Cass County COVID-19 Update
Officials discuss local guidelines; shop businesses by appointment
ATLANTA, Texas — As COVID-19 cases increase in Texas and Louisiana, Cass County has been lucky because of the vigilance and resilience of it residents.
Only two positive tests have been reported and those people were quarantined until they passed the contagion time frame.
But, as County Judge Becky Wilbanks points out, “as testing continues, that could quickly change.”
“It appears through the relatively low numbers that Cass County has seen so far, our residents are adhering to the guidelines set forth by the federal and state governments,” Wilbanks said. “I do foresee a time when we will more than likely have to implement a Shelter in Place Order due to the greater numbers we are seeing around us.”
Atlanta Mayor Travis Ransom said “generally speaking, people are safer at home, practicing social distancing. Life is moving at a different pace right now, but there really is no need for a shelterin-place declaration at this time. But things change rapidly.”
On March 23, Ransom signed a Disaster Declaration for the city, which is only good for seven days, but was extended Sunday by the city council.
“Our declaration is exactly the same one that Cass County Judge Becky Wilbanks signed, and we will continue
to follow her lead. As long as people are compliant, we have no need to enforce it or call for a mandatory curfew.”
Currently Atlanta has a 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. curfew for ages 18 and under, unless they are coming or going to work. Regarding the governor’s action to restrict traffic from Louisiana to Texas, Ransom has checked with officials to ensure that Atlanta residents that travel daily to Louisiana for essential work will not have any issues at the state line.
Atlanta Poilce Chief Robin Betts reports no increase in criminal behavior, but several odd calls are coming in to dispatch.
“People are calling saying they are sick, thinking they have it (COVID-19),” he said. “We are directing them to call the State Department of Health in Tyler. They give them a questionnaire to determine if they need to be tested.”
Wilbanks said the only location in Cass County where one could be tested is Genesis Prime Care Clinic in Atlanta.
“As far as I am aware, I know of only three to four tests that have been administered in Cass County and two that have been conducted in Bowie County for Cass County residents. Those are the only ones I know. There could be private facilities that are administering the tests and the numbers are not being disseminated to me,” Wilbanks added.
While the news may seem foreboding, residents are doing what they can to make the best of the situation. Several Atlanta shops are offering private shopping appointments, to help shoppers keep 6 feet away from others.
Ted Brabham, owner of Grandma’s Attic, is posting photos and live videos of his items on Facebook, and booking private appointments.
Tammie Duncan School of Dance will participate in a “Safari in the Windows” display, along with other local businesses and position stuffed animals in the front windows. She will also offer registration incentives.
“On April 1st we will begin registration for new schoolyear programs. Students that preregister by April 10th will be entered in a drawing to win free dance tuition for one month. Each preregistered student will receive a dance school T-shirt free,” said Duncan.
Krystl Dawn, owner of the Flip N’ Cheer gym, has completely shut down in compliance with the governor’s orders. In order to stay open, she is asking parents to consider paying at least a portion of their tuition in return for “CoronaChaos Deals.”
“There are three tiers to the program: Gold, for those who continue to pay full tuition, will be entered to win a free year’s tuition, and many other discounts; Silver, for 75% tuition pay, will be entered to win a free sixmonths worth of tuition; and Bronze, for 50% tuition, will receive discounts,” Dawn said.
Dawn also has a T-shirt business and has started making her first “Corona Virus T-shirt” with the phrase “Back, Back, Give Me 6 Feet” printed on the back (a parody of the popular song “Back, Back, Give me 50 Feet”).
The Atlanta Public Library is closed, but is offering online story time for children stuck at home. You can find the times on their Facebook page or watch the videos any time you choose.
The Atlanta Chamber of Commerce is closed and not able to handle vehicle registration at this time and the Women’s Luncheon scheduled for April 18 has been canceled, according to Kendell Wolfe.
“The community has really stepped up. People are purchasing gift certificates from local businesses to use later, or scheduling private shopping appointments. We have changed our ways of operations to accommodate the public,” said Wolfe. “One thing about Atlanta people – they’re resilient and know how to pick themselves up.”