The number of COVID-19 cases being reported in Amarillo has nearly doubled in the past 24 hours. The uptick appears to be largely driven by community spread, rather than out-of-state travel.
According to the Amarillo Public Health Department’s latest COVID-19 Report Card, (pictured – English and Spanish), 33 total COVID-19 cases have been reported to APH as of Wednesday, with 16 in Potter County and 17 in Randall County. Six of the cases are from recent travel, 21 are from local transmission and six are currently being investigated.
Amarillo Mayor Ginger Nelson issued a stay-at-home directive, effective until at least April 13, HPPR reportedMonday.
And on Tuesday, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued statewide limits on non-essential activity, which takes effect Thursday and is effective until April 30. The limits direct Texans to minimize non-essential gatherings and in-person contact with people who are not in the same household.
According to a press release, Abbott’s protocols allow exceptions for essential activities, including healthcare, grocery stores, banking and financial institutions, utilities, child care for essential service employees and government services.
“Social distancing is our best tool in the fight against COVID-19, and the actions we have taken thus far have proven to be effective in limiting the spread of this virus,” said Governor Abbott. “Now it is time to redouble our efforts to reduce further exposure as much as possible and flatten the curve.”
The order also exempts religious services conducted in churches, congregations and houses of worship.
Abbott urged Texans to follow the new guidelines so as to limit the spread of COVID-19.
For a complete list of essential services, visit the Texas A&M University System website.
A total of 38 COVID-19 cases were confirmed in the Texas Panhandle, as of today. The number of cases per county is as follows: Moore (1), Oldham (2, incl. one fatality), Potter (16), Deaf Smith (2) and Randall (17), Castro (8), and Swisher (1).
HPPR reported Tuesday a total of 20 cases in the Texas Panhandle, but that tally did not include Castro or Swisher Counties.
As HPPR originally reported on Saturday, Amarillo is offering a drive-thru testing facility to individuals experiencing symptoms. Click here for more information.
