UPDATED: September 17, 2021
Through the Temple Strong page, we are working proactively to ensure you receive the most up-to-date and accurate information so you can act based upon fact. We are committed to keeping you informed on the latest that could be helpful to your business and our community.
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Be Temple Strong, Wear a Mask, Social Distance & Wash Your Hands
Orders related to COVID-19
State - Executive order |
County - Following Executive Orders from state |
city - disaster declaration |
2/9/2021 - Bell County no longer a high hospitalization area - bars, may re-open, restaurants may increase occupancy capacity
On Tuesday, February 9, Bell County Judge David Blackburn received a letter from Dr. John Hellerstedt, Commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), stating that Bell County is no longer considered to have a high COVID-19 hospitalization rate. This change in designation impacts a variety of Bell County businesses, including area hospitals, restaurants, and bars.
“It is very encouraging to see our COVID-19 hospitalization rates have dropped,” Judge Blackburn said. “I know there are many Bell County businesses that are eager to re-open to higher occupancy levels.”
This letter from DSHS means that area hospitals are now free to resume elective surgeries. Certain Bell County venues may now reopen to 75% capacity levels as allowed under GA-32. Additionally, Judge Blackburn filed the necessary paperwork with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) to allow the re-opening of bars and similar establishments in Bell County. He submitted that paperwork this morning.
Dr. Hellerstedt’s letter confirms that, based on records kept by DSHS, for the last 7 consecutive days in Trauma Service Area L, of which Bell is one of 6 member counties, the number of COVID-19 hospitalized patients has not exceeded 15% of hospital capacities. Based on that criteria, laid out in Governor Greg Abbott’s Executive Order GA-32 in October, Bell County no longer meets the definition of a high hospitalization area.
“I want to continue to urge the people of Bell County to continue practicing social-distancing, mask wearing, and good personal hygiene,” Judge Blackburn said. “These measures have, no doubt, contributed to this reduction in hospitalizations, and they can help keep us from returning to those high numbers again.”
“It is very encouraging to see our COVID-19 hospitalization rates have dropped,” Judge Blackburn said. “I know there are many Bell County businesses that are eager to re-open to higher occupancy levels.”
This letter from DSHS means that area hospitals are now free to resume elective surgeries. Certain Bell County venues may now reopen to 75% capacity levels as allowed under GA-32. Additionally, Judge Blackburn filed the necessary paperwork with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) to allow the re-opening of bars and similar establishments in Bell County. He submitted that paperwork this morning.
Dr. Hellerstedt’s letter confirms that, based on records kept by DSHS, for the last 7 consecutive days in Trauma Service Area L, of which Bell is one of 6 member counties, the number of COVID-19 hospitalized patients has not exceeded 15% of hospital capacities. Based on that criteria, laid out in Governor Greg Abbott’s Executive Order GA-32 in October, Bell County no longer meets the definition of a high hospitalization area.
“I want to continue to urge the people of Bell County to continue practicing social-distancing, mask wearing, and good personal hygiene,” Judge Blackburn said. “These measures have, no doubt, contributed to this reduction in hospitalizations, and they can help keep us from returning to those high numbers again.”
1/6/2021 - State Requiring Bell County businesses to Close or Reduce Capacities After Exceeding Hospitalization Limit
Bell County and surrounding counties must close bars, limit business capacity to 50% and cancel elective surgeries after exceeding the state's COVID-19 hospitalization limit.
January 5, 2021 Bell County received notification from the Texas Department of State Health Services, or ‘DSHS’. The notification officially advised County Judge Blackburn that, under Governor Abbott’s Executive Order GA-32, Trauma Service Area (TSA) L had reached the threshold definition of a ‘high hospitalization area’. Bell County is one of 6 counties that comprise TSA L. Coryell, Hamilton, Lampasas, Milam, and Mills comprise the remainder of the counties in TSA L.
Per GA-32, areas with high hospitalizations means any TSA that has had seven consecutive days in which the number of COVID‑19 hospitalized patients as a percentage of total hospital capacity exceeds 15 percent, until such time as the TSA has seven consecutive days in which the number of COVID‑19 hospitalized patients as a percentage of total hospital capacity is 15 percent or less.
To clarify about your TABC permit please contact Mr. Dexter Jones, Chief, Audit & Investigations, TABC. His email address is Dexter.Jones@tabc.texas.gov.
Read the letter from Bell County Judge David Blackburn here.
Read the Governor's Order GA-32 here.
January 5, 2021 Bell County received notification from the Texas Department of State Health Services, or ‘DSHS’. The notification officially advised County Judge Blackburn that, under Governor Abbott’s Executive Order GA-32, Trauma Service Area (TSA) L had reached the threshold definition of a ‘high hospitalization area’. Bell County is one of 6 counties that comprise TSA L. Coryell, Hamilton, Lampasas, Milam, and Mills comprise the remainder of the counties in TSA L.
Per GA-32, areas with high hospitalizations means any TSA that has had seven consecutive days in which the number of COVID‑19 hospitalized patients as a percentage of total hospital capacity exceeds 15 percent, until such time as the TSA has seven consecutive days in which the number of COVID‑19 hospitalized patients as a percentage of total hospital capacity is 15 percent or less.
To clarify about your TABC permit please contact Mr. Dexter Jones, Chief, Audit & Investigations, TABC. His email address is Dexter.Jones@tabc.texas.gov.
Read the letter from Bell County Judge David Blackburn here.
Read the Governor's Order GA-32 here.
7/2/2020 - StateWide Face Covering Requirement
Governor Abbott Establishes Statewide Face Covering Requirement, Issues Proclamation To Limit Gatherings
Governor Greg Abbott issued an Executive Order requiring all Texans to wear a face covering over the nose and mouth in public spaces in counties with 20 or more positive COVID-19 cases, with few exceptions. The Governor also issued a proclamation giving mayors and county judges the ability to impose restrictions on some outdoor gatherings of over 10 people, and making it mandatory that, with certain exceptions, people cannot be in groups larger than ten and must maintain six feet of social distancing from others.
To read the full press release, click here.
Governor Greg Abbott issued an Executive Order requiring all Texans to wear a face covering over the nose and mouth in public spaces in counties with 20 or more positive COVID-19 cases, with few exceptions. The Governor also issued a proclamation giving mayors and county judges the ability to impose restrictions on some outdoor gatherings of over 10 people, and making it mandatory that, with certain exceptions, people cannot be in groups larger than ten and must maintain six feet of social distancing from others.
To read the full press release, click here.
Bell County Covid-19 phone bank
Bell County is operating a COVID-19 phone bank to help answer questions within the community. The phone bank will be staffed from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. The number for the phone bank is 254-933-5203. Call received after hours and weekends will be answered by 2-1-1.
United Way of Central Texas - 211 Helpline
The United Way of Central Texas HELPLINE specialists are good listeners, blending understanding and expertise to provide information and referrals drawn from a comprehensive database of social services. 2-1-1 always answers the call for help, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in many languages.
Resources are extensive and include information about low-income tax preparation, counseling, senior services and more. 2-1-1 also serves as a primary point of contact during times of disaster.
Resources are extensive and include information about low-income tax preparation, counseling, senior services and more. 2-1-1 also serves as a primary point of contact during times of disaster.
good morning temple/bell county
Here are some helpful videos from recent Good Morning Temple sessions.
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Elliot Germany, President of PSI
Motivational/Uplifting Message Dr. Patsy Sulak, Living Well Aware
"Putting on your wellness armor" |
Ben Terry, McLane Intelligent Solutions
Tips to work from home effectively |
community videos
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Message to TISD Class of 2020
Dr. Bobby Ott Texas A&M University Central TX Honors Spring Graduates
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East Bell County Coronabusters
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