Oakley declares COVID-19 'state of emergency'

By Lew K. Cohn

Managing Editor

The Highlander

Burnet County Judge James Oakley on Wednesday, March 18, declared a state of disaster for Burnet County due to a public health emergency in an effort to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

The order activates the county's emergency management plan for the next seven days unless the state of disaster is continued by the Burnet County Commissioners Court, who were to meet Thursday, March 18.

Included with the declaration were a set of recommendations by the Burnet County Health Authority and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the county was advising the public to follow:

• Limit gatherings to 10 persons or less;

• Avoid social settings such as indoor seating establishments;

• Utilize drive thru pick-ups or delivery options if possible;

• Avoid discretionary travel, shopping and social gatherings;

• Avoid nursing homes, retirement centers and long-term care facilities unless providing critical assistance;

• Utilize audio visual technology to virtually conduct or attend meetings; • Should you exhibit symptoms or believe you may have come in contact with a person having the coronavirus, contact your health care provider by phone or email (to limit physical contact) for instructions.

Find the latest update on this story, more local reactions and comprehensive coverage in the Friday, March 20 issue of The Highlander, the newspaper of record for the Highland Lakes. To subscribe to the newspaper, call 830-693-4367 or click here to subscribe to our e-Edition online.