en-USes-MX
Hot Topics

Update on Family Emergency Room COVID-19 testing

by Wilco's Public Information Office

  • 15 July 2020
  • Author: Doris Sanchez
  • Number of views: 3130
  • 0 Comments

Family Emergency Room Offering COVID-19 Testing

Williamson County and Family Emergency Room announced an improved contract to provide better COVID-19 testing services. Testing is available for all. The charges for COVID-19 tests are currently covered by most insurance companies, and Family Emergency Room will bill the patient's insurance company at no cost to the patient. Tests for any Williamson County resident without insurance will be paid for by the county. Family Emergency Room will provide a seamless scheduling process. This improvement will ensure that residents no longer need to wait for a call back to schedule an appointment. Residents can count on drive-thru style testing at the facilities located at:

  • 3620 E Whitestone Blvd, Cedar Park
  • 1860 S Lakeline Blvd, Cedar Park
  • 1925 A.W. Grimes Blvd, Round Rock

Due to high demand, testing is being prioritized for symptomatic individuals; however, asymptomatic and antibody testing is also available for a fee and is being scheduled within a five to eight day period. To get tested for COVID-19 visit https://familyhospitalsystems.com/covid-19.   

COVID-19 Risk Chart

Chart is from the Texas Medical Association - Enlarge your screen to read it

  • 7 July 2020
  • Author: Doris Sanchez
  • Number of views: 3412
  • 0 Comments

UPDATED AGAIN - Williamson County To Host Free COVID-19 Testing Sites

From Wilco's Public Information Office

  • 6 July 2020
  • Author: Doris Sanchez
  • Number of views: 2999
  • 0 Comments

The Williamson CounGraphics with words announcing Free COVID-19 Testingty Office of Emergency Management, in partnership with the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) and the Texas Military Department, will be hosting free COVID-19 testing starting Monday, July 6!. The City of Liberty Hill is rescheduling their COVID-19 testing for a different date in the future. Testing locations will open  at 10 a.m. until testing supplies last at the following dates and locations:  

·       July 6 at Hutto Middle School, located at 1005 Exchange Blvd, Hutto 

·       July 7 & 8 at Jarrell Middle School, located at 101 E, Avenue F, Jarrell 

·       July 9 & 10 at Taylor Main Street Intermediate School, located at 3101 N Main Street, Suite #102, Taylor

All three sites are walk-up sites and will not require an appointment prior to being tested. People interested in getting tested will be asked to park and line up for their turn. It is important to note that due to demand there may be long wait times. Residents are urged to bring a water bottle and a form of shade to cover from the sun if necessary. People do not need to have symptoms in order to be tested. For more information please visit www.wilco.org.  

Commissioner Cook Shares Gov. Abbott's Press Release On Statewide Face Covering Executive Order

She also wants people to observe the Governor's Proclamation on gathering limits. Links to both can be accessed after selecting READ MORE.

  • 2 July 2020
  • Author: Doris Sanchez
  • Number of views: 3098
  • 0 Comments

Governor Greg Abbott today issued an Executive Order requiring all Texans to wear a face covering over the nose and mouth in public spaces in counties with 20 or more positive COVID-19 cases, with few exceptions. The Governor also issued a proclamation giving mayors and county judges the ability to impose restrictions on some outdoor gatherings of over 10 people, and making it mandatory that, with certain exceptions, people cannot be in groups larger than ten and must maintain six feet of social distancing from others. 

"Wearing a face covering in public is proven to be one of the most effective ways we have to slow the spread of COVID-19,” said Governor Abbott. “We have the ability to keep businesses open and move our economy forward so that Texans can continue to earn a paycheck, but it requires each of us to do our part to protect one another—and that means wearing a face covering in public spaces. Likewise, large gatherings are a clear contributor to the rise in COVID-19 cases. Restricting the size of groups gatherings will strengthen Texas’ ability to corral this virus and keep Texans safe. We all have a responsibility to slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep our communities safe. If Texans commit to wearing face coverings in public spaces and follow the best health and safety practices, we can both slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep Texas open for business. I urge all Texans to wear a face covering in public, not just for their own health, but for the health of their families, friends, and for all our fellow Texans.”

Additionally, the Governor released a new video message to coincide with his Executive Order, encouraging Texans to do their part to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and keep their communities safe. The video can be downloaded at this link and can also be viewed on YouTube.

Justice system marches on in Texas during COVID-19

Oped by Commissioner Cook published in the National Association of Counties Organization's County News

  • 11 June 2020
  • Author: Doris Sanchez
  • Number of views: 3182
  • 0 Comments

By Terry Cook   Jun. 9, 2020

NACo County News

The public health emergency caused by COVID-19 has impacted daily life across the country and around the world. In Williamson County, Texas, our justice system responded to the coronavirus through innovation, ingenuity and a commitment to service.

Our courts in Williamson County have long embraced technology, but the disaster declaration accelerated the pace of innovation.  On March 13, the Texas Supreme Court and Court of Criminal Appeals ordered all hearings be held remotely. 

Under the leadership of local Administrative Judges Betsy Lambeth of the 425th District Court and John McMaster, County Court-at-Law Four, emergency plans ensuring that the justice system continued to function during the pandemic were activated.

The first step was to identify critical functions, including child protection hearings, temporary restraining orders and protective orders. Probable cause hearings (magistration) that must occur within 24-48 hours from the time of arrest were also identified as critical.

If a probable cause is found, the magistrate determines whether to set a personal bond and orders bond conditions and other statutory conditions. The magistrate also determines if there are any mental health issues and orders an evaluation if necessary, which is conducted by our local mental health authority through telemedicine.

Next, the judges assembled a team to determine how operations could be modified to achieve their goal. Our judges, clerks, court staff, IT personnel, sheriff and juvenile services together adjusted operational plans and assessed technological options to ensure essential functions continued, and the public had access to justice. 

Our IT Department provided judges with Microsoft Teams, the very popular Zoom, WebEx and CourtCall as options to hold court proceedings. 

Court staff created detailed written procedures for hearing participants. Judges and attorneys provided feedback as this process unfolded.

RSS
First1213141517192021Last

Theme picker