Hospitalizations trigger COVID restrictions in Bowie County, region

TEXARKANA, Texas - The rate of hospitalizations because of COVID-19 in Bowie County and the surrounding region has triggered state-ordered business and medical restrictions.

A letter from the Texas Department of State Health Services notified County Judge Bobby Howell that COVID-19 hospitalizations in the eight-county region have exceeded 15% of capacity for seven consecutive days, the city/county Joint Operations Center announced after 8 p.m. Sunday.

According to Gov. Greg Abbott's Executive Order GA-32, issued in October 2020, elective medical procedures must stop, bars must close and restaurants will be restricted to 50% capacity in the region, Trauma Service Area F, until COVID-19 hospitalizations remain under 15% capacity for seven consecutive days.

Trauma Service Area F comprises Bowie, Cass, Delta, Hopkins, Lamar, Morris, Red River and Titus counties.

As of Sunday, TDSHS reported 664 active coronavirus cases in Bowie County. Total cumulative cases increased by 220 from Dec. 20 to Sunday, according to the JOC. There have been 124 deaths of Bowie County residents because of COVID-19.

Upcoming Events