New coronavirus case reported

By Donnie A. Lucas

Eight new tests for the COVID-19 coronavirus were administered by the county’s two health clinics last week, with one positive result, one negative, and six still pending.

County Judge Robert Skelton stated Monday that the county-wide testing total for last week was 41, with one positive, 34 negatives, and six pending.

One previous positive case of a county resident was reported in April, but the resident has since recovered and the quarantine requirement was completed several weeks ago.

In addition to the increased testing last week, the city pool was closed abruptly on Tuesday via a text or “robo” call stating that the measure was precautionary because one of the lifeguards at the pool reported Tuesday that an immediate family member had tested positive.

City manager Billy Holson said that the lifeguard intended to go to Abilene to take a rapid result test. While the family member resides in Albany, the positive test result was evidently recorded in Abilene and will not be included in the local totals until it is official.

Last week’s local positive test was said not to be connected to this week’s pool closure.

“If the lifeguard’s test comes back negative, we will open the pool back up quickly,” Holson said. “The lifeguard will still be quarantined for 14 days as a precaution.”

If the lifeguard’s test is positive, Holson said that the pool will be closed for an indefinite period since there was a chance for the virus to have spread to other city lifeguards.

Holson said that city personnel spent Tuesday morning completely spraying down the pool decks, chairs and all other surfaces at the pool with an antibacterial.

Albany mayor Susan Montgomery is urging local residents to be diligent about using precautions against the virus such as wearing face masks, washing hands, and observing social distancing.

“There are no changes in restrictions at this point, other than what the governor issued last week,” Montgomery said. “The state is having a surge of cases, and while it is on a much smaller scale, we are starting to see the virus affect us more here in Albany. We can’t take these suggestions lightly because this is not over.”

Gov. Greg Abbott closed all bars and nightclubs last Friday due to a spike in cases over the past two weeks. He also rolled back restaurant dining from 75 percent of occupancy to 50 percent.

The mayor asked residents to be aware if they travel to other parts of the state that many communities have made wearing masks mandatory.

“If you travel out of the area, especially to a higher risk area, please wear face masks on your trip, and when you come back please, please wear them here at home,” she said. “We have been pretty lucky here in Albany, and we don’t want it brought back and spread around.”