TERLINGUA MOON
March 31, 2020 Vol. 31 No. 5
“I shall not be tried under a law in which my sex had no voice in making.” — Pearl Hart, b. 1871
FROM BREWSTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS:
In keeping with the commitment from local leadership of being proactive” vs. “reactive" in our approach to mitigating variables related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the decision has been arrived at to activate the shelter in place” directive.
As of the signing and filing of the attached Supplemental Order, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Brewster County, Texas. Never-the-less, the strategic decision is twofold.
The first prong of the decision is in the spirit of prevention. The enhancement of social distancing, limiting non-essential mobility and travel and prioritizing self-care and overall wellness are all keys to our successful navigation through the COVID-19 journey.
The second prong can be categorized as preemptive preparation If and when a case is confirmed in Brewster County, the shelter in place will already be in place. This will help expedite the tracking of other individuals whom may have been exposed to the identified patient. This will, in turn, help mitigate the spread of the virus within our community.
The last piece of this process is our community commitment to the task at hand. Each and every one of us have to take responsibility for our actions, choices and behaviors. It is impossible to monitor every square mile of our vast County, As such, all of us have to take the initiative to do our best during these turbulent times. Always keep in mind, "integrity is what happens when no one is looking”.
SUPPLEMENTAL ORDER
BY THE COUNTY JUDGE OF BREWSTER COUNTY NOW THEREFORE, I, COUNTY JUDGE OF BREWSTER COUNTY, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY VESTED BY TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE CHAPTER 418, AND THE DECLARATION OF A STATE OF LOCAL DISASTER ENTERED ON MARCH 25, 2020 HEREBY DETERMINE THAT FURTHER ORDERS ARE NECESSARY TO PREVENT THE IMMINENT THREAT TO HEALTH AND SAFETY
FROM THE CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) AND ORDER THE FOLLOWING:
ORDER NO.3. STAY AT HOME, WORK SAFE. Effective as of 11:59 p.m. on March 31, 2020, and continuing until 11:59 p.m. on April 7, 2020, all individuals currently living within Brewster County are
ordered to stay at home at their place of residence. For the purposes of this Order, residences include hotels, motels, shared rentals, and similar facilities. To the extent individuals are using shared or outdoor spaces, they must at all times as reasonably as possible maintain social distancing of at least six feet from any other person when they are outside their residence. All persons may leave their residences only for Essential Activities, or to provide or perform Essential Governmental Functions, or to operate Essential Businesses, all as defined below. All businesses operating within Brewster County, except Essential Businesses as defined in below in Order No. 7, are required to cease all activities at facilities located within the County. For clarity, businesses may continue operations consisting exclusively of employees or contractors performing activities at their own residences (i.e, working from home). To the greatest extent possible, all Essential Businesses shall comply with the Social Distancing Guidelines, including maintaining six-foot social distancing for employees and the general public.
ORDER NO. 4. NO PUBLIC OR PRIVATE GATHERINGS. All public or private gatherings of any number of people occurring outside a single household or living unit are prohibited, except as otherwise provided herein. Nothing in this Order prohibits the gathering of members of a household or living unit.
ORDER NO 5. TRAVEL. All travel, including, but not limited to, travel on foot, bicycle, scooter, motorcycle, automobile, or public transit is prohibited, except for purposes of Essential Activities or to perform or obtain services from an Essential Business, Essential Governmental Function, or Critical Infrastructure, as defined below.
ORDER NO. 6. ESSENTIAL ACTIVITIES. For purposes of this Order, individuals may leave their residence only to perform any of the following "Essential Activities”:
1. To engage in activities or perform tasks essential to their health and safety, or to the
health and safety of their family or household members (for example, obtaining medical
supplies or medication, visiting a health care professional, or obtaining supplies needed
to work from home). 2. To obtain necessary services or supplies for themselves and their family or household
members, or to deliver those services or supplies to others (for example, food, pet supplies, and any other household consumer products, and products necessary to
maintain safety, sanitization, and essential operation of residences). 3. To engage in outdoor recreational or fitness activity, provided the individuals comply
with social distancing requirements of six feet (for example, walking, biking, hiking,
or running). 4. To perform work providing essential products and services at an Essential Business or
Essential Governmental Functions, or to otherwise carry out activities specifically
permitted in this Order. 5. To care for a family member or pet in another household. 6. To perform or obtain services from an Essential Business, or from an Essential
Government Function, as defined in this Order. 7. To return home from or to another jurisdiction.
ORDER NO. 7. ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES. For purposes of this Order, “Essential Businesses” means:
1. Essential Healthcare Operations. Healthcare operations, including hospitals, clinics,
dentists, pharmacies, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, other healthcare facilities, healthcare suppliers, mental health providers, substance abuse service providers, blood banks, medical research, laboratory services, or any related and/or ancillary healthcare services. Home-based and residential-based care for seniors, adults, or children are also considered healthcare operations. Healthcare operations also includes veterinary care and all health and welfare services provided to animals. This exemption shall be viewed broadly to avoid any impacts to the delivery of healthcare. Healthcare operations do not include fitness and exercise gyms and similar facilities. Healthcare operations do not include elective medical, surgical, dental, or scanning
procedures. 2. Essential Critical Infrastructure. Work necessary to the operations and maintenance
of the critical infrastructure sectors, including public works construction, residential and commercial construction, airport operations, water, sewer, gas, electrical, oil refining, roads and highways, public transportation, solid waste collection and removal, internet, and telecommunications systems (including the provision of essential global, national, and local infrastructure for computing services, business infrastructure, communications, and web-based services), financial institutions, defense and national security-related operations, essential manufacturing operations provided that they carry out those services or that work in compliance with social distancing requirements of six feet, to the extent possible. Essential Businesses providing Essential Critical Infrastructure should implement precautions to protect employees and all activity shall be performed in compliance with social distancing guidelines attached hereto.
Construction sites should limit site visitation to a single trade at one time in order to
maintain social distancing standards. 3. Grocery Stores and Other Suppliers. Grocery stores, warehouse stores, big-box
stores, liquor stores, gas stations and convenience stores, and/or farmers' markets that sell food products, household staples, office supplies, hardware (e.g. electrical, plumbing, etc.), or suppliers of Essential Businesses or Essential Government Functions. Business that provide products to those businesses, including farming, fishing, and livestock. Businesses that ship or deliver groceries, food, goods or servicesdirectly to residences. 4. Food Services. Restaurants and other facilities that prepare and serve food, but only
for delivery or carry out. Schools and other entities that typically provide free services to students or members of the public on a pick-up and take-away basis only. Businesses that ship or deliver groceries, food, goods or services directly to residences. The restriction of delivery or carry out does not apply to cafes and restaurants located within hospital and medical facilities, except that all activity shall be performed in compliance
with social distancing guidelines attached hereto. 5. Providers of Basic Necessities to Economically Disadvantaged Populations.
Businesses that provide food, shelter, and social services, and other necessities of life
for economically disadvantaged or otherwise needy individuals. 6. Essential Services Necessary to Maintain Essential Operations of Residences or
Other Essential Businesses. Trash and recycling collection, processing and disposal, mail and shipping services, building cleaning, lawn and property maintenance and security, warehouse/distribution and fulfillment, trucking, storage for essential businesses, funeral homes, crematoriums and cemeteries. Professional services, such as legal or accounting services, when necessary to assist in compliance with legally mandated activities. Businesses that supply other essential businesses with support or supplies needed to operate, including laundromats, dry cleaners, and laundry service providers. Firearm and ammunition suppliers and retailers for purposes of safety and
security. 7. News Media. Newspapers, television, radio, and other media services. 8. Childcare Services. Childcare facilities providing services that enable employees
exempted in this Order to work as permitted. Except that the following practices shall be observed: 1. Childcare must be carried out in groups of 10 or fewer children, each within the same group each day. Children shall not change from one group to another,
roups shall not comingle. If a facility cannot prevent comingling of more than one group of children, then that facility should limit its total number of children to 10. Unless necessitated by overriding health and safety considerations, childcare providers shall remain solely with one group of children and not change groups. Please note that, pursuant to Order No. 9, subsection 4, below, a municipality may provide stricter guidelines than this subsection.
ad Businesses Needed for Transportation. Gas stations, automobile dealerships, auto-manufacturing and assembly, auto-supply, auto repair, RV sales/repair, bicycle sales/repair, and other related facilities. To the greatest extent
possible, interaction with the public should be provided outdoors or in open areas where social distancing may be maintained. Indoor activities should be limited to closing sales
or other transactions. 10. Financial Institutions. Banks and related financial institutions, consumer lenders,
sales and finance lenders, credit unions, insurance companies, appraisers, title
companies and payroll and accounting services. 11. Critical Trades. Plumbers, electricians, exterminators, pool cleaners, HVAC
providers, sign companies, and other service providers only to the extent that services are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences, Essential Activities, Essential Businesses, Essential Government Functions, and Essential Critical Infrastructure including but not limited to utilities such as electricity, gas, water and wastewater, and other public works. Critical Trades
does not include discretionary maintenance or improvements. 12. Real Estate Services. Services related to the marketing, sale, lease, or value of real
estate, including but not limited to real estate brokers, title companies, surveyors, and/or appraisers, except that all activities shall be performed in compliance with social
distancing of six feet per person is maintained. 13. Mail and Delivery Services. Businesses providing mailing and shipping services,
including post office boxes. 14. Certain Educational Activities. Educational functions, including those of public and
private K12 schools, colleges, and universities, for purposes of distance education, temporary closure or maintenance of facilities, performing critical research, or performing essential administrative functions, provided that compliance with social
distancing of six feet per person is maintained to the greatest extent possible. 15. Transportation, Airlines, taxis, and other private transportation providers (such as
Uber and Lyft) that provide transportation services necessary for the performance of Essential Activities, Essential Businesses, Critical Infrastructure, and/or Essential
Government Functions. 16. Home-Based Care and Services. Home-based care for seniors, adults, or children,
including caregivers who may travel to provide care. 17. Residential Facilities and Shelters. Residential facilities and shelters for seniors,
adults, children and animals (including students who have no other option but to remain
on campus at a lower or higher education institution). 18. Professional Services. Professional services, such as legal services, accounting
services, or insurances services, only to the extent that the activity has been ordered to continue by a state entity (such as Office of Court Administration), or to the extent that service can be provided in compliance with social distancing of six feet per person is
maintained to the greatest extent possible. 19. Information Technology Services Telecommunications Services. IT and IT services
and their essential services vendors, including the provision of essential global, national, and local infrastructure for computing services, business infrastructure, communications, web-based services, and critical manufacturing, as well as
telecommunications sales and services, internet access and broadband/communications
services. 20. Moving Services. Businesses that provide residential and/or commercial moving
services and necessary moving supplies. 21. Religious Services. Religious and worship services may only be provided by video and
teleconference. Religious institutions must limit in-person staff to ten (10) people or less when preparing for or conducting video or teleconference services, and all individuals must follow the Social Distancing Guidelines including the six foot social
distancing rule. 22. Funeral Services. Funeral, mortuary, cremation, burial, cemetery, and related services,
provided that social distancing of six feet per person is maintained to the greatest extent possible.
ORDER NO. 8. ESSENTIAL GOVERNMENT FUNCTIONS. All services provided by local governments needed to ensure the continuing operation of the government agencies to provide for the health, safety and welfare of the public shall continue. Further, nothing in this order shall prohibit any individual from accessing “Essential Government Functions." Each government body shall determine its Essential Government Functions and identify employees and/or contractors necessary to the performance of those functions, including but not limited to support services such as Chambers of Commerce, non-profit support services, and the like. To the extent feasible, all Essential Government Functions shall be performed in compliance with the social distancing of six feet per person is maintained. This Order does not apply to the Federal or State Government. ORDER NO. 9. ADDITIONAL ORDERS 1. Quarantine. If someone in a household has tested positive for COVID-19, the entire
household is ordered to isolate at home. Members of the household cannot go to work, school, or any other community function. Any person who displays symptoms of COVID-19, including fever, shortness of breath, or dry cough should refrain from leaving home and call Big Bend Regional Medical Center, 432-837-3447.
Elder Care Facilities. Nursing homes, retirement, and long-term care facilities are instructed by this order to prohibit non-essential visitors from accessing their facilities
unless to provide critical assistance or for end-of-life visitation. 3. Curfew. Unless conducting or traveling to or from an Essential Activity, work at an
Essential Business, or work at an Essential Governmental Function, members of the public shall remain at their residential properties between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5
a.m. 4. Municipal Orders. A more restrictive order duly-authorized by municipal government
within a city's corporate limits shall control within that municipality. 5. Penalty. The Brewster County Sheriff's Office, Brewster County Constables' Offices,
and other peace officers, are hereby authorized to enforce this order, within their discretion. A person who willfully disregards or conspires to willfully disregard this
order is considered to have violated an order authorized by Chapter 418 of the Texas Government Code and is subject to a fine of up to $1000.00 for each violation.
ORDERED this the 31s' day of March, 2020, in the County of Brewster, Texas.
FROM VISIT BIG BEND: Brewster County Extends Hotel Closures in Big Bend Region Until April 9th
The Brewster County Tourism Council and Visit Big Bend have received notice that due to the Covid-19 pandemic; Brewster county officials have voted to extend their hotel/motel/RV Parks/short-term rental and campground closures for an additional 7days ending April 9th, effective beginning March 30th, 2020. The closure may be extended again if deemed necessary by local officials at the end of the 7-day period. As of this Press Release, no confirmed cases of Covid-19 have been found in Brewster County.
The Brewster County Tourism Council and Visit Big Bend advise any guests who had planned to visit the area to check with their respective lodging partners regarding cancellation procedures. Other businesses have been affected with restaurants offering “to go” orders only and bars are still under closure instructions.
For the most up to date information regarding Brewster County during this emergency situation, please go to visitbigbend.com or check our Facebook page and Twitter feed.
BREWSTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS will hold an Emergency Meeting Wednesday April 1, 2020 @ 9:30AM at the Brewster County Courthouse in Alpine. The purpose of the meeting is to deliberate and take action to appoint a physician as health authority for Brewster County toadminister state and local law
s relating to public health in Brewster County, Pursuant to Chapter 121 of the Texas Health & Safety Code.
Discussion and appropriate action.
LITTLE BURRO STORE SUMMER HOURS begin next week. Open Tuesday through Saturday 9 to 6. Closed Sunday and Monday.
ESPRESSO ... Y POCO MAS! We are still open and serving our great breakfasts and lunches but take out only. 7:30 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Ask us about our new online ordering!
Next week beginning April 6, we're going to start closing on Mondays and Tuesdays with slightly shorter hours 8 am.- 1 p.m.
Call ahead (432) 371-3044 for your order and we will have it ready for you. Book mark the online order page, too. We will have gift cards shortly
Stay safe!
TAQUERIA EL MILAGRO. Closed until further notice. We hope this pandemic is past us soon. We miss you!
CANYON BREW AT FAR FLUNG OUTDOOR CENTER: Yes, we’re still open and serving our same great “Grab-n-Go” breakfast! Stop by for your daily dose of caffeine. Also try our kolaches, toasted bagels, espresso, candy bar lattes, cappuccino, macchiato, and chai. Bring your mug and save a buck! Opens at 7 a.m. daily with quick service! Don’t forget to stop by the Far Flung office to check out our recent markdowns!
THE TOWN ELECTRICIAN, Charles Turvey, Owner/ Master Electrician TECL# 31504 ME# 326558 Local, Licensed, Insured thetownelectrician@bigbend.net 432-424-3464 (Home) 432-538-2533 (Cell)
******SHOT TIME LIQUORS******
******Drive Thru only ****** 12 to 6 ****** M-S******
We now have a limited supply of 151 Rum. This product has an alcohol level of 75% and can be used for sanitizing surfaces or making hand sanitizer. We are limiting these to 1 per household. And ... since all of the tourists are gone ... we pretty much know who lives with who these days! Seriously tho ... we do have a VERY limited number, so it is polite to only take 1 for your house.
******As always, we are fully stocked on BEER, SMOKES, BOTTLES OF BOOZE, AND LUCKY LOTTERY TICKETS. ****** Our Shot Ice is made in a ultra clean environment - because that’s how we are - and we have a never ending supply!***** Our Drive Thru experience is as SANITIZED as we can make it ******Each item is sanitized before entering the store and so it comes to you clean. ******We maintain Social Distance during your transaction ******
Stay well during this time
iVIVA TERLINGUA!
BIG BEND CHURCH. Due to the recent announcement of Social Distancing until April 30 - NO church meetings will be held until further notice!
IF YOU NEED ELECTRICAL we are still working. Licensed and insured. Rebuild services. Repair and install electric in businesses and homes. Install new services. Install ceiling fans. Dark sky friendly outdoor lights. LED lighting. Wire small cabins and he/she caves. Take cash check and credit card/debit. Can also take Apple and google pay. For service or estimate call (432) 294-0282. TECL27979. Wayne Jones
EARTH AND FIRE GALLERY. We’re mostly closed to walk in but don’t forget, we ship. If you see something on our FaceBook page you’d like to have, email voni@bigbend.net and our Artists will be happy to help find its way to your door. On the bright side, we are no longer shelter in place. We are Artists in Residence.
TERLINGUA RECYCLES HAS CLOSED for the season. A big hearty thanks from all of us to Robert Krull for heading up the effort, and to all the volunteers who pitched in; you are very much appreciated!
THE TERLINGUA BOTTOMS GROUP OF AA meets every Thursday at 7:30 at the Big Bend Church in Study Butte. The meetings are open to anyone who has or thinks they may have a drinking problem. We meet in a group of less than five, and practice Social Distancing! If you are ill, we respectfully ask that you stay home and call for a "telephone meeting" instead, 432-371-2073. (you can also call with any questions...) Leave a message and we'll get back to you.
USA CENSUS 2020. Far West Texas (March 27, 2020) – In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has resulted in closures of businesses, schools, and restricting the size of gatherings, many Census outreach events are now postponed for the health and safety of our residents.
New strategies to reach hard-to-count households in our community during this time will include
continued and added social media networking and promotion and a bolstered reliance on traditional
outlets such as newspapers, radio, bulk mailings, flyers and posters.
Information and good swag will also accompany school meals and distributions at regional food pantries.
Counties and municipalities will need federal resources to recover from COVID-19 aftermath,
and since funding is based on population, an accurate Census count is essential.
As of today, these are the response rates in our area:
This is where we are as of 3/30:
El Paso 27.8% Jeff Davis 3.8%
Hudspeth 2.6% Presidio 0.6%
Culberson 1.2% Brewster 11.6%
We need to get these numbers up!
It has never been easier or more convenient to complete the Census from the comfort of your own home.
Everyone who lives in the household must be counted, regardless of immigration status.
If you haven’t received your Census survey yet, you can respond either on line
English speakers can call (844) 330-2020 and
Spanish speakers can call (844) 468-2020 to participate.
Stay home! Sanitize! Self-Respond!
Everyone Counts!
MARFA PUBLIC RADIO is compiling resources for residents of the area. If you are offering services and would like to be included on this list of resources, please email diana@marfapublicradio.org.
IF YOU’VE GOT QUESTIONS about solar or need help making your solar system work better, contact All Energies, email casey@allenergies.net or call/text Casey 432-242-1874 and call 371-2950 today.
MANY STONES has a new shipment of great beans...many new kinds.
