On Tuesday, Governor Greg Abbott today issued an Executive Order (GA-34) lifting the mask mandate in Texas and increasing capacity of all businesses and facilities in the state to 100 percent. The Governor made the announcement at Montelongo's Mexican Restaurant in Lubbock in an address to the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce.
"With the medical advancements of vaccines and antibody therapeutic drugs, Texas now has the tools to protect Texans from the virus," said Governor Abbott. "We must now do more to restore livelihoods and normalcy for Texans by opening Texas 100 percent. Make no mistake, COVID-19 has not disappeared, but it is clear from the recoveries, vaccinations, reduced hospitalizations, and safe practices that Texans are using that state mandates are no longer needed. Today's announcement does not abandon safe practices that Texans have mastered over the past year. Instead, it is a reminder that each person has a role to play in their own personal safety and the safety of others. With this executive order, we are ensuring that all businesses and families in Texas have the freedom to determine their own destiny."
During his remarks, the Governor discussed the incredible advancements that Texas has made that allow the state to open fully and lift the mask mandate-noting the rapid increase of vaccines. Nearly 5.7 million vaccine shots have been administered to Texans, and the state is now administering almost one million shots each week. By next Wednesday, about 7 million shots will have been administered in Texas and over half of seniors in Texas will have received a vaccine shot. By the end of March, every senior who wants a vaccine should be able to get one. The vaccine supply continues to increase so rapidly that more and more Texans will soon be eligible to receive a vaccine.
The Governor noted that Texas has a surplus of personal protective equipment and can perform over 100,000 COVID-19 tests a day. The state has invested in a variety of anti-body therapeutic drugs that have kept thousands of Texans out of hospitals. Texans have also adopted daily habits that reduce the risk of COVID-19 exposure and infection. More than 2.5 million Texans who were lab confirmed for COVID-19 have recovered since the beginning of the pandemic, and experts note the total number of Texans who have recovered from COVID-19 is likely 4-5 times that amount. The number of active COVID-19 cases is the lowest since November-meaning more Texans are recovering from COVID-19 than contracting it.
This executive order rescinds most of the Governor's earlier executive orders related to COVID-19. Effective next Wednesday, all businesses of any type may open to 100% capacity. Additionally, this order ends the statewide mask mandate in Texas. Businesses may still limit capacity or implement additional safety protocols at their own discretion.
If COVID-19 hospitalizations in any of the 22 hospital regions in Texas get above 15% of the hospital bed capacity in that region for seven straight days, a County Judge in that region may use COVID-19 mitigation strategies. However, County Judges may not impose jail time for not following COVID-19 orders nor may any penalties be imposed for failing to wear a face mask. If restrictions are imposed at a County level, those restrictions may not include reducing capacity to less than 50% for any type of entity.
The COVID-19 VACCINE IS FREE!!! It is available to anyone 16 years old and older.
To request a place on the list for a vaccine, please call (806) 240-1562 or (806) 240-1761 (Para Espanol llame a este numero de telefono).
You will need to give your name, date of birth, and a phone number so workers can let you know when your vaccine is scheduled. If the line is busy, leave a voicemail message and someone will call you back to confirm your information and answer any questions you might have
Because the vaccines are by appointment only, you will not have to stand in long lines. Thank you for your patience and thank you for supporting all the staff at PMC throughout this pandemic.
Superintendent Lorenzo Soto, of Teinert Construction directed a tour of the new Primary School for the Friona Noon Lions Club on Monday. Workers are pouring concrete on the east side of the new building on what used to be Cleveland Avenue. One of the corridors that will connect the new Primary School with the Elementary School can be seen in the background.
Last call!!! The FHS Senior Steak Dinner is this Sunday, March 7th in the Jr. High Cafeteria (limited seating) and curbside in the west parking lot from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $17.00 for all ages and can be purchased from any 2021 Senior. Proceeds will help fund the Alcohol/Drug Free Graduation Celebration Party.
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Friona Chamber of Commerce Executive VP Chris Alexander announced this week that the Board of Directors voted to proceed with a 2021 Awards Banquet on May 4th and Boots & Bling will be the theme this year.
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Two Friona weather records were set during the recent St. Valentine's/Presidents Day arctic storm. A new record for lowest recorded temperature was set on Monday, February 15th with a reading of -13.2°F below zero.
The number of continuous days with a temperature below freezing was the other record that fell. The new record of 7 continuous days of temps below 32°F was set February 13th-19th. The old record of 6 days was set in 1989 when the temps stayed below 32°F from February 4th-9th. The lowest recorded temperature during that cold blast was -1°F.
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According to an article written by Paul Schattenberg for the Texas A&M Extension Service, initial agriculture loss estimates resulting from the recent Arctic storm have already exceeded $600 million. AgriLife Extension estimates of some of the state's biggest agricultural losses by commodity were: (1) Citrus crops: at least $230 million, (2) Livestock: at least $228 million and (3) Vegetable crops: at least $150 million.
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Friday is National Dress in Blue Day. In an effort to knock out one of the top cancers causing death, National Dress in Blue Day on the first Friday in March encourages everyone to learn about the causes of colon cancer and raise awareness by wearing blue.
Much like the pink ribbon represents those lost to breast cancer, a blue star honors the memory of those lost to colon cancer. Continuing the blue theme on Dress in Blue Day, awareness efforts provide support through fundraising for screening, research, and awareness education.
Screenings are vital. Colon cancer often has no symptoms until its advanced stages placing its victims at higher risk if they wait until symptoms appear. Screenings are recommended beginning at age 50 and younger if you are at high risk.
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The Friona Junior High Student of the Month embodies our mission and exhibits good character, leadership, and personal academic success.
(l-r) 6th Grade: Yvette Zetino Garcia and Ethan Essex, 7th Grade: Evelyn Hernandez
and Leonardo Hernandez, 8th Grade: Leslie Rodriguez and Cole Essex.
Jacob Bautista
Bryan Chavira
Jared Rejino
Three Friona Chieftain basketball players were named to the 3-3A All-District team announced this week. Juniors Jacob Bautista, Bryan Chavira, and Jared Rejino were each chosen for the Honorable Mention All-District team.
Congratulations to (l-r) Magdalena Licerio, Trinity Ramos, and Ahtziri Soltero for qualifying for regionals in powerlifting. The Regional Meet will be held on Saturday, March 6th in Kermit. Go Big Red!
