to be the first glimmer of hope.
Texas took a step toward returning to, if not normal, at least a whiff of something different as Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday issued executive orders that loosened some of the restrictions with which Texans have been living for weeks.
There was more.
Almost 100 RHS seniors are expected to receive their diplomas at Tiger Stadium, a few at a time, stretched over several days in a “virtual graduation.”
Milam County logged its 14th COVID-19 case Monday morning and 15th on Tuesday evening.
FIRST STEP—Monday afternoon, Gov. Abbott took the biggest step yet, announcing many retail businesses, including restaurants, may re-open Friday under restrictions. See below for many more details.
The governor’s orders have already been endorsed by the City of Rockdale. Mayor John King on Tuesday issued a “termination of the local disaster order” and County Judge Steve Young said commissioners will meet later this week to bring the county’s orders in sync with the governor’s
Gov. Abbott’s order is 64 pages long and can be accessed at https://gov.texas.gov/uploads/files/organization/opentexas/OpenTexas-Re….
It allows restaurants to again have dine-in service under some strict restrictions and only if the number of people inside are no more than 25-percent of the facility’s capacity.
Bars may not yet re-open and the order specifies that any restaurant which derives more than 51 percent of its gross revenue from alcoholic beverages must also remain closed.
Subject to the 25-percent capacity rule—and many restrictions—retail businesses may also re-open.
It provides for, among others, limited re-opening for churches, libraries, museums and some outdoor sports.
Prohibited from re-opening, in addition to bars, are gyms, cosmetology salons, barbershops, tattoo parlors, piercing studios, public swimming pools, interactive amusement venues such as bowling alleys and arcades, and massage parlors.
Abbott said data on the loosening of restrictions will be reviewed and he may announced more openings in an address May 18, if a blue-ribbon medical panel believes that can be safely accomplished.
NEW CASE—You ng opened Monday’s Commissioners Court session by announcing he had been notified of a 14th case.
Young said the male victim has been placed in the hospital. He said the man had “underlying conditions” and was expected to be released as soon as Wednesday.
Young said he was advised of the 15th case Tuesday evening. “He is in the hospital but not in ICU,” Young said.
There has been one Milam death attributed to COVID-19. There are three in the hospital, the others have recovered or self-quarantined, he said.
TESTING—Several dozen Milam residents with COVID-19 symptoms were being tested during the morning and afternoon Wednesday at the Milano VFD.
GRADUATION— Noting “we’re just as disappointed as they are,” Supt. Dr. Denise Monzingo told The Reporter Saturday the Rockdale ISD plans to stage “mini-graduations” across several days for graduating RHS seniors and their parents and cap it off with a “stay in your vehicles” parade on graduation night, May 29.
Dr. Monzingo said the RISD plans in early May to assign times and dates for senior candidates to come to Tiger Stadium with their parents to receive diplomas, then visit “stations” around the field where photos and videos will be taken in front of different backgrounds. Those will be compiled and given to the graduate.
See story, page 1A.
Dr. Monzingo said names will still be announced over the stadium loudspeaker. “We are trying to make this as much like the ‘real’ graduation as possible,” she said.
During the graduation evening parade, plans are to have photos and names of the graduating seniors along Murray Avenue.
Dr. Monzingo said it is possible that in July— assuming COVID-19 restrictions have been eased— the Class of 2020 could be invited to a “one more time” get-together.
“I think it is important to these seniors that they are able to get together as a class one more time,” she said,
Dr. Monzingo said end-of-school events, including banquets and awards ceremonies, will be live on social media.
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