News Flash

"Message from Ellis County Judge Todd Little"

Good afternoon,

Last week we gathered in the spirit of Thanksgiving, commemorating the 400th anniversary of the pilgrims landing on Plymouth Rock. The resilient men and women who set out on a hope for a future of liberty and freedom ventured uncharted waters; enduring the hardships of building a new life.

Today, we find ourselves once again in the midst of uncharted waters. This virus has impacted livelihoods and changed the way we celebrate with loved ones. As of last week two of my own children were in quarantine with COVID-19. Their symptoms were not easy but I am grateful God brought them through. Families across our county are facing these same challenges. During this time, it is important to remember that this virus affects everyone differently. It requires each of us taking preventative action to keep our community healthy and strong. 

As of today, Governor Abbott’s executive order GA-32 reverts Trauma Service Area (TSA) E back to previous reopening guidelines. In my lifetime, I have never encountered this magnitude of government intervention on day to day livelihoods. Government is here simply to help provide you with the tools and recommendations to be a free people and support your personal liberties. During this time of a high COVID-19 hospitalization rate in Ellis County (32.45%), it is important that we each use discernment and wisdom while exercising our personal responsibilities. 

It’s not my job to enforce someone else’s edict. Our community is made up of resilient men and women who work every day to keep our county great! As a small business owner myself, I understand the challenges that this virus has brought upon our local commerce. Our businesses need our service and our residents need sustainable employment, while our first responders and healthcare workers are in great need of relief during this time of crisis. I trust while each of us utilizes sound judgment, we can and will come together during this time to decrease the COVID-19 hospitalization rate. Please assist your vulnerable loved ones by taking the necessary precautions to keep them safe. 

I am grateful to be a part of this unyielding community, who will do the right thing to protect the health of those around them. As we have flattened the curve before we will do so again; while sustaining the livelihoods and personal liberties of our community in the safest way possible. May God continue to watch over and lead us during these trying times. May God bless Ellis County.

Thank you,

Ellis County Judge Todd Little

“COVID-19 In Ellis County”

“COVID-19 hospitalization trend reaches over 15% in TSA E”

On September 17, Governor Greg Abbott implemented the use of data driven hospitalization metrics used by doctors and medical experts to help guide the state’s ongoing efforts to contain COVID-19. This metric focuses on areas with high hospitalizations — referring to any Trauma Service Area  (TSA) that has had seven consecutive days in which the number of lab confirmed COVID-19 hospitalized patients in a region exceeds 15% of all hospitalized patients. 

Where are we today?

It is important that Ellis County residents be presented with the facts and be aware of the current state of COVID-19 in Trauma Service Area  (TSA) E — which includes Ellis and 18 other counties. As of today, TSA-E has maintained an average COVID-19 hospitalization rate of over 15% for six consecutive days. This data can be found here.

What does this mean for North Texas?

Due to Governor Abbott’s Executive Order GA-31 & GA-32, If the COVID-19 hospitalization continues to trend over 15% in TSA E for seven consecutive days, GA-32 will revert back to previous reopening guidelines; 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.

For all of Governor Abbott’s Executive Orders visit: https://gov.texas.gov/coronavirus-executive-orders . 

Ellis County Office of Emergency Management advises residents to continue to take precautionary measures to protect the vulnerable and slow the spread of COVID-19 in the community. The DSHS  COVID-19 prevention guidelines recommends residents wash hands and sanitize, wear a face covering where practicable, and physical distance. You can find the guidelines at https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/coronavirus/ .