The number of positive COVID 19 cases in the Texarkana area continue to grow. There are 14 cases reported by Bowie County in Texas, 4 in Cass County Texas, and there are 7 cases in Miller County, Arkansas including a Miller County official.
On Thursday, April 2, 2020, the number of positive COVID 19 cases reported in Texarkana was 14 in Bowie County, 7 in Miller County, and 4 in Cass County with 2 of those having recovered. Keep in mind that Texarkana is a regional hub with both of our hospitals located in Texarkana, Texas. When a test is positive, the number is counted in that patient’s county and state of origin, not necessarily where the patient is being treated.
Miller County held its first separate press conference today at the Bi-State Building in downtown Texarkana. Addressing the media were County Judge Cathy Harrison, Texarkana Arkansas Mayor Allen Brown, and Joe Bennett. The Miller County official that was confirmed positive for COVID 19 will not be identified, nor will the department the patient works in be released to the public. Judge Harrison did say that the patient was recovering. The Miller County Courthouse is currently closed. They are still able to conduct county business, but ask that it is done online, by phone, or set an appointment only at this time. Expectations are for the Courthouse to be re-opened on Monday.
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After the Miller County press conference the Joint Operations Center with Bowie and Cass Counties released their daily report that puts the positive cases in Bowie County at 14, and Cass County reports 4 cases with 2 of those cases recovered.
Press release:
At the time of this release, Bowie County has fourteen confirmed cases of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Cass County has four positive cases, with two of those recovered.
Yesterday, Cass County Judge Becky Wilbanks signed a continuation of her Disaster declaration which orders Cass County residents to Shelter at Place of Residence. This order will take effect tonight at 11:59 p.m. and will continue through April 30, 2020, unless otherwise extended or terminated by further order of the County Judge.
A Shelter-in-Place order remains in effect for Bowie County Texas until 12 AM on April 13, 2020. Residents are URGED to stay home unless getting out is necessary.
The Texas Emergency Operations Center is seeking to answer frequently asked questions regarding the COVID-19 public health crisis. The public is invited to send an email to ttfd-oem@txkusa.org. Questions will be addressed by local experts and using trusted data.
Local Health Authority Dr. Matt Young reminds residents to abide by the CDC guidelines for social distancing and not to take non-pharmaceutical chloroquine phosphate. It is also important to remember the CDC advises individuals who may be feeling ill to treat symptoms with acetaminophen, and avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen.
The latest local information and updates can all be found at coronatxk.org.
The local hotline telephone number is (903) 255-5560.
