Staff

LATEST INFORMATION AVAILABLE FOR
COVID-19 TESTING IN HAYS COUNTY

Free COVID-19 testing is currently available for uninsured, underinsured, and indigent residents of Hays County. See more information here.

Hays County is working with its long-standing partners, Premiere ER and CommuniCare, to establish additional permanent COVID-19 testing sites that will be free for any Hays County resident.

BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 3

• Testing will be available every Wednesday from 1-5 p.m. at the CommuniCare facility in Wimberley located at 203 Stillwater Rd #6.
• The Kyle CommuniCare located at 2810 Dacy Ln. and will be open for free COVID-19 testing every Sunday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

You do not have to be experiencing symptoms. If you want a test, you’ll need to call ahead to secure an appointment time because the number of tests will be limited each day.

More information about other locations and times will be shared as soon as it is available.

Click here to find other testing locations throughout Hays County; many of which accept private insurance. There are a few walk-in/drive-thru COVID-19 testing sites in Hays County.

Some sites, which follow CDC guidelines for testing, may require a physician referral to be tested. Contact your medical provider or the Hays County hotline for further instructions, 512.393.5525.

If you are not exhibiting symptoms but still would like to get tested, for example, because you were exposed to someone with a positive result, contact the Hays County Local Health Department at 512.393.5525.

The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) is offering free COVID-19 testing at locations around the state.

You can also Visit the TDEM website for information on testing locations in the Central Texas area.

If you are concerned you have been exposed to coronavirus, contact your healthcare provider or the Hays County Local Health Department at 512.393.5525 to discuss your exposure risk.

If you are experiencing moderate to severe symptoms, you may be directed to your health care provider or local hospital emergency room.

The Hays County Local Health Department has a monitoring protocol in place which will be explained to you if your symptoms warrant it.

El Condado de Hays se ha asociado con dos instalaciones médicas de Live Oak para ofrecer pruebas gratuitas de COVID-19 para personas con síntomas que no tienen seguro, tienen seguro insuficiente o son indigentes.

*HELPFUL LINKS:

• TX COVID-19 Test Collection Sites

• Community-Based Testing Sites for COVID-19

…….
READ THE COVID-19 FACT SHEET

.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then wash your hands.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

.

.

LATEST HAYS COUNTY COVID-19

*UPDATE ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, AT 1:35 PM
* Disclaimer: As this is a fast-moving situation, the information included below is provisional and subject to change.
*If listed as NR, the latest information has not been released by Hays County; the table will be updated when the data is available.

HAYS COUNTY DAILY CHANGE IN NEW CASES PER CITY

*Hays County Public Health updates the following information Monday – Friday only

HAYS COUNTY POSITIVE TEST BY AGE AND GENDER

*Hays County Public Health updates the following information Monday – Friday only

*NOTE: Hays County has recently received a number of testing data that lacked information such as age, gender and/or ethnicity. Due to the lack of information, the Hays County Age & Ethnicity tables may not add up correctly. Health officials are in the process of contacting patients to fill in the information.

HAYS COUNTY DRILL DOWN OF ETHNICITY & GENDER

*Hays County Public Health updates the following information Monday – Friday only

*NOTE: Hays County has recently received a number of testing data that lacked information such as age, gender and/or ethnicity. Due to the lack of information, the Hays County Age & Ethnicity tables may not add up correctly. Health officials are in the process of contacting patients to fill in the information.

HAYS COUNTY DRILL DOWN BY RACE

*Hays County Public Health updates the following information Monday – Friday only

.

LATEST TEXAS COVID-19 CASE TOTALS

*UPDATED ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, AT 4:35 PM

Disclaimer: COVID-19 is a fast-moving situation, the information included below is provisional and subject to change. All Texas data below is provisional and subject to change.* These numbers are an estimate based on several assumptions related to hospitalization rates and recovery times, which were informed by data available to date. These assumptions are subject to change as we learn more about COVID-19. The estimated number does not include data from any cases reported prior to 3/24/2020.
*If listed as NR, the latest information has not been released/reported by state agencies; the table will be updated when the data is available.

NOTE: The Texas COVID Dashboard with the state’s numbers may not have been updated as of press time. Or older cases may have recently been reported by labs to the state and excluded in previous numbers.

NOTE: Case and fatality information is updated daily at 1 pm and is compiled from information reported publicly by local health departments and through the DSHS public health regions. Counts are current as of that morning.
Because some jurisdictions report cases later in the day, local numbers may be more up to date. County case numbers may occasionally go down if the case investigation determines the person is a resident of another county or state.
Testing numbers show the number of test results for Texas residents reported to DSHS by public health and private labs. They do not include pending tests. Additional testing may be occurring by labs not yet reporting all results to DSHS. Unable to deduplicate total test numbers for private labs.
Demographic data comes from completed case investigations. The majority of cases in Texas are still under investigation.
Hospitalization and hospital capacity numbers are reported daily by hospitals through eight Hospital Preparedness Program providers that coordinate health care system preparedness and response activities in Texas.
.

.

U.S. & WORLDWIDE CORONAVIRUS CASE OVERVIEW

*UPDATED ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, AT 3:15 AM
*Disclaimer: This data is provisional and the situation changes rapidly and might not reflect some cases still being reported.

.

.

BUSINESS & COUNTY OFFICES INFORMATION

(Tuesday, September 22 was the last update from Hays County)

LOCAL AND STATE ORDERS

Governor Greg Abbott announced on September 17 additional reopening plans for Texas. The determining factor in reopening is based on the percentage of hospitalizations in each of the state’s 22 regions.

If COVID Hospitalizations are less than 15% of all hospitalizations for 7 consecutive days, then that region is safe enough to allow additional openings.

The percentage of COVID hospitalizations in the Austin region is 3.7% and has remained under 15% for 7 consecutive days.

Therefore, our region can proceed with the additional openings outlined below.

The following business categories that currently have a 50% capacity can increase to a 75% capacity on Monday, September 21:

• All retail stores
• All restaurants
• All office buildings
• All manufacturing
• All Museums and Libraries
• All Gyms

* EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY

Hospitals in the Austin region can return to ordinary elective surgical procedures. Click here to see the full Executive Order.

SMALL BUSINESS EMERGENCY CASH ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (ECAP)

The ECAP Fund is designed for those small businesses located in Hays County that are struggling to sustain operations due to the COVID-19 health crisis and were unable to secure assistance via the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) loan through the CARES Act or the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program through the US Small Business Administration.

The ECAP fund, which was initiated by the Hays County Commissioners Court, is a collaboration between the County, the City of Kyle, PeopleFund, and the Greater San Marcos Partnership (GSMP).

The fund will provide a grant of up to $10,000 to qualifying businesses on a first-come, first-served basis. The loan agency PeopleFund, a nonprofit community lender, will manage the application process.

Learn more about the program on the GSMP website.

NEW READ: Eighteen Businesses Receive Funding In First Wave Of ECAP, Local COVID Disbursement

LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Many local school districts have their own COVID-19 dashboards. Please see the links below for information.

• Hays CISD
• Wimberley ISD
• Dripping Springs ISD
• San Marcos ISD
• Texas State University

DOING BUSINESS WITH COUNTY OFFICES

Offices, lobbies, and courts within the Hays County system are in varying stages of reopening to the public as they navigate this new world with COVID-19.

While many offices were closed during April and May, staff continued working to help you take care of your business with the County.

Visit the individual office web page on the county website at https://hayscountytx.com.

Below is a quick status of office/lobbies/courts as of August 14.

Please contact the office or court directly if you have any questions.

All members of the public entering County buildings should wear face coverings and maintain a distance of six feet between themselves and others who are not in their own family.

COUNTY CLERK

All Hays County Clerk’s office locations are assisting customers by appointment only for Marriage License issuance and Birth/Death certificate issuance.

The clerk’s office will continue to offer other services by E-Record, E-file, mail, fax, telephone, and email. The county has reported that all offices have been professionally disinfected, staff have been quarantined for the recommended time from the CDC, and have been tested with no additional positive tests at this time.

Appointments available with the following guidelines:

• Face masks must be worn the entire time in the office.
• Only applicants are allowed in the lobby; no one else, including children, may enter.
• No same-day appointments.

*COUNTY COURT AT LAW

• Judge, County Court-at-Law, 1, Robert Updegrove
• Judge, County Court-at-Law, 2 Chris Johnson
• Judge, County Court-at-Law, 3, Tacie Zelhart

This office has remained open to serve all litigants and the citizens of Hays County. As Ordered by the Supreme Court of Texas and the state Office of Court Administration, during the pandemic, hearings were held remotely via teleconference.

This Court continues to have hearings via teleconference. In-person hearings will commence on June 1. The lobby is open. They request everyone to call before entering, if possible, at 512.393.7625 or email ccal@co.hays.tx.us to set a court date or receive additional information.

ELECTIONS OFFICE

Currently, the Elections Office is open to the public. The County Election Office is located at the Hays County Government Center at 712 South Stagecoach Trail.

For more information call 512.393.7310 or email them at elections@co.hays.tx.us

JUSTICE OF THE PEACE OFFICES

• Justice of the Peace 1-1, Judge Prado
  Judge Prado’s office is open. Reach out by phone at 512-393-7871.
• Justice of the Peace 1-2, Judge Moreno
  Judge Moreno’s office is open. Visit the JP1-2 website to make payments online or get more information regarding this office. Reach out by phone at 512-393-7871.
• Justice of the Peace 2, Judge Smith
  Judge Smith’s office is open. Reach out by phone at 512.268.3151.
• Justice of the Peace 3, Judge Cable
  This office has remained open. The hours are Monday – Thursday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. to noon. Reach out by phone at 512.847.2000
• Justice of the Peace 4 – Judge Burns
  JP-4 office is open and you can reach them at 512-858-7446.
  Effective immediately, and until further notice, all hearings and bench trials in Justice Court 4 will be heard by Zoom conference. By order of the Texas Supreme Court, jury trials may not be held until August 1, 2020, at the earliest.
• Justice of the Peace 5, Judge Cary
  The JP-5 in Buda is open M-F, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and you can reach the office at 512-295-2700.

Note
Hays County Courts and District Courts recognize the need to ensure the health and safety of litigants, attorneys, visitors, court staff, judges, and other individuals entering the buildings housing the courts.

Therefore, the courts of Hays County have implemented a series of protective measures. The full list can be found on the county’s website.

PRECINCT OFFICES

• County Judge — Staff is available to answer the phones, and the judge is continuing to hold meetings, as much as is feasible, through phone or digital platforms. You can reach the office at 512-393-2205.
• Pct. 1, Commissioner Debbie Ingalsbe — Staff is available to answer the phone but Commissioner Ingalsbe is continuing to hold meetings, through phone or digital platforms as well as in person. Please contact her office to schedule appointments. You can reach the office at 512-393-2243.
• Pct. 2, Commissioner Mark Jones — Staff is available to answer the phone, but Commissioner Jones is continuing to hold meetings, as much as possible, through phone or digital platforms. You can reach the office at 512-262-2091.
• Pct. 3, Commissioner Lon Shell — Staff is available to answer the phone, but Commissioner Shell is continuing to hold meetings, as much as possible, through phone or digital platforms. You can reach the office at 512-847-3159.
• Pct. 4, Commissioner Walt Smith — Staff is available to answer emails and Commissioner Smith is continuing to hold meetings, as much as possible, through phone or digital platforms. You can reach the office at 512-858-7268.

TAX OFFICES

All County tax offices are open to the public*. At the Government Center, individuals will queue in the hallway outside the Tax Office.

If the line extends to the main hallway, deputies will ask those persons to wait outside until they are called back in. A similar approach will be implemented at the precinct offices.

The drive-thru at the Government Center in San Marcos is back to normal operating hours, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday.

You can reach the Tax Office at 512.393.5545.

NOTE: *The Dripping Springs Tax Office will close daily between the hours of 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. until further notice.

DOING BUSINESS REMOTELY WITH TAX OFFICE

Vehicle Registration Renewals

• Renew online www.texas.gov
• Mail to 712 S. Stagecoach Trl, Ste. 1120, San Marcos, TX 78666
• Dropboxes (located at all Tax Office locations)
• HEB (NOT expired more than 1 month) – must have a renewal notice, valid ID, insurance & inspection
• Drive-Thru in San Marcos

Disability Placards & Timed Permits

• Mail to 712 S. Stagecoach Trl, Ste. 1120, San Marcos, TX 78666
• Dropboxes (located at all Tax Office locations)
• Drive-Thru, San Marcos

Title Transfers & New Texas Residents

• Mail to 712 S. Stagecoach Trl, Ste. 1120, San Marcos, TX 78666
• Dropboxes (located at all Tax Office locations)

Property Tax Payments/Services

• Mail to 712 S. Stagecoach Trl, Ste. 1120, San Marcos, TX 78666
• Dropboxes (located at all Tax Office locations)
• Pay by phone at 1-888-546-4337 (Have your quick Reference ID available – fees apply)
• Online at www.hayscountytax.com (fees apply)
• Drive-Thru, San Marcos

RESOURCES

Resources for Persons Affected by COVID-19. If you need food, funds, mental health support, a job, etc., take a look at this list of area resources. It includes info for small businesses and nonprofits, as well. Additional information from Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area for Jobseekers and Employers is also available.

LOCAL & STATE ORDERS

• On April 27, Governor Abbott issued an Executive Order and on the phased opening of Texas businesses, effective May 1.
• On April 17 Governor Abbott issued an Executive Order on taking the first steps to reopen Texas businesses
• April 6, 2020, CDC Recommendations on Public Use of Cloth Face Masks
• On April 2, 2020, the Governor’s Statewide Executive Order on COVID-19 went into effect.

COVID-19 HOTLINE — 512.393.5525

Hays County residents can call a hotline for answers to their non-emergency COVID-19 questions. Operators are available in English and Spanish.

This hotline is for answers to health questions about COVID-19 — safety practices, symptoms, quarantining, testing, etc.

Fact Sheet in English & Español

SNAP AND MEDICAID INFORMATION

Renewal requirements for SNAP & Medicaid temporarily waived.

Find out more about COVID-19 treatment and prevention in English. Información en español para la prevención y tratamiento de la Enfermedad del Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19)

BEWARE SCAMS AND PRICE-GOUGING

Hays County provided information about possible scams and price gouging during the pandemic.

**FRAUDULENT COVID-19 HOME TEST**

The FDA is warning citizens about fraudulent COVID-19 Home Test Kits. More on test kits here.

SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19

There is no special treatment for COVID-19, nor is there a vaccine at this time. The virus is not a flu virus, so doctor-prescribed treatments for flu-like Tamiflu are of no use.

The best-known treatment at this time is to take a fever-reducing medication containing acetaminophen or ibuprofen, and to self-isolate, until you have been fever-free for 72 hours (recently increased from 48 hours) WITHOUT the use of fever-reducing medications.

Most people who contract COVID-19 have a reaction similar to a mild to moderate case of Flu and do not necessarily need to see a doctor unless their symptoms worsen.

A fever that spikes to 104 degrees, or shortness of breath, are symptoms that may need medical attention and you should call your healthcare provider or emergency room.

The most at-risk populations include the elderly and persons with compromised immune systems.

Most medical offices are requesting that you call before coming in if you believe you might have COVID-19. If you are experiencing significant shortness of breath you may be directed to a hospital emergency room.

The Hays County Local Health Department, which does NOT do testing for COVID-19, works with area hospitals to determine availability at hospitals for those who are sickest.

• Do you think you’ve been exposed to coronavirus?
• Are you experiencing symptoms?

This information might help you determine what you should do, and how you can protect your family and others.

COVID-19 PREVENTION TIPS

1. Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds several times a day, including between your fingers and underneath your nails. Handwashing is considered the best way to remove germs and dirt, and hand sanitizers should be used only when handwashing is not available. The hand sanitizers should be at least 60 percent alcohol to be effective.
2. Avoid handshaking and high-fives.
3. Avoid touching your face – especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.
4. Stay home when you feel sick.
5. Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue then put the tissue in the trash, or use the crook of your elbow if a tissue isn’t available.
6. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household disinfectant cleaning spray or wipe. Clean cell and desk phones, computer keyboards, door handles, and work surfaces often.
7. Avoid travel to areas that have been designated high-risk areas because of multiple verified cases of Corona.
8. Wear a mask or face covering when in public places.

HELPFUL LINKS:

• • TX COVID-19 Test Collection Sites
  • Community-Based Testing Sites for COVID-19

.
READ THE COVID-19 FACT SHEET