While there remains just one confirmed case of the COVID-19 virus in Blanco County as of press time Tuesday, several others are suspected of having the virus.

Seven additional people are displaying symptoms of the virus, the Blanco County Department of Emergency Management said Sunday. Those seven people are displaying symptoms of the virus, but have not yet had lab confirmation.

The first confirmed case of the virus in Blanco County was announced March 23. A woman in her 60s tested positive March 21. She went to a drive through testing site after displaying symptoms. The case was related to travel and the woman has been quarantined at home.

Blanco ISD

Blanco ISD schools have suspended “normal district operations” through April 17, Superintendent Clay Rosenbaum announced Friday. (NOTE: After press time Tuesday, the governor extended the time public schools state-wide will be closed to May 4).

Though schools are closed to students, Blanco ISD educators and staff were on hand Monday to present “grab and go” materials and check out Chromebooks to students and their families. The materials were handed out at each campus at set times. Those who received the materials were required to stay in their vehicle, while teachers and staff handed the materials to them.

BISD also offers “grab and go” meals to students each weekday from 8:30-9:30 a.m.

City of Blanco

City employees who work at city hall began to work from home as of Monday. All departments, however, will answer calls and emails between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m, Monday through Friday.

Blanco County

County judge Brett Bray and the commissioners court have issued several guidelines to follow during the crisis.

Bray issued guidance Thursday to grocers and non-prepared food vendors, saying it was their responsibility to enforce social separation in and around their stores.

Previous guidance included asking grocers and non-prepared food vendors to give preference to Blanco County residents, and establish and enforce limits on purchases of items.

Organizations

The Good Samaritan Food Pantry has changed its hours at this time. The food pantry is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

The Good Samaritan Thrift Store is closed until further notice, and donations are not being accepted at this time.

The Johnson City Christian Food Pantry will be open during its normal hours, from 9 a.m. to noon Monday and Wednesday, in addition to every fourth Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon. Items will be pre-packaged and handed out curbside.

Meals on Wheels in Blanco County is seeking volunteers to distribute meals. To volunteer, call the Blanco site manager at 830-392-6552 or the Johnson City site manager at 830-868-4173.

Beware of scammers

Blanco Police Department issued a warning about phone scammers last Friday.

The scammers falsely identified themselves as members of BPD and asked the victim to purchase Ebay gift cards. These purchases were needed, the scammers said, for the intended victim to use to pay an alleged fine.

Anyone who receives a similar call is asked to report it to law enforcement.