No coronavirus cases reported in 4+ weeks

By Sandy Morris

One year ago, Shackelford County looked very different with the effects of COVID being seen in every public venue and with many traditional events being cancelled.

Fast forward a year,  and for the most part, it’s business as usual for the majority of Albany.

Albany Independent School District was able to complete the school year and hold commencement services. 

Most businesses are open and no longer require masks to be worn while shopping, although workers are still masked in some cases. 

Churches are offering face-to-face and online worship choices to members. 

Albany City Hall still remains closed and visitors must call to be admitted or make an appointment, but the city pool is open for summer fun.

Most other offices, including those in the Shackelford County Courthouse and the Shackelford County Appraisal District building, are fully open, along with banks and retail businesses.

The Albany Senior Center was also finally able to open its doors and have a grand opening last week, an event that was delayed more than a year by the pandemic.

This week, Shackelford County Judge Bob Skelton announced that he was releasing the last of his weekly COVID-19 updates “unless something drastic changes in the county.” 

The last positive test reported by the Shackelford County Health Clinic was recorded over one month ago, which aligns with the daily reports Skelton receives from the Department of State Health Services. 

Skelton thanked the members of the local health care profession for all the services they provide to the community and for supplying data about COVID testing.