Just as in every state, county and city in the United States, Bowie County is practically on lockdown in response to the pandemic called COVID-19, aka the Corona virus. On Monday, the county had its first presumptive case, and was awaiting confirmation from state health officials.
At a press conference least Friday, Bowie County Judge Bobby Howell acted on Governor Greg Abbott’s declaration of Texas being in a state of disaster, stating, “In accordance with our emergency plan, The City of Texarkana, Texas and Bowie County will open an emergency operations center on Monday, March 16th, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. to coordinate our response to the COVID-19 situation…the EOC will remain partially activated until the situation warrants additional measures.”
Since that announcement, many across the area have reacted to official statements to refrain from hosting large events, with churches across the area going to livestream only for Sunday services, schools extending their Spring Breaks, and various banquets and community events being cancelled, or postponed. This includes the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce annual banquet, that was scheduled for this Saturday, March 21.
Local courts have also postponed all jury trials and other non-essential hearings, on the advice of the Texas Office of Court Administration, that according to an announcement by 202nd District Court Judge John Tidwell.
In addition to local activities, the statewide impact of the virus has been felt here at home, with the UIL cancelling all interscholastic competition. A statement issued by the UIL stated, “To support the health and safety of our students and communities, the University Interscholastic League (UIL) is suspending all UIL sanctioned contests due to the outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in Texas. Effective March 16, all UIL interscholastic competition is suspended through March 29. Rehearsals and practices may be held at the discretion of the local school district.”
