Thanks to a decline in Bell County s COVID-19 hospitalization rate, businesses that had been operating at half of their usual occupancy may now welcome more customers, and we could see bars reopen soon.
Bell County Emergency Management announced Wednesday that Bell County Judge David Blackburn has been informed of the drop in hospitalizations and advised on what that means for the county.
Judge Blackburn received a letter Tuesday from Dr. John Hellerstedt, Commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). In it, Dr. Hellerstedt reportedly confirmed that, according to DSHS records, Trauma Service Area L (TSA L), which includes Bell County, has experienced 7 consecutive days in which the number of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 has not exceeded 15% of hospital capacities.
Bell County took its vaccine rollout a step further on Wednesday when the Bell County Expo Center opened its doors for second doses of Pfizerâs COVID-19 vaccine â inoculations that were administered in a drive-through format.
âThis is day one ⦠and just like any new addition thereâs going to be some hiccups along the way,â Dr. Taylor Ratcliff, Baylor Scott & White emergency medicine and medical director
, said. âBut as the day has gone on, weâve been able to get more efficient. We canât be as good as Chick-fil-A but we want to make sure people have an expedient trip.â
BELTON — Ahead of a Commissioners Court discussion Monday on the issue, Bell County Judge David Blackburn sent an open letter to state legislators detailing three items he wants to