Judge Little appeals for county calm and unity

Ellis County Judge Todd Little issued a statement encouraging residents of Ellis County to remain calm during this time of uncertainty concerning the Novell Coronavirus (CO-VID-19). He reminded citizens there were no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ellis County as of Friday’s statement release on Friday, March 13.

The statement, which Judge Little read on KBEC 1390AM / 99.1FM Friday on the Afternoon Drive show, reads as follows:

“At this time we have made all the necessary precautions in Ellis County to protect the lives and health of our citizens “he said on the air. “Ellis County supports President (Donald) Trump and Governor (Greg) Abbott in all mitigation efforts and the emergency declarations announced today. Further, we stand behind our leaders as they direct the Country and State in this uncertain time. In Ellis County, our citizens are strong and resilient, but we must all understand the magnitude of this situation to reduce our risks.

“Myself, the Office of Emergency Management, and our Local Health Authority are working diligently with all local jurisdictions to respond to COVID-19. Let me assure you that Ellis County will continue to provide adequate resources to the Sheriff’s Department, first responders, and medical personnel.

It is important to remember that while there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ellis County, as County Judge and Emergency Management Director, I will continue to do whatever is necessary to protect you as citizens.

“Until further notice, we are asking and requesting our local organizations to voluntarily minimize any planned large events and to either postpone or reset them to a future date. This will allow us to limit the risk and minimize exposure of the virus in our community.”

Little then quoted a Bible verse, 2 Timothy 1:7 - “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

“We must, and we will all come together and overcome COVID-19 in true Texan fashion. Stay resilient Ellis County.”

Four Health Tips for Crowds

Ellis County Emergency Management Coordinator, Samantha Pickett, also appeared on the radio show. She encouraged all Ellis County residents to follow current Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines by reminding them to do the following:

- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds

- Cover sneezes or coughs with one’s elbow or with a tissue and immediately throw the tissue away

- Try to limit your exposure to large crowds of people.

- Try to use an alternative greeting other than shaking hands. Knuckle bumps or other greetings as appropriate.

- Use “social distancing” as a guideline. Try to remain approximately six feet from another person if appropriate.

Both Judge Little and EMC Pickett reminded citizens that caution is the best course of action. They both encouraged residents to continue to live their lives making small adjustments in their socializing within the community. When asked if there was a number concerning the size of crowd limits in Ellis County, Judge Little said that Ellis County is not imposing a limit but asked that crowd size be limited to 5000 or less in accordance to CDC guidelines.

As of press time, there have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ellis County.