NET Health reports today that Smith County has three new positive cases of COVID-19.

That brings the total number of cases up to 142 and includes 4 deaths within the county. NET Health released the following statement on the coronavirus in Smith County.

Tyler, Texas (Wednesday, April 29)

 

There are 3 new confirmed COVID-19 cases for a total of 142 positive cases in Smith County as of Wednesday, April 29 at 2 p.m.

There are 4 COVID-19 related fatalities within Smith County as of Tuesday, Wednesday, April 29 at 2 p.m.

There are currently 85 reported recovered cases in Smith County as of Wednesday, April 29 at 2 p.m. *Please note: recovery numbers will be updated on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Active cases in Smith County: 53

PLEASE NOTE: JIC updates will be sent out Mondays through Fridays. Any necessary weekend notifications about COVID-19 case numbers or patients will be made by NET Health.

 

NET Health has confirmed the fourth death in East Texas related to COVID-19. The individual is a 68 year-old male who resided in Tyler.

Three previous COVID-19 deaths in Smith County involved a 91-year old male resident of Hideaway, a 56 year-old resident of Troup, and a 78-year old male of Tyler. The total confirmed number of COVID-19 cases in Smith County stands today at one hundred forty-two (142), and over 75% of these cases are attributed to community spread.

 

The Northeast Texas Public Health District, in partnership with the local government, hospital systems and colleges, has established an additional call center to assist with novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pre-screening for individuals without primary care physicians.

 

Should you be experiencing or developing COVID-19 symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, fever, cough or shortness of breath, call (903) 617-6404 to speak with a representative who will make referrals to physicians.

*Northeast Texas Public Health District PIO: Terrence Ates, (903) 343-5451

 

The Smith County Emergency Operations Center is active and meeting seven days a week to coordinate the best response for the Smith County community.

 

City of Tyler

The City of Tyler will extend modified facility operations until Monday, May 4. All events City-operated or in a City facility have been suspended through May 4.

Get more information on closures or adjusted services at CIty Of Tyler.

City of Tyler PIO: Jenny Wells, (903) 944-9136

 

Smith County

Most Smith County offices remains open to the public, but with limited walk-in services. The County encourages people to conduct their businesses online. Many non-essential services are by appointment only. The Smith County Tax Office is closed to the public until further notice but is still working to assist Smith County residents and businesses. People can pay their property taxes over the phone, online or through mail. People can renew their auto registration online or through the mail. They are also continuing to service car dealers who need title work. For more information, call (903) 590-2920 or visit Smith County

Jury duty continues to be suspended through June 1. For a full list of adjusted Smith County services, please visit Smith County

 

Smith County and NDMJ Transportation are teaming up to use the County’s Voucher Program to deliver food, water, medication and other necessities to elderly and disabled citizens who live in rural areas and do not have transportation. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Texas Department of Transportation has approved Smith County and NDMJ to use grant funds already awarded to deliver essential items. Jamal Moharer, owner of NDMJ, provides the taxi cabs for the deliveries. There is no cost associated with this program. To request the assistance, residents can call the Tyler/Smith County Area Mobility Manager Kristy Range at kristyrange@gmail.com or (903) 714-5079; or contact NDMJ Transportation at (903) 592-3232. For more, visit Smith County

Smith County PIO: Casey Murphy, (903) 590-4607

 

Tyler Independent School District

Good news for the Class of 2020! Tyler ISD plans to move forward with the original dates for in-person graduation ceremonies. We are watchfully optimistic that Gov. Abbott’s Open Texas announcement provides the opportunity for school systems to hold commencement with precautionary safety measures observed. Candidates for graduation and a restricted number of guests will be required to follow social distancing guidelines, safety and security protocols, and other health measures at each outdoor graduation ceremony. Learn more at www.tylerisd.org/graduation. Tyler ISD is also hiring teachers for the 2020-21 school year! The District is hosting a Virtual Teacher Job Fair May 2 from 10 a.m. to noon via Zoom. To learn more, go to www.teachtyler.careers.

For district updates such as grading, GPA, Distance Learning information and other frequently asked questions, go to TISD

TISD PIO: Jennifer Hines, (903) 521-5887

 

Hospital Updates

Due to CDC recommendation, CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances is asking all patients, visitors and employees to wear a mask while visiting our facilities. Homemade cloth masks are appropriate for visitors. Providers and health care workers will continue to use appropriate medical masks (PPE) when working.

 

Both CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic and UT Health East Texas have expanded telehealth services and online screening tools to best serve their patients. Telehealth services will be HIPPA-compliant.

 

If you are experiencing or developing COVID-19 symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath, call to speak with a clinician who will provide telephonic triage and make appropriate referrals in accordance with CDC guidelines. Additionally, you may visit www.coronavirus.gov and take a “Coronavirus Self-Checker” assessment. This will help you communicate symptoms to your doctor when you call their office before making a visit.

 

To coordinate prescreening and referral directly with UT Health East Texas, patients may call (903) 596- DOCS.

To coordinate prescreening and referral directly with CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances, patients may call (903) 606-DOCS.

 

**In the event of an emergency, call 911.

 

Texas Department of Public Safety

The Texas Department of Public Safety has established a webpage to answer frequently asked questions about required quarantine regarding air and road travel:

 

At the direction of Governor Greg Abbott and in light of the governor's State of Disaster Declaration related to the COVID-19, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has been directed to extend the expiration date of Texas identification cards (ID), driver licenses (DL), commercial DLs (CDL) and election identification certificates (EIC). Additionally, the department has been directed to close DL offices, effective Thursday, March 19, until directed to reopen by the governor. These actions come as the state works to limit the ongoing spread of COVID-19 by increasing social distancing in communities.  

Customers can conduct their transactions online, by phone or by mail. DPS encourages Texans to check the expiration date on their card and call 1-866-DL-RENEW (1-886-357-3639) or visit Texas.gov to see if you're eligible to conduct your transaction online.

The fee is the same for online, in-person and telephone renewals. For additional information about renewing your DL or ID card, visit the DPS website. Address changes and replacement of a lost DL or ID can also be taken care of online (or by mail) in many instances. Find out if you are eligible for online services by visiting Texas.gov.
DPS PIO: Jean Dark, (903) 330-2433

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