DOCUMENT | Cass County judge issues stay-at-home order

LINDEN, Texas - In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Cass County Judge Becky Wilbanks issued a stay-at-home order Wednesday, requiring all county residents to shelter in place and all nonessential businesses to cease operations.

Wilbanks amended an existing disaster declaration to include the order. It takes effect at 11:59 p.m. Thursday and will last through April 30 unless Wilbanks extends or ends it, according to a news release from the regional emergency Joint Operations Center.

Cass County has four confirmed cases of infection with the new coronavirus, and two of those have recovered.

"I believe this Amended Order has become necessary to combat community spread amid the growing number of confirmed cases in, and surrounding, our county.

"By signing this order, I recognize that it will cause hardships to many in the community, economic and otherwise. I am burdened by this fact however, the health of our community compels me to act today," Wilbanks stated.

"All Essential Businesses are strongly encouraged to remain open; however, even Essential Businesses are encouraged to determine essential staff necessary to operate and to send non-essential staff home.

"All public and private gatherings of any number of people occurring outside a household or living unit are prohibited," the order states.

The order also urges every person being tested or has tested positive for COVID-19 or is currently a person under investigation, plus every individual living at the same address, to isolate at home until testing shows negative for COVID-19 or the person is released back to work by a medical doctor. These instructions include not going to work, attending school or any other community function.

For more information, call Wilbanks' office at 903-756-5181.

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