SAN ANGELO, Texas — At an emergency San Angelo City Council meeting Thursday, Mayor Brebda Gunter asked for acts of kindness, personal and social responsibility, as well as integrity from citizens for the duration of the City and governor's declarations.
There are no confirmed or presumptive cases of COVID-19 in San Angelo or Tom Green County.
At 11:59 p.m. Friday, March 20, all bars, restaurants, gyms and schools will be closed until April 3.
Groups of 10 or more cannot gather for parties, meetings, etc.
This does not apply to grocery stores, home or auto repair stores, gas stations and other stores which sell basic necessities.
San Angelo Independent School District schools are closed until April 3.
SMD 1 Councilman Tommy Hiebert asked how many tests for coronavirus have been administered.
Sandra Villarreal, Health Services director, said as of 9 a.m. Thursday 55 tests for COVID-19 have been administered. Ten results only have been returned and were negative, 45 are pending.
Tests take an average of seven days to come back, according to Villarreal. Lubbock is the laboratory which is processing tests for San Angelo and Tom Green County.
Hiebert asked, "Why are we only doing this for two weeks?"
Gunter said council can adjust to what is needed.
To avoid overreactions by the public, the mayor said people can still conduct businesses, however that applies to businesses that can operate with 10 or less people in the office.
Childcare facilities are on high alert, but are making sure classrooms are limited to 10 or less.
No curfews will be imposed within the City of San Angelo, Gunter said.
SAISD Superintendent Dr. Carl Dethloff said starting Monday, March 23, students will be using a home-based learning platform that will last through Friday, April 10.
On Monday, there will be a drive-thru pick-up of digital devices for secondary students, he said.
Text and backpacks will be distributed for SAISD elementary school children.
Shannon Medical Center CEO Shane Plymell said the hospital is focused on safety for all concerned.
Free COVID-19 screenings are available via Tele-Med services, he said. Plymell said the hospital has been working with San Angelo YMCA to provide childcare for health care workers.
City Manager Daniel Valenzuela asked citizens to be mindful of other citizen's needs.
Valenzuela said water services will not be shut off because of nonpayment. The City will work with customers through the shutdown.
Resources are available for businesses at the SBDC and the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce.
Goodfellow Air Force Base Col. Andres Nazario said the military's mission must continue, but the base continues to adhere to federal and Gov. Abbott's guidelines. Students are restricted to GAFB at this time to help with social distancing.
