DECLARATION OF LOCAL DISASTER DUE TO PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY FOR CASS COUNTY, TEXAS

WHEREAS, a novel coronavirus, now designated SARS-CoV2 which causes the disease COVID-19, has been declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization; and
WHEREAS, symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, coughing, and shortness of breath, and can range from mild to severe illness, which may lead to further complications including death; and
WHEREAS, COVID-19 virus mainly spreads between people who are in close contact with one another through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes; and
WHEREAS, the continued worldwide spread of COVID-19 presents an imminent threat of widespread illness, which requires emergency action for the protection of the people of Cass County; and
WHEREAS, the implementation of mitigation strategies can slow the transmission of the disease; and
WHEREAS, this Declaration activates Cass County's Emergency Management Plan; and
WHEREAS, the County Judge of Cass County has determined that extraordinary measures must be taken to mitigate the effects of this public health emergency and to facilitate the efficient, rapid, and cooperative response to this emergency;
THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED BY THE COUNTY JUDGE OF CASS COUNTY THAT:
SECTION 1. A local state of disaster is hereby declared for Cass County, Texas, pursuant to Section 418.108(a) of the Texas Government Code.
SECTION 2. Pursuant to Section 418.108(b) of the Texas Government Code the state of disaster shall continue for a period of not more than seven (7) days from the date of th is declaration, unless continued or renewed by the Commissioners Court of Cass County, Texas.
SECTION 3. Pursuant to Section 418.108(c) of the Texas Government Code this declaration of a local state of disaster for public health emergency shall be given prompt and general publicity and shall be filed promptly with the County Clerk.
SECTION 4. Pursuant to Section 418.108(d) of the Texas Government Code, this declaration of a local state of disaster activates the Cass County, Texas Emergency Management Plan.
SECTION 5. This declaration shall take effect immediately from and after its issuance.
DECLARED this 19th day of March 2020.
CASS COUNTY JUDGE