Burnet news

By Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

A former jail inmate alleged in a federal lawsuit April 16 that his incarceration was a case of “mistaken identity” and lodged complaints against Burnet County and Hamilton County law enforcement based on how they handled his pleas to clear his name.

James Matthew Robinson, 38, of Longview was incarcerated in the Burnet County Jail from June to October 2018 based on a Hamilton County Sheriff's Office warrant, according to jail documents. …

By Karen Litterer
Hospital Administrator and Chief Nursing Officer
Ascension Seton Highland Lakes

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact individuals in our local communities and across the globe, our healthcare systems are working collaboratively each day with local public health authorities and community leaders to prepare for the future. The situation continues to evolve daily, and our plans and preparations are also evolving to meet community needs. …

By Lew K. Cohn
Managing Editor

Burnet County commissioners reviewed a report on April 8 which revealed a negative impact on county revenues due to restrictions, orders and closures connected to the COVID-19 pandemic.

By Lew K. Cohn
Managing Editor

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued a statewide executive order on March 31 directing all Texans to minimize non-essential gatherings and in-person contact with people who are not in the same household and keeping schools closed to in-person classroon attendance through May 4.

By Lew K. Cohn
Managing Editor

The COVID-19 virus has entered into “community spread” in Burnet County and “it's a lot worse than our numbers show,” County Health Authority Dr. Juliette Madrigal warned Monday, March 30 during a special called Commissioners Court meeting.

Burnet County officials had announced this past weekend there are now three confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 originating in Burnet County and there are several tests still pending confirmation at this time.

By Connie Swinney and Lew K. Cohn
The Highlander

Burnet County officials, in cooperation with municipalities and the Burnet County Health Authority, opted March 25 to order “Stay in Place and Stay Safe” guidelines in response to growing concerns about minimizing the number of potential infections of the coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.

By Lew K. Cohn
Managing Editor

Burnet County Judge James Oakley said Tuesday, March 24, he doesn't believe a “shelter-in-place” order will be necessary for Burnet County following similar orders being issued for Austin and Travis County and the city of Lampasas.

By Lew K. Cohn
Managing Editor

In the wake of Burnet County's first confirmed COVID-19 test, the Burnet County Health Authority has important advice for anyone who thinks they may have been exposed to coronavirus or may be suffering from the illness: Stay home.

By Lew K. Cohn
Managing Editor

Health officials are telling people who believe they may have or may have been exposed to COVID-19 to follow Baylor Scott & White Marble Falls' online protocol to determine whether they should be tested for the virus and not go directly to the hospital for testing at this time.

In the meantime, people who are exhibiting mild COVID-19 symptoms, including fever, headache, runny nose, coughing, sneezing, are asked not to go to the emergency room or physicians' offices to stop the possible spread of the disease.

By Lew K. Cohn
Managing Editor

As the state of Texas, Burnet and Llano counties declared emergencies due to the COVID-19 virus, public officials advised residents it is inevitable the virus will find its way into the Highland Lakes region.

“It's not a matter of if, but when. It's right next door,” said Burnet County Judge James Oakley on Thursday, March 19, during a special called meeting of the Burnet County Commissioners Court that was simulcast live on Facebook.