The COVID-19 tsunami reaction has reached Milam County.
Even though no cases of what’s commonly, and incorrectly, referred to as “coronavirus” have been reported in the county, many pro-active efforts began during the week and there will undoubtedly be many more to follow.
Three cases, all said to be travel-related, have been reported in Bell County.
The state of affairs in the Rockdale area at midweek:
• Every school in the county is closed this week as spring break has been extended until at least Monday. Rockdale ISD will decide Thursday whether to extend the closing.
• The Rockdale ISD has begun offering free “grab-and-go” breakfasts and lunches to those 18 and younger.
• The Rockdale ISD has begun offering free “grab-and-go” breakfasts and lunches to those 18 and younger.
• Most large gatherings have been canceled or postponed. That includes Thursday’s Rockdale Chamber of Commerce Banquet.
• The Milam County Junior Livestock Show, March 25-28, is still on for now. The baked goods division has been canceled.
• Some area churches held online services Sundays while others posted “follow-along” hymns and other selections.
• All UIL athletic activities have been suspended until March 29. (See, sports, page 1B). So have UIL academic events.
• Milam County Tax Office is closed to the public until at least Monday.
• While dine-in service at restaurants in the Austin area has stopped, that state of affairs hasn’t reached Rockdale. But many local eateries have removed salt and pepper shakers at at-the-table and shared condiments.
• And, of course, the hoarding of several items— essentials such as milk, bread and, less understandably, toilet paper—have hit local stores.
The Reporter has received at least one report of persons coming from the Austin Metro Area to buy groceries in Rockdale.
MASS GATHERINGS—Over the weekend the Centers for Disease Control recommended all mass gatherings of over 50 persons be postponed at least eight weeks.
On Monday, President Donald Trump issued non-binding guidelines amending that number downward to 10 in presumed COVID-19 “hot spots.”
The “50-and-over” edict immediately impacted the Rockdale Chamber Banquet scheduled for Thursday at the Patterson Civic Center.
It’s hoped the banquet can be rescheduled for a later date, perhaps as soon as late April, according to Chamber Executive Director Denise Brock.
FREE MEALS—Because of the extended spring break, those 18 and under can get free meals on weekdays at the Rockdale Elementary campus “for the duration of our school district closure,” according to Pam Kaufmann, assistant superintendent.
“Families may drive through the parking lot next to the elementary gym to pick up a meal for each child present in the vehicle,” Kaufmann said.
Hours to pick up breakfasts are 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., hours for lunches are 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
With the requirement to maintain a safe social distance, meals will be delivered to each vehicle. “Parents are required to stay in their car,” she said.
On-site dining is not available.
“Thanks to our Food Service Department for planning and offering these free meals for our students,” Kaufmann said.
LIVESTOCK SHOW—Milam County Junior Livestock Show directors originally said the March 25-28 show would continue, but were to make a final decision on Wednesday (March 18).
County Judge Steve Young said Wednesday morning if the show is held it will not be open to the public.
“It will just be the kids, the animals and the judges,” he said.
The Baked Goods Show, held in conjunction with livestock show, has been canceled
TAX OFFICE—The Rockdale substation of the Milam County Tax Office, located in the One-Stop Center, is closed until at least Monday.
The main office, across from the Milam County Courthouse in Cameron, will be closed to the public but employees will still be present.
“The (Cameron) staff will remain in the office to process mail and phone calls for taxes, vehicle registration and title transfers,” Tax Collector Sherry Mueck said.
Patrons may also go online at www.txdmv.gov to renew vehicle registrations. “There’s a drop box at the Cameron office where you may drop office tax payments and vehicle registration,” she said.
Those desiring title transfers should call the Cameron office, 254-697-7017, through Friday to discuss procedures for drop-off and pickup. Only credit/debit cards, checks and money orders will be accepted. No cash.
Mueck said the situation will be assessed on Friday.
COUNTY OFFICES—Here’s the status of other county offices:
• District court, district clerk and county court closed Tuesday for at least one week.
• County clerk’s office is closed with skeletal crew on hand. Call the main number 254-697-7000.
• Adult and juvenile probation offices are closed.
• Prosecutor’s office remains open with a skeletal crew.
• Veteran’s Assistance office is closed.
OTHERS—Status of other entities:
• The Milam Appraisal Office is closed with a skeletal crew on hand to assist.
• Milam’s AgriLife extension office is closed.
• Rockdale Senior Citizens Center and Bea’s Kitchen in Cameron are closed.
LAW ENFORCEMENT—Of course the Rockdale Police Station and the Milam County Sheriff’s Office remain open. The Milam County Med
The Milam County Medical Department remains open.
TP—One of the more curious aspects of the current situation is why the public should hoard toilet paper.
Economists have noted the U. S. supply does not come from China, where the virus started. Over 90 percent is American made with the rest coming from Canada and Mexico.
See page 7A.
COVID-19 RESPONSE AT A GLANCE: THE ‘BIG ONES’
• Schools are closed everywhere in Milam County. Rockdale announced closings until Monday, March 23, Thorndale until April 3. Count on it being longer, perhaps much longer. Rockdale ISD will make a decision Thursday on whether to continue the shutdown.
• Thursday’s scheduled Rockdale Chamber of Commerce Banquet has been postponed until at least late April.
• A decision on holding the March 25-28 Milam County Junior Livestock Show was to have been made Wednesday. If held, the event won’t be open to the public. Baked goods show has been canceled.
• Rockdale City and Milam County have announced amended schedules until further notice. See stories on this page.
• UIL sporting events through March 29 are canceled. (See page 1B).
• Much more in the stories on this page and on page 2A.
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