Judge Oakley called the meeting to order at 10:07 a.m.

Judge Oakley opened the floor to any public comments.  There were no public comments.

Presentation from, and discussion with, the Burnet County Health Authority, Dr. Juliette Madrigal, on any topics related to the COVID-19 virus.

Dr. Juliette Madrigal, Burnet County Health Authority, began her presentation by stating over the next few weeks to months it will be extremely important for us to work together.  We need to keep each other informed and not listen to rumors.  She states she will keep the County informed, as she will know the cases in Burnet County.  Dr. Madrigal states as of March 19, 2020, there are zero cases in Burnet and Llano Counties.  As of March 18, 2020, there were 20+ people which had been tested and zero positives.  She expects this will change pretty quickly and there will be cases within the next week.  The thing we need to focus on now is flattening the curve.  There will be cases of COVID in our community.  If we can lower the spread of COVID and flatten that curve, the chances of having enough resources will remain very high.  

The following is Information about the virus.  The virus has about a 14-day incubation period, but 95% of all people will show symptoms in the first 6 days.  It appears that half of the population will get the virus.  It is caused by droplet transmission: people coughing, sneezing, and close talking.  It is detectable on slick surfaces for up to 3 days and on paper items (ie. cardboard, paper, mail) for 24 hours.  It is killed by all types of cleaners: bleach, hydrogen peroxide, and UV light.  The death rate, right now, is between 1% and 8%.  Death rate means if you catch the virus, what are your chances of dying.  The overall mortality is about 1% at this time; We want that percentage to be lower.  The symptoms: About 50% have fever over a 100.4.  You can start off without a fever, but as people get sicker the chance of them getting a fever is much higher.  About 70% have a dry cough, 20% have shortness of breath, 40% fatigue, 35% showed some sputum production, & 14% have a sore throat or a headache.  The creation and testing of a vaccine is taking place at this time.

Dr. Madrigal continued in regard to isolating: the less you can be around people, the better.  People are to avoid crowds and groups of 10 or more as much as possible.  Do not visit nursing homes or hospitals.  However, avoid becoming sedentary.  Use this time to be out in nature as much as possible.  Many times each day, Dr. Madrigal is getting updates.  She will update when there is a change in the number of cases, death rates, and any other information she will keep the court informed.  

Judge Oakley closed the libraries in Burnet County to public access.  There will still be Public WiFi available around the building.  The library is looking at alternatives to issue books to the public while they are closed.   Other offices are changing their methods of operation to continue serving the public, just modifying the way it is being done to minimize exposure.

Commissioner Dockery passed along the following information:
The Meals on Wheels program will be suspending their services for two weeks.
Kevin Naumann is the Coordinator for the Highland Lakes Crisis Network.  This network is made up of a group of 14 churches and volunteer teams available to assist those needing assistance.  They will be extending their services into Llano County.  Contact information for Mr. Naumann by email is knaumann@mfaems.org and by phone 325-423-3662.

The court discussed ratifying the Emergency Declaration.

Motion was made by Commissioner Precinct 1 Jim Luther, Jr., Seconded by: Commissioner Precinct 2 Damon Beierle to ratify the Burnet County Commissioner's Court Order ratifying the Declaration of Disaster due to a Public Health Emergency for Burnet County, Texas dated March 18, 2020.

Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously

The court continued to discuss any topics related to the COVID-19 virus.

Comm. Dockery provided contact information for the Community Resource Centers of Texas: 830-693-0700.

Judge Oakley stated in the order signed, Burnet County has only instilled recommendations from the CDC and our local Health Authority.  This is subject to change based on the Executive Order Governor Greg Abbott issues later this afternoon.  Calvin Boyd, Burnet County Sheriff, will continue to conduct business as usual.  If possible Deputies will conduct business outside of buildings, but if necessary, they will enter into establishments or homes.  Sheriff Boyd stated if they are needed, please call them.  

Comm. Dockery encouraged all to sign up with Warn Central Texas Service.  If you have a landline, you are automatically enrolled to receive notifications.  If you do not have a landline, visit https://warncentraltexas.org to enroll for notifications.  If you do not have access to the internet, you may call CAPCOG at 512-916-6000.  

Judge Oakley asked the public to understand this is a rapidly changing environment.  The court is doing their best to keep the public informed in a timely manner, of any information.  Once the information is presented to the court, it will be made available to the public.

The Court recessed at 11:10 a.m.

Judge Oakley reconvened the meeting at 2:00 p.m.

Judge Oakley thanked Comm. Beierle and the IT Department for making the live stream possible for the Special Meeting.

Governor Greg Abbott issued the Executive Order for the State of Texas.  

Sara Ann Luther, Human Resources Director, discussed allowing Burnet County employees an additional 80/84 hours of additional sick leave for any employees with no waiting period.  This applies to any Full Time or Part Time employees hired on or before March 19, 2020.  This is a temporary addendum to the Burnet County sick leave policy.  This is specific to the COVID-19 issues.  

Motion was made by Commissioner Precinct 4 Joe Don Dockery, Seconded by: Commissioner Precinct 1 Jim Luther, Jr. to adopt the Order of the Commissioners Court of Burnet County, Texas Addressing Employee Absences Resulting from COVID-19.

Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously

Judge Oakley adjourned the meeting at 2:20 p.m.