Angelina County & The City of Lufkin … Better Together

For Immediate Release                  Contact: Don Lymbery, Angelina County Judge

                                                                             Phone 936-634-5413

                                                                             Email: dlymbery@angelinacounty.net

                                                                             Bruce Green, Lufkin City Manager

                                                                             Phone: 936-633-0212

                                                                             Email: bgreen@cityoflufkin.com

                                                                       

Restrictions Implemented for Angelina Count Per Executive Order GA-32

ANGELINA COUNTY, TEXAS – On Tues., Dec. 15, 2020, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) informed officials that Angelina County, as part of Trauma Service Area (TSA)-H meets the definition of a “high-hospitalization area.” As such, Angelina County may no longer conduct elective surgeries or reopen to the higher levels allowable under Executive Order GA-32.

GA-32, issued by Gov. Greg Abbott in early October as part of the Open Texas initiative, allowed select venues to increase service capacity and permitted elective surgeries. However, in areas with high hospitalizations, any business establishment (-retailers, restaurants, gyms) that otherwise would have a 75 percent occupancy limit is mandated by the state to operate at up to only 50 percent. Likewise, elective surgeries are temporarily prohibited. Establishments with 51 percent alcohol sales, i.e., “bars,” will also temporarily close.

High hospitalizations are defined as a 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. Restrictions for TSA-H will remain in place until notification is sent by DSHS of the following: seven consecutive days in which the number of COVID-19 hospitalized patients as a percentage of total hospital capacity is 15 percent or less.

TSA-H, composed of Nacogdoches, Angelina, Polk, Sabine, San Jacinto, San Augustine, and Tyler counties, rose above the 15 percent mark on Wed., Dec. 9.

Residents are encouraged to practice good hygiene, wear facial coverings, follow social distancing protocols, and limit social gatherings outside of your immediate household.

For further information on the GA-32, refer to https://www.dshs.texas.gov/ga32/.

County Letter

Governor’s Order