Pool opens with no problems
By Donnie A. Lucas
Only one new -COVID-10 test was administered in Shackelford County in the last week, bringing the total number to 31 since the pandemic began in March.
According to a county website, 30 of the 31 tests given over the last three months have been negative, with one test result still pending as of Monday.
The county recorded only one positive case back in April, which has long since been cleared and the person released from home isolation. That test was administered in a neighboring county.
“Everything seems to be going well,” Albany mayor Susan Montgomery said on Tuesday. “The city opened the pool for the first time this week, and there weren’t any problems reported.”
The mayor said that the pool is still limited to 50 percent of capacity, which is about 150 swimmers.
“That wasn’t a problem on the first day,” Montgomery said. “We are keeping a running count of the numbers, so it will be first-come, first-served if we get to our limit.”
The mayor also said that Gov. Greg Abbott implemented Stage 3 of his plan to reopen the state last week.
As of last Friday, June 12, local restaurants are able to seat up to 75 percent of capacity.
Most local eateries have taken a few tables out of service in compliance, or switched to a reservation basis.
The Fort Griffin General Merchandise Restaurant implemented reservations to control the number of diners, but this week announced they are opening the bar area for the first time on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
The restaurant is also switching back to open seating rather than reservations since the number of customers they can serve is almost back to full capacity.
Co-owner Patty Esfandiary said that they have not opened the salad bar or any self-serve areas yet in an effort to limit contact patrons might have with others.
She added that the bar area will now be smoke-free, along with the rest of the restaurant.
A check with other local restaurants resulted in an increase to 75 percent seating capacity as well.
The governor’s plan also has given the green light to family gatherings in parks or other venues with a stern reminder that health protocols set by the state and local governments must be observed. An increase in cases might cause tighter restrictions.
Despite the lessening of restrictions, all businesses and individuals are asked to continue to follow the guidelines established by the Texas Department State Health Services:
•Individuals are urged to wear face coverings and wash hands often.
•People should not be in groups greater than 10 people when possible, continuing to practice social distancing as much as possible.
•People over age 65 are encouraged to stay home as much as possible.
•People are asked to avoid nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and long-term care facilities.
