Nueces County Statement Regarding COVID-19 Positive Tests in Infants
This number reflects the cumulative total of positive tests for infants under the age of 1 since the beginning of testing in mid-March, which has resulted in 8171 positive test results.
Press Release
On Friday, July 17, during a press conference, a spokesperson mentioned that 85 infants under the age of one had tested positive for coronavirus. This number reflects the cumulative total of positive tests for infants under the age of 1 since the beginning of testing in mid-March, which has resulted in 8171 positive test results.
For context, the spokesperson was using that statistic to illustrate that no one is naturally immune to this virus. While the elderly and those with existing medical conditions are at greater risk of illness and death, anyone can get the virus, from the elderly to infants, and without regard to race, gender, or economic status. The number was used to illustrate this point.
However, without this context, stating this number during our press conference led many to believe that we had a sudden surge in infants under the age of one testing positive. We have NOT had a sudden surge of 85 infants testing positive.
Nueces County has been aggressive in testing the family members of those infected, especially those who work or live in high-risk situations: senior care centers, jails, group homes and halfway houses, and meatpacking plants. By contact tracing and testing the immediate family members for those with known exposure who work in high-risk critical infrastructure jobs, this may account for our higher degree of testing and positive test results among infants.
One child under the age of one has died. That child was brought to the hospital with unrelated symptoms and tested for COVID-19 while at the hospital. The child later died at home. An autopsy is being conducted to determine the cause of death.
Public Health Order Regarding In-Person School Instruction
Schools included in the order are all public independent school districts that have school district boundaries in Nueces County.
Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – Local Health Authority Dr. Srikanth Ramachandruni has issued a Public Health Order imposing specified control measures and restrictions for public schools offering in-person instruction. Schools included in the order are all public independent school districts that have school district boundaries in Nueces County.
The following restrictions are effective today, July 16, 2020 as of the execution of the Public Health Order:
School systems shall not re-open schools for on-campus, face-to-face instruction until after September 7, 2020.
Virtual instruction shall be permitted as per a school system’s own plan.
At least two weeks prior to re-opening for on-campus instruction and on-campus activities, the school or district shall develop a plan to be submitted to the Corpus Christi/Nueces County Health Authority for re-opening on-campus activities and instruction. The plan must be made available to parents and the public.
Extra-curricular sports and activities are excluded from the Order.
The Order may be renewed or extended by further action if necessary.
The Public Health Order can be read in its entirety at https://www.cctexas.com/coronavirus
Restricting Vehicular Access to Beaches & Parks
The temporary restriction of vehicular access will begin on Thursday, July 16, 2020 at 6:00 AM and will end on Saturday, August 1, 2020 at 6:00 AM. The vehicular restrictions include golf carts and all-terrain vehicles.
Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX –In order to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus, Nueces County and the City of Corpus Christi will temporarily restrict vehicular access to Bay and Gulf Beaches within Nueces County from July 16 to August 1, 2020. The temporary restriction of vehicular access will begin on Thursday, July 16, 2020 at 6:00 AM and will end on Saturday, August 1, 2020 at 6:00 AM. The vehicular restrictions include golf carts and all-terrain vehicles.
This temporary closure is being done in coordination with Port Aransas and the Padre Island National Seashore. All Port Aransas beaches will restrict vehicular access. The City is working with the Padre Island National Seashore to follow the same restriction and this closure is pending.
In addition to temporary closures, all beaches within Nueces County are subject to a curfew beginning on Thursday, July 16, 2020 between the hours of 8:30 PM to 6:00 AM. The curfew will be lifted on Saturday, August 1, 2020 at 6:00 AM.
To slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the City of Corpus Christi will close eight regional parks, three splash pads and six pools beginning Thursday, July 16, 2020 at 6:00 AM and ending Saturday, August 1, 2020 at 6:00 AM.
City Parks Closures
Bill Witt Park
West Guth Park
Manuel Q. Salinas Park
The Water’s Edge
Cole Park
Labonte Park
Lakeview Park
Parker Park
City Pool Closures
Collier
Corpus Christi Natatorium
Greenwood
H-E-B
Oso
West Guth Park
City Splash Pads Closures
Bill Witt Park
Lindale Park
Salinas Park
Sunrise Beach RV Park at Lake Corpus Christi Closure
Picnic, waterfront areas and campsite reservations are closed for the same period.
Corpus Christi Marina - Jet Skis Closed
City Health Initiative
Safe Fun Fit at the Bayfront offered at The Water’s Edge will be temporarily suspended until Saturday, August 1, 2020.
ADA accessible parking to remain open at Whitecap Beach, Packery Channel and Windward parking lots. Golf cart only access will also be permitted at Whitecap Beach.
Go to https://www.cctexas.com/coronavirus for the signed City Order authorizing Closures of Beaches and Parks to Vehicles and Requiring Activity while on North Beach or McGee Beach.
AG Paxton Defends Humane Treatment of Fetal Remains
The Fifth Circuit is currently considering a challenge to a Texas law requiring the humane treatment of fetal remains through interment or scattering of ashes.
Press Release
AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a letter brief with the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit addressing the impact of a recent decision from the United States Supreme Court that held unconstitutional a Louisiana law requiring abortion doctors to have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital. The Fifth Circuit is currently considering a challenge to a Texas law requiring the humane treatment of fetal remains through interment or scattering of ashes. Abortion providers sued the State, seeking an injunction that permits them to treat the remains of unborn children as medical waste that is incinerated and placed in a landfill. But they have yet to provide any evidence that this law imposes a burden on women or prevents access to abortion.
“The abortion industry will go to extraordinary lengths to obscure the fundamental reality that the child in the womb is a human being. The requirement to treat the remains of unborn children with dignity and respect would do nothing to affect the availability of abortion in Texas,” said Attorney General Paxton. “The Supreme Court has repeatedly recognized that States have an interest in the lives of the unborn, and this Texas law serves to honor their dignity rather than treat them as medical waste.”
Today’s letter brief also asserts that abortion providers lack standing to sue on behalf of what they imagine their patients’ subjective beliefs to be and that the humane disposition of fetal remains does not create an obstacle to abortion access. Last year, the Supreme Court upheld a similar Indiana fetal-remains law, stating that the State had “legitimate interest in proper disposal of fetal remains,” and the humane disposition of remains is directly and rationally related to that interest.
Read a copy of the letter brief here.
Texas A&M System Will Have Access to Free Testing for COVID-19
Each campus will establish an on-line test registration, and anyone wishing to be tested must first sign up there. Trained personnel will monitor the self-administered oral swabbing required.
Press Release
Students, faculty and staff at all 11 Texas A&M System universities across the state will soon have quick and easy access to free testing for COVID-19.
“Ensuring the health and safety of our students is our top priority,” said John Sharp, chancellor of the Texas A&M University System. “Facilitating increased accessibility and availability of COVID-19 testing will help us mitigate the spread and help to protect each other by taking preventative and proactive measures.”
Approximately 15,000 test kits will be sent to system campuses each month. Each campus will set up a central location for the testing, which will consist of a simple, painless mouth swab. Testing could start as early as late this week.
The testing is possible thanks to an agreement Chancellor Sharp negotiated with Curative Inc., a national testing company based in California. Curative has committed to turning around lab results within 30 hours from when the sample arrives at their lab.
To date, Curative has released more than 1.2 million test results and is processing 55 to 60 thousand test kits per day with plenty of capacity. A major benefit of the Curative testing system is it is a turn-key operation, offering tests, shipping, processing and a software system that collects and reports results.
Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to get tested if they experience COVID-19 symptoms, or suspect they have been exposed to someone with COVID-19. Close contact is defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as being within 6 feet of someone with COVID-19 for more than 15 minutes at any time, beginning 48 hours before the individual had symptoms, regardless of wearing a face mask.
While the tests are free, those who have insurance are encouraged to use their primary care physician to access the test so that their test can be paid for by insurance. The on-campus tests will not be available to the general public.
Each campus will establish an on-line test registration, and anyone wishing to be tested must first sign up there. Trained personnel will monitor the self-administered oral swabbing required.
About Curative
Curative Inc. was founded to develop tests for sepsis in January 2020 and pivoted to COVID-19 in early March 2020 upon realizing the urgent need for test development and production in the United States. Founded by Fred Turner and comprised of a team of doctors, scientists, engineers and health industry experts, the Curative test is a simple-to-use oral fluid COVID-19 test that can be rapidly scaled to enable widespread access to testing to keep our communities. For more details on Curative, please visit www.curativeinc.com.
About The Texas A&M University System
The Texas A&M University System is one of the largest systems of higher education in the nation with a budget of $6.3 billion. The System is a statewide network of 11 universities; a comprehensive health science center; eight state agencies, including the Texas Division of Emergency Management; and the RELLIS Campus. The Texas A&M System educates more than 151,000 students and makes more than 22 million additional educational contacts through service and outreach programs each year. System-wide, research and development expenditures exceeded $1 billion in FY 2019 and helped drive the state’s economy.
Corpus Christi Can Combat Crime Thanks to New Grant Funding
The City of Corpus Christi was awarded a grant of $395,356 from the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority (MVCPA).
Press Release
On Thursday July 9, the City of Corpus Christi was awarded a grant of $395,356 from the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority (MVCPA).
The grant supports local law enforcement efforts to prevent Texans from experiencing over $1 billion in losses caused each year from motor vehicle crime.
The Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority, a division of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, funds local law enforcement taskforces across the state every year. The funds come from a $4 fee that MVCPA collects from motor vehicle insurance companies. A large part of the fee collected also supports emergency rooms and trauma centers throughout Texas.
The Texas Legislature established MVCPA in 1991 to create a statewide effort to reduce auto theft. The Authority is comprised of governor-appointed members from insurers, law enforcement and the public along with a designee from the Texas Department of Public Safety.
For more information about how to protect yourself from motor vehicle crime, visit MVCPA online at www.txdmv.gov/motorists/consumer-protection/auto-theft-prevention.
TWC - $600 Per Week Will End
The Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation or the additional $600 per week will end with the benefit week ending in July 25, 2020.
Press Release
The Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation or the additional $600 per week will end with the benefit week ending in July 25, 2020. The CARES Act was passed by the U.S. Congress. TWC is responsible for overseeing the payments but only the U.S. Congress can extend the Act.
Will I continue to receive my state unemployment benefits?
Yes. You will continue to receive your state unemployment benefits for as long as you are eligible.
Why is this additional $600/week ending?
TWC does not have the authority to extend the $600 a week benefit. The additional $600/week is part of the CARES Act that was passed by the U.S. Congress. TWC is responsible for overseeing the payments but only the U.S Congress can extend the Act.
When is my last payment with the additional $600/week?
If you request payment for the weeks of 7/18 and 7/25: You will receive the additional $600 for both weeks.
If you request payment for the weeks of 7/25 and 8/1:You will receive the additional $600 for only the week of 7/25.
Why does the additional $600/week end in Texas on 7/25 when the CARES Act lists 7/31?
The CARES Act provides federal reimbursement to states for an additional $600 per week. The Act states that the program ends July 31, but benefits must be discontinued before the end of the month because by law TWC cannot pay partial week benefits. The last full benefit week for the extra $600 is the week ending July 25th. As a result, only payment requests for weeks ending on or before July 25 can include the additional $600.
For more information about the CARES Act or your unemployment benefit, please visit our FAQ page.
Those in need of local assistance with utilities or rent are encouraged to call 211.
New Cleaning Process at Corpus Christi International Airport (CCIA)
Corpus Christi International Airport (CCIA) has installed a new mobile device that will help make the terminal safer and cleaner than ever.
Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – Since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, Corpus Christi International Airport (CCIA) has worked to enhance cleaning processes in the terminal. CCIA has now installed new mobile devices that will help make the terminal safer and cleaner than ever. It’s called CASPR Mobile. The acronym stands for Continuous Air & Surface Pathogen Reduction.
CASPR Mobile works by taking oxygen and moisture from the air, converting it into hydrogen peroxide, and releasing it back into the air to attack germs and pathogens. The mobile units are placed in areas of the terminal where people tend to gather. This technology is currently used in medical environments and it works continuously, 24 hours a day.
The addition of CASPR at CCIA is the latest in a long list of steps taken at the airport to assure the safest environment possible for travelers, tenants, and employees. Inside the terminal, you’ll see social distancing markers on the floors, sneeze guards at the ticket counters, hand sanitizer stations, and automatic faucets, soap dispensers and towel dispensers in the public restrooms. CCIA is also cleaning the terminal regularly with the Clorox® Total 360® System which pairs the power of Clorox cleaner with an electrostatic sprayer that delivers the agent to the front, backs and sides of surfaces.
Keystone Pipeline to Restart Infrastructure Construction
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton applauded the United States Supreme Court for partially staying a district court order that halted energy infrastructure construction nationwide and impeded economic growth.
Press Release
AUSTIN – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton applauded the United States Supreme Court for partially staying a district court order that halted energy infrastructure construction nationwide and impeded economic growth. Despite the original lawsuit focusing on a permit the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers used to authorize the Keystone XL pipeline, the district court’s order needlessly affected new oil and gas pipelines in every state, regardless of length, purpose, or minimal environmental effects.
“I applaud the Supreme Court for staying this erroneous injunction and ensuring that energy pipeline construction continues smoothly,” said Attorney General Paxton. “The successful production and transportation of oil and gas is lifeblood for the states and is not possible without a dynamic pipeline network. The need for a stable electrical grid is vital, and that need has been consistently met by the growing production of oil and gas.”
Read a copy of the order here.
NAS-Kingsville Change of Command Ceremony
NAS KINGSVILLE – Captain Thomas A. Korsmo became the 35th commanding officer of Naval Air Station Kingsville relieving Captain Erik A. Spitzer who had held the position for more than four years.
Press Release
Naval Air Station Kingsville conducted a change of command ceremony on July 2. Capt. Thomas Korsmo relieved Capt. Erik Spitzer, who had commanded the air station since May 2016.
NAS KINGSVILLE – Captain Thomas A. Korsmo became the 35th commanding officer of Naval Air Station Kingsville relieving Captain Erik A. Spitzer who had held the position for more than four years.
Navy Region Southeast Rear Adm. Gary Mayes joined the incoming and outgoing commanders by video teleconference during which he awarded Capt. Spitzer the Legion of Merit medal for his exemplary performance in command.
The admiral praised Spitzer for being the driving force behind more than $150 million in infrastructure improvements, including the renovation of two major aircraft hangars and the ground training building, the construction of three new ammunition bunkers, and the installation of a new airfield lighting system.
In his farewell remarks, Spitzer lauded his staff and the various tenant commands on the base for their efforts while he was at the helm.
“I was truly blessed to have such an outstanding team. I could not have accomplished anything without their support and hard work,” Spitzer said.
Due to Department of Defense COVID-19 restrictions, attendance at the ceremony was limited to family members and a few military guests. As a result, both Kleberg County and the City of Kingsville each honored Spitzer at their commissioner’s meetings June 22.
County Judge Rudy Madrid, himself a retired naval officer, presented a plaque recognizing Spitzer’s service to the base and to the county. Later that evening, Mayor Sam Fugate presented Spitzer with the key to the city in appreciation of his concerted efforts to reinforce NAS Kingsville’s position as a trusted friend and committed partner to the community.
Spitzer departs Kingsville to take command of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii.
Korsmo comes to Kingsville after serving as the Head, Officer Community Manager for the Bureau of Naval Personnel in Millington, TN.
TAMUK - Golden Key
The Golden Key chapter at Texas A&M University-Kingsville is one of only 24 chapters worldwide, to receive the Key Chapter Award for 2020. There are over 400 chapters around the world.
Press Release
The Golden Key chapter at Texas A&M University-Kingsville is one of only 24 chapters worldwide, to receive the Key Chapter Award for 2020. There are over 400 chapters around the world.
The chapter featured a presentation, entitled Be an Agent of Change, that showcased four events and a highlighted event all done in the 2019-20 academic year. They featured two chapter alumni who used social media to enhance their work in area schools; a graduate school development project; a book collection drive that helped three locations; the Bags for Foster Children project that collected all kinds of bags; and bringing Kleberg Bank to the Fall Festival to provide change for attendees and student organizations.
This is the second time the Texas A&M-Kingsville chapter received this international award. The first time was in 2017.
Nueces County restrict vehicular access to Bay and Gulf Beaches
Nueces County and the City of Corpus Christi will temporarily restrict vehicular access to Bay and Gulf Beaches within Nueces County during the July 4th holiday weekend.
Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – In order to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus, Nueces County and the City of Corpus Christi will temporarily restrict vehicular access to Bay and Gulf Beaches within Nueces County during the July 4th holiday weekend. The temporary restriction of vehicular access will begin on Friday, July 3, 2020 at 6:00 AM and will end on Tuesday, July 7, 2020 at 6:00 AM. The vehicular restrictions include golf carts and all-terrain vehicles. Residents and visitors can walk along the beach. It is expected that Nueces County Judge Barbara Canales will sign the Order tomorrow morning that will put this into effect immediately.
This temporary closure includes all Port Aransas beaches. Additionally, the Federal Seashore at Padre Island National Seashore will restrict vehicular access during the same four-day period.
In addition to temporary closures, all beaches within Nueces County are subject to a curfew beginning on Wednesday, July 1, 2020 between the hours of 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM. The curfew will be lifted on Saturday, July 11, 2020 at 6:00 AM.
Residents and visitors can walk along the beach during non-curfew hours but are encouraged to continue to maintain six-foot distancing.
In order to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the City of Corpus Christi will close eight regional parks beginning Friday, July 3, 2020 at 6:00 AM and ending Tuesday, July 7, 2020 at 6:00 AM.
City Parks Closures
Bill Witt Park
West Guth Park
Manuel Q. Salinas Park
The Water’s Edge
Cole Park
Labonte Park
Lakeview Park
Parker Park
Sunrise Beach RV Park at Lake Corpus Christi Closure
Picnic and waterfront areas are closed for the same four-day period.
Bay Beach Closures
McGee Beach
North Beach
Gulf Beach Road Closures
City and County Gulf Beaches from Access Road 2 thru County Road 6
Access Road 2, Beach Marker 62, Newport Pass Road, Zahn Road, Access Road 3A, Windward Parking Lot, White Cap Beach, County Road 4, County Road 5, Bob Hall access, and County Road 6.
4th of July Firework Safety Tips
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX - The Corpus Christi Fire and Police Department wants to remind everyone it is illegal to discharge fireworks inside the City Limits including the beach.
Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX - The Corpus Christi Fire and Police Department wants to remind everyone it is illegal to discharge fireworks inside the City Limits including the beach. If cited, you could be fined up to $2,000 per opened package of fireworks.
To report the illegal discharge of fireworks, the phone number to use is 361-886-2600. Please do not call 911 for fireworks complaints.
Firework Safety Facts:
Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol
Never allow young children to handle fireworks
Older children should use fireworks only under close adult supervision
Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear
Never light fireworks indoors
Only use fireworks away from people, houses and flammable material
Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting
Never ignite devices in a container
Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks
Soak unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding
Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of fire
For more information about the dangers of consumer fireworks, visit www.nfpa.org/fireworks.
As a reminder, residents are urged to continue hygiene and safety precautions including wearing a face covering and limiting gatherings to slow the spread of the virus. To find out more about COVID-19 resources visit www.cctexas.com/coronavirus.
TWC to pause work search requirements
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) paused the reinstatement of work search requirements for unemployment benefits in Texas.
Press Release
The Texas Workforce Commission paused the reinstatement of work search requirements for unemployment benefits in Texas effective immediately.
What does this mean for current UI claimants?
Individuals receiving unemployment payments in Texas will not need to enter the number of work searches they completed while requesting payment; they may continue to enter 0 until the Commission moves to reinstate work search requirements.
Why has the reinstatement of work search requirements been paused?
This action was taken in response to the rising number of COVID-19 cases in Texas. From the outset, TWC has stated that bringing back work search would be conditions-based.
When might work search requirements be reinstated?
Work search requirements are federal stipulation to unemployment insurance benefits. TWC will continue to monitor the situation and make further recommendations in late July.
Please continue to request payments, every two weeks and continuously check your mail and electronic correspondence for updates from TWC.
For more information and frequently asked questions visit our COVID-19 UI FAQ Page or connect with Larry the Chat Bot on the TWC homepage.
Extended Deadline for Pandemic Food Benefits
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is extending the application deadline for the federal Pandemic-Electronic Benefit Transfer program (P-EBT) to July 31.
Press Release
AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is extending the application deadline for the federal Pandemic-Electronic Benefit Transfer program (P-EBT) to July 31. Extending the deadline will help ensure eligible families have time to apply for this one-time food benefit.
P-EBT is a one-time benefit of $285 per eligible child and can be used in the same way as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits to pay for groceries. Eligible families include those with children who lost access to free or reduced-price school meals through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) due to school closures.
"The extension of the P-EBT deadline helps ensure that Texans have time to apply for this program and provide nutritious food to their families as the state continues to combat COVID-19," said Governor Abbott. "Ensuring access to healthy food in our communities is an important part of our response to this pandemic."
"We remain committed to ensuring access to healthy and nutritious foods for eligible Texans, and P-EBT provides that to those who need it most," said HHS Access and Eligibility Deputy Executive Commissioner Wayne Salter. "This extension provides more time for families to apply for this emergency assistance."
More than three million children in Texas were certified to receive free or reduced-price meals at school during the 2019-2020 school year. Families who are eligible for P-EBT were notified by their school districts in May. After completing the online application, families receive their benefits on a new Texas P-EBT card in the mail.
HHSC partnered with the Texas Department of Agriculture and the Texas Education Agency to launch the $1 billion federal program on June 1 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, nearly $700 million in P-EBT has been issued to families, benefiting more than 2.5 million children.
Visit hhs.texas.gov/pebt to learn more about P-EBT. For questions regarding eligibility or to learn more, people may also contact the P-EBT Call Center at 833-613-6220, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central Standard Time. When applying, it is especially important to include a valid phone number on their application. HHSC staff may need to call families to get additional information to approve P-EBT benefits.
About the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program SNAP provides nutrition benefits to supplement the food budget of families in need, so they can purchase healthy food and move toward self-sufficiency. In Texas, SNAP benefits are put onto the Lone Star Card (EBT card), which can be used just like a credit card at any store that accepts SNAP. Texas Health and Human Services administers the federal program throughout the state. P-EBT follows the same program rules as SNAP, including foods and purchase options.
About the School Meal Programs The federally funded School Meal Programs include the School Breakfast Program (SBP) and NSLP. The School Meal Programs serve over 5 million meals a day to Texas children in school and residential child care institutions. The School Meal Programs serve nutritious, low-cost or free meals to students in public and non-profit private schools in Texas. Meals must meet federal nutrition guidelines. The Texas Department of Agriculture administers SBP and NSLP in Texas.
AG Paxton: Supreme Court Strikes Down Louisiana Abortion Law That Protected Women
AUSTIN – Attorney General Paxton today decried the United States Supreme Court for invalidating a Louisiana law that protects women by requiring abortion doctors to have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital.
Press Release
Front row, left to right: Associate Justice Stephen G. Breyer, Associate Justice Clarence Thomas, Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr., Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Associate Justice Samuel A. Alito. Back row: Associate Justice Neil M. Gorsuch, Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Associate Justice Elena Kagan, Associate Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh.
Credit: Fred Schilling, Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States
AUSTIN – Attorney General Paxton today decried the United States Supreme Court for invalidating a Louisiana law that protects women by requiring abortion doctors to have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital. Today’s order effectively allows pro-abortion activists to eliminate basic, common sense health-and-safety standards designed to protect patients.
“The Supreme Court should have upheld this commonsense law. Instead, in striking down these basic health-and-safety regulations, the Supreme Court has allowed abortion clinics to endanger women. We are well aware of the dangers of an unprepared and unsanitary clinic. In the case of Kermit Gosnell, who killed and injured women in his filthy, substandard, unregulated clinic, enforced regulation could have saved countless lives,” said Attorney General Paxton. “Louisiana’s law is a common-sense measure that protects women’s health and safety from those who favor their bottom line over patients’ wellbeing. Every woman deserves to know that her doctor has the necessarily skills to treat them successfully.”
Read a copy of the opinion here.
Corpus Christi 4th of July City Schedule
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – Most City of Corpus Christi offices including City Hall, Public Libraries, and Municipal Court will be closed Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4, in observance of the Independence Day holiday.
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – Most City of Corpus Christi offices including City Hall, Public Libraries, and Municipal Court will be closed Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4, in observance of the Independence Day holiday.
Solid Waste Services:
Garbage & Recycling Collection: Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4: No change in collection schedule.
Heavy Brush/Bulky Items: Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4, brush/bulky items will NOT be collected.
Collection Center: The J.C. Elliott Collection Center will be OPEN Friday, July 3, CLOSED Saturday, July 4, and will reopen Monday, July 6, from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Animal Care Services:
Closed Friday, July 3
Open Saturday, July 4, adoptions by appointment only from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Call 826-4606 or 826-4633 to make an appointment!
Public Libraries:
Closed Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4
Will reopen Monday, July 6
The following schedule will be observed at City Parks and Recreation facilities:
Golf Courses:
Lozano Golf Center: Open regular hours
Oso Golf Course: Open regular hours
Tennis Centers:
H-E-B Tennis Center: Open Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4, regular hours
Al Kruse Tennis Center: Open Friday, July 3, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday, July 4, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Pools:
Collier Pool, 3801 Harris Drive:
Open Friday, July 3, Lap Swim 5 a.m. to 8 a.m.; Lap and General Swim 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Open: Saturday, July 4, Lap and General Swim 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Corpus Christi Natatorium, 3202 Cabaniss Parkway:
Open Friday, July 3, Lap Swim 5 a.m. to 12 p.m.; Lap and General Swim 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Open Saturday, July 4, Lap and General Swim 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
West Guth Pool, 9705 Up River Road:
Open Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4, General Swim 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
H-E-B Pool, 1520 Shely Street:
Open Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4, General Swim 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Greenwood Pool, 4305 Greenwood Drive:
Open Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4, General Swim 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve & Learning Center: 2446 N. Oso Parkway
Walking trails and playgrounds: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
Learning Center: Closed Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4.
No trading post hours Friday, July 3.
Senior Centers: Closed
Recreation Centers: Closed
Latchkey: Closed
Gymnasiums: Closed
Bars to close at noon and Restaurants Must Limit to 50% Capacity
The decision comes as the number of people testing positive for COVID-19 and the number of hospitalizations have increased and the positivity rate in Texas increased above 10%.
Press Release
AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott today issued an executive order limiting certain businesses and services as part of the state’s effort to contain the spread of COVID-19. This decision comes as the number of people testing positive for COVID-19 and the number of hospitalizations have increased and the positivity rate in Texas increased above 10%, which the Governor previously stated would lead to further preventative action. The targeted, measured directives in the executive order are based on links between certain types of businesses and services and the recent rise in positive cases throughout the state.
The order includes the following:
All bars and similar establishments that receive more than 51% of their gross receipts from the sale of alcoholic beverages are required to close at 12:00 PM today. These businesses may remain open for delivery and take-out, including for alcoholic beverages, as authorized by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.
Restaurants may remain open for dine-in service, but at a capacity not to exceed 50% of total listed indoor occupancy, beginning Monday, June 29, 2020.
Rafting and tubing businesses must close.
Outdoor gatherings of 100 or more people must be approved by local governments, with certain exceptions.
“As I said from the start, if the positivity rate rose above 10%, the State of Texas would take further action to mitigate the spread of COVID-19,” said Governor Abbott. “At this time, it is clear that the rise in cases is largely driven by certain types of activities, including Texans congregating in bars. The actions in this executive order are essential to our mission to swiftly contain this virus and protect public health. We want this to be as limited in duration as possible. However, we can only slow the spread if everyone in Texas does their part. Every Texan has a responsibility to themselves and their loved ones to wear a mask, wash their hands, stay six feet apart from others in public, and stay home if they can. I know that our collective action can lead to a reduction in the spread of COVID-19 because we have done it before, and we will do it again.”
TAMUK - SAT/ACT Optional For 2021 Admission
Texas A&M University-Kingsville has decided to make the SAT and ACT optional for admission in the spring, summer and fall of 2021.
Press Release
Officials at Texas A&M University-Kingsville have announced they will make optional the requirement of First-time in College (FTIC) applicants to provide SAT or ACT scores to be considered for admission for the spring, summer and fall sessions in 2021.
“Due to COVID-19, there has been uncertainty about whether the ACT and SAT tests will be consistently accessible to all prospective students. As such, Texas A&M University-Kingsville has decided to make the SAT and ACT optional for admission in the spring, summer and fall of 2021,” said Dr. Maureen Croft, vice president for enrollment management.
“We believe that this will ensure fairness in the admissions process during these unprecedented times,” she added. “Applications will be reviewed holistically with or without SAT or ACT scores. We encourage students to provide additional information on their application such as letters of reference, academic achievements, extracurricular activities, community service, awards and other factors that support an applicant’s ability to succeed at Texas A&M-Kingsville.”
Students who have been denied admission should know that the university’s Admission Appeal Process remains in effect without change. Anyone with questions are encouraged to contact the university at admissions@tamuk.edu or 361-593-5372 (JESC).
Temporary Pause Of Reopening Phases
AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the State of Texas will pause any further phases to open Texas as the state responds to the recent increase in positive COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.
AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the State of Texas will pause any further phases to open Texas as the state responds to the recent increase in positive COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. Businesses that are permitted to open under the previous phases can continue to operate at the designated occupancy levels and under the minimum standard health protocols provided by the Texas Department of State Health Services.
“As we experience an increase in both positive COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, we are focused on strategies that slow the spread of this virus while also allowing Texans to continue earning a paycheck to support their families,” said Governor Abbott. “The last thing we want to do as a state is go backwards and close down businesses. This temporary pause will help our state corral the spread until we can safely enter the next phase of opening our state for business. I ask all Texans to do their part to slow the spread of COVID-19 by wearing a mask, washing their hands regularly, and socially distancing from others. The more that we all follow these guidelines, the safer our state will be and the more we can open up Texas for business.”