The saying “No news is good news” is the real message of this week. We have NO new COVID-19 cases in Horseshoe Bay. The two original cases in HSB are on the mend and expected to be asymptomatic soon. After a doctor reviews them, they can be released from quarantine (though still under our same stay home orders). Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. The third Llano case (not in HSB) is mild, quarantined at home. Approximately 30 tests are known to be have been conducted in Llano County overall with no new confirmed positive.
There are limited cases in Gillespie (1), Mason (1), Lampasas (2), Blanco (4), and Burnet (5) counties with none San Saba – so our surrounding regional neighbors are feeling success with social distancing. We are extremely proud and confident that HSB good practice is being effective. Keep it up through April and await new directions in May.
Judge Cunningham issued a new order on April 6. The order’s intent is to share the enforcement procedures in place for those few who do not heed the need for social distancing and safe practice. His goal is to use warnings and education, though it does note that repeated disregard for the safety of others could lead to fines, even jail. He asks all to be good neighbors first, but to report serious concerns to police.
As a result of the order citing education, the Judge has sent a team throughout the county to offer support (via information and checklist of good practice) to businesses. This team began in HSB where they (rightfully) fully expected to see citizens and businesses modeling safe behavior while also having as quality of life as possible, before moving west across the county. They were here on Monday and were impressed with those businesses they visited. Tuesday they returned. Ron Mitchell reported that the visit went well and visitors indicated Cap Rock reflected some of the best examples of care and practice they had seen (no surprise). Similarly, our other businesses visited showed commitment to honor the orders of the state and care of the community.
In our conference call today, we did hear an interpretation of the Governor’s Stay Home order that could close our golf courses. We are filing a letter with the state (in cooperation with the county) to underscore the level of safety preparation our golf course management has taken. We will note the unique population and location of HSB, the tenor of our residents to comply and care for safety, the importance of golf as an outdoor activity for so many. We also will note that we feel we will be among the first cities authorized to take back some local control and begin to roll out business re-openings where we can validate that good practice will continue. The Stay Home order expires in 3 weeks and by the time we receive response to our letter it may all be a moot issue depending upon what May orders indicate, but I wanted you to know in case you hear differing interpretations of the Governor’s orders. For now, we will continue best practice citizenry. Please help us approach this in a low key manner to the benefit of all.
Thank you all for continuing to count your blessings and taking seriously our part in honoring the request of our President, Governor, and County officials to move our region back to full health and rejuvenation.
