The following are a few important notes from Gov. Greg Abbott’s most recent press conference Friday:
• Some elective surgeries and procedures have resumed (such as diagnostic testing for cancer).
• State parks are now open with groups of fewer than five, and masks must be worn at all times.
• Schools are closed for the remainder of the year. TEA is working on some guidelines or thoughts for alternative graduation plans. More information should be coming soon.
• Retail must remain online only.
Chamber of Commerce: Our lobby is closed to visitors at this time. We have forwarded our phones and will be answering them 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Maloy Landfill: The Republic Services, Maloy landfill location, will temporally change their Saturday hours starting April 11 to 9-11 a.m. They will continue these reduced Saturday hours until Gov. Greg Abbott relinquishes the social distancing and shelter-in-place policies.
Library, Senior Citizen Center: The library is staffed and taking online reserves for books and offering curbside pickup. They are answering phones, assisting patrons and answering many kinds of questions. They also offer free, no password, 24/7 wifi from the parking lot! Meal-A-Day is still making daily deliveries.
Restaurants: All restaurant sit-down dining has been halted until April 30. Most have moved to curbside service and some are even offering home delivery. Call ahead and visit with your favorite restaurant, and they will bring your food out to you. You can also visit “Takeout Together” on Facebook and Instagram. This is a place where restaurants are publishing current information and items they are offering.
Banking: Most financial institutions have closed their lobbies and are banking by appointment. Most transactions can be handled online, and they are also available by phone.
Shopping: Most clothing stores are offering online shopping, curbside pickup and even doorstep delivery. Please, please don’t forget about your favorite place to shop during this time. They are all fearful and need your help!
Groceries: Our grocery stores have changed their hours of operation. They are closing at night to disinfect and re-stock shelves. They are also limiting quantities of items that you can purchase. Hopefully, this will help distribute goods in a more effective manner.
Pharmacies: Our pharmacies are open. Some have closed their lobbies but can be reached through the drive through or curbside service.
Museums: All museums are closed to the public. Most of them still have staffers and can be reached by phone. Main Street Theatre is also closed.
Hotels: All of our hotels are open for business and have increased their cleaning protocols.
Energy Companies: Our energy companies have closed their lobbies to visitors but can be reached by phone if needed.
Insurance companies: most of our insurance companies have closed their lobbies, but they are open and going strong by phone and email.
Hospital: For the safety and health of the community and our ministry, CHRISTUS Health is screening all associates and visitors to our hospitals to help lessen the risk of infectious disease transmission among our patients, associates, and guests.
Hopkins County schools: All school districts in Hopkins County have moved to online learning.
In March, SSISD Food Services began providing free meals for all SSISD students and any community children who are between the ages 1-18 years. Meals are available for pick-up 7:30-11 a.m. Monday-Friday until further notice. Students will be able to pick up one breakfast and one lunch meal. Students do not have to attend any one of these campuses to participate. Pick-up areas will be curbside grab-and-go and will be held at the following locations across Sulphur Springs:
• SSES (Lee Street bus lane)
• Bowie (Mockingbird Lane student drop off/ pick up lane)
• Bush (south bus lane circle to awning), and
• Douglass (Calvert Street awning).
Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Office, Civic Center: Their office is open with limited staff.