COVID-19 Update
Governor Abbott’s recent order on face masks, with the subsequent order by Cass County Judge Wilbanks, left Cass County residents relieved, confused and angry depending on who you talked to.
On July 2, at 3:17 p.m. Greg Abbott issued a press release of 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 10 and must maintain six feet of social distancing from others.
“Wearing a face covering in public is proven to be one of the most effective ways we have to slow the spread of COVID-19,” said Governor Abbott. “We have the ability to keep businesses open and move our economy forward so that Texans can continue to earn a paycheck, but it requires each of us to do our part to protect one another—and that means wearing a face-covering in public spaces. Likewise, large gatherings are a clear contributor to the rise in COVID-19 cases. Restricting the size of groups gatherings will strengthen Texas’ ability to corral this virus and keep Texans safe. We all have a responsibility to slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep our communities safe. If Texans commit to wearing face coverings in public spaces and follow the best health and safety practices, we can both slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep Texas open for business. I urge all Texans to wear a face-covering in public, not just for their own health, but for the health of their families, friends, and for all our fellow Texans.”
In response on July 2, at 4:30 p.m., Judge Wilbanks issued her initial order that read “Today, July 2, 2020, Governor Greg Abbott issued Executive Order No. GA-29 which requires face masks to be worn ‘inside a commercial entity or other building or space open to the public, or when in an outdoor space, wherever it is not feasible to maintain six feet of social distancing form another person not in the same household.’ This order goes into effect at 12:01 p.m. on July 3, 2020.”
“Cass County has, at this time, the highest number of active cases that we have had since the beginning of this pandemic. We experienced a large spike in our number of active cases today. Because of that recent spike, at this time, we are not filing for an exemption of GA-29. We will continue to evaluate the situation and make changes as necessary.”
“Therefore, for extreme caution and protection of our citizens, we are asking that all residents comply with GA-29. We ask that everyone use their common sense when out in public and take personal responsibility for yourself and your loved ones. Wash your hands frequently, sneeze into your elbow, use hand sanitizer, social distancing, and yes, please wear a mask.”
The next day after blowback from social media and push back from local officials, Judge Wilbanks reversed the facemask order with another release the next day on July 3.
“From the beginning, this COVID-19 pandemic has thrown all of us into a world we where there is no map or direction on how to navigate. Basically, we have navigated by ‘the seat of our pants’ trying to do what is in the best interest of our residents for their health and well-being based on the information we are given. As a public leader, this has been very difficult especially due to the lack of direct guidance from the Office of the Governor and the Texas Department of Emergency Management both of which have been very ambiguous in their directives.”
“I came to the preliminary decision yesterday at 4:30 p.m. not to opt out of the Governor’s Executive Order GA-29 at that time after looking at the sudden rise in active cases, consultation with health authorities and others, and to allow more time to reassess our numbers. After having additional time to reassess our status and after more consultations, I have decided to opt out of the Governor’s Order. If our active case number reaches the 20 mark, we will then automatically be under the Governor’s Order.”
“The choice to opt out of the Governor’s Order does not, however, free us to opt out of using common sense. We must be self-responsible to do what is good and what is right. Please continue to follow the guidelines set forth by the CDC,” issued Judge Wilbanks.
In between the time the two statements were released, Atlanta Major Travis Ransom, who is currently seeking to be the Republican nominee in the Texas’ 4th Congressional District issued a harsh response to the governor’s and judges orders.
“Governor Abbott issued a statewide order yesterday that mandates the wearing of masks in public. While the wearing of masks may help in slowing the spread of Covid-19, our government should not force this on people. It’s overly intrusive and treads on individual liberties. Our law enforcement officers also have better things to do than hassle citizens about health decisions. If YOU DECIDE to wear a mask, that’s great.”
“I wear one inside confined spaces when there are high numbers of people in close proximity. If you decide not to wear a mask, that’s fine too. Freedom is risky business, act accordingly. Our citizens can make these decisions for themselves. Above all, be respectful of other people’s choices and business owner’s decisions. Our businesses are struggling and the last thing they need is to get blasted on social media for deciding how they should attempt to mitigate risk for their employees and their patrons. Fining people for not wearing a mask is not the answer,” responded Mayor Ransom after Judge Wilbanks first order.
On the Journal-Sun Facebook, social media people were very divided on the issue, with Katy Sims declaring “Wearing masks won’t stop the virus. You can’t personally make everyone stay six foot, you can’t make them wash their hands, or sanitize. So, your ‘hero masks’ aren’t going to work.”
Marcus Smallwood, another person who posted said that “30,118 people, 10 active cases - that’s a .03%. I’m more scared of a murder hornet.”
On the other side William Bell, was saddened to hear about the judge’s decision not to enforce the first order. “That’s too bad that the judge decided not to make a decision that was good for the people of Cass County.”
Holly Joy Bowden, lamented the decision with harsh words to those who don’t care enough about people around them to put on a mask. “…who wants to keep from spreading a deadly virus or catching a deadly virus if it fogs up our glasses. That’s unthinkable! This is probably the most horrible thing to ask people to do that has ever been asked of us.... this face mask business. Really, can you believe it? It actually hurts my arms to put one on. It hurts my legs to put one on. It hurts my back to put one on. It hurts my feet to put one on. It’s just crazy to think that wearing a simple cloth mask out in public, which is VERY difficult, can help slow the spread of a deadly virus even though it’s the truth. People are so weird. Put on a mask.”