Total still holding at 28 negatives

By Donnie A. Lucas

No new tests for -COVID-19 were reported over the last week in Shackelford County, with the total holding at 28 negative tests.

According to a release by county judge Robert Skelton on Tuesday, there are no active cases currently and the one previous positive case already reported has been released from self-isolation after testing negative to a follow-up test.

“Since there has only been one case here, there have not been any big changes for our county since we opened businesses and restaurants at 50 percent in Phase II,” Skelton said.

Gov. Greg Abbott announced Phase II on May 18, allowing a few more local businesses to open.

One change announced in the plan was allowing youth sports such as Little League baseball to begin team practices and games on May 31.

“Allowing youth sports was the only part of his direction that really affects our county much,” Skelton said.

Albany mayor Susan Montgomery commended local residents for remaining diligent about the safety guidelines recommended by the CDC and the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.

“We just don’t want to let up yet,” the mayor said. “Please continue to wear face coverings and observe social distancing. Be a good neighbor to others.”

Montgomery said she has received calls from citizens wanting her to mandate the use of masks when in public.

“I don’t have the authority to do that,” she said. “We are just asking everyone to be responsible and think of others. This isn’t a time to be foolish.”

The mayor said that the governor is expected to hold his next press conference to announce possible changes on June 8.

Currently, city parks and ball fields are open for use. However, the city pool remains closed.

“We don’t know when we will receive guidance about the pool, but the city is working on a plan if it does open,” the mayor said. “If the pool does open, we know that we will have to have procedures in place to limit spreading the virus.”

Montgomery said that most surrounding communities have already announced that their public swimming pools will remain closed for the summer.

Currently, local beauty and nail salon services are limited to reservations in advance, including barber shops. Residents are urged to call ahead.

The Albany Fitness Center also has opened for members.

“We seem to be pretty much back to normal,” owner Melissa Hobbs said. “Everyone seems to be complying with the rules such as cleaning the equipment before and after each use.”