Llano, TX- 2:00 PM-
On September 16, 2020 Llano County Judge Ron Cunningham filed for exemption of Governor Abbott’s July 2, 2020 GA-29 face covering requirement with the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM). To meet the parameters of filing for exemption, a county may not have had over 20 active COVID-19 cases within the last 14 days. At the time of the request, Llano County had 5 active cases of COVID-19 and had not experienced over 20 cases at any one time for over 30 days.
On September 23, 2020, TDEM granted the exemption of face covering in Llano County, therefore, at this time Llano County residents and visitors are exempt from Governor Abbott’s GA-29 requirement of use of a face covering over the nose and mouth when in an outdoor public space. Public and private schools, civic organizations, businesses, and city governments may still require face coverings for their students, members, employees, and patrons. Persons who refuse to abide by these requirement are subject to removal, denial of service and in some cases law enforcement action.
“As previously stated, this is a fluid situation and the number of active and recovered cases will fluctuate”, said County Judge Ron Cunningham, “in the event our numbers exceed 20 active cases, Llano County will be required to once again follow GA-29.”
Llano County urges everyone to follow the Texas Department of State Health Services recommendations of these everyday actions to help prevent the spread of any respiratory virus, including COVID-19:
- Practice social distancing. This includes avoiding crowds and minimizing physical contact.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Wash hands often for 20 seconds and encourage others to do the same.
- If no soap and water are available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue away.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Disinfect surfaces, buttons, handles, knobs, and other places touched often.
For additional information regarding Llano County’s preparation and response, please see www.co.llano.tx.us or contact Emergency Management Coordinator- Gilbert Bennett at 325-247-2039 or email at: gbennett@co.llano.tx.us
DSHS has additional information on COVID-19 for the public, health care professionals, health departments and labs at www.dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus