Since its inception a little more than a week ago, the Williamson County Mask Brigade has been busy making between 2,000 to 3,000 cloth face masks. The group has two mask types that they are asking volunteers to make. The COVID Ranger Mask, which is to be worn over N95 masks by medical personnel and first responders, and the Safety Mask, which can be worn by nursing home residents and essential county workers who interact with the public. Williamson County EMS received 146 of the COVID Ranger masks Thursday.  For more information on joining the Mask Brigade, go to www.wilco.org/howcanIhelp. 

Do you have a family member, friend, acquaintance and/or any person who relies on another for support that needs to be checked on during this pandemic? 

The Williamson County Sheriff's Office has set up an email for those who may need a deputy to attempt contact with your loved ones or those you care for if you are unable. To initiate a wellness check, please email: elderlyconcern@wilco.org. Click the story title for more information. 

Do you have an embroidering machine, or own a sewing machine that you are ready to use during social distancing? How about scissors?  We are looking for you!  In an effort to support first responders, medical professionals, and other essential personnel who may be dealing with the ongoing supply shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE), the Williamson County Commissioners Court has established a Mask Brigade under the leadership of the 26th District Court Judge Donna King. Working in partnership with COVID Rangers and Reid’s Cleaners, the volunteer task force will make fabric masks intended to provide a layer of protection from transmission of airborne contaminants that will later be distributed in compliance with Local Government Code and all applicable state law to those at the frontlines of the battle against COVID-19. For details, go to www.wilco.org/howcanIhelp. 

Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell is extending the Stay Home Stay Safe order until 11:59 p.m. April 30, 2020. The decision to extend the Stay Home Stay Safe order was made following President Donald Trump and Governor Gregg Abbott’s move to extend their executive orders. The Stay Home Stay Safe directives are intended to help control the spread of COVID-19 by keeping people isolated at home. 

Williamson County is encouraging all county residents to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations to wear face coverings when they are out in public. The CDC emphasized that social distancing remains the best practice to help reduce the spread of COVID-19; however, they are advising people to take the extra safety measure by using cloth face coverings in places where social distancing may be difficult to enforce to help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. To learn ways to create your own mask, go to the CDC website https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html.  To help make masks for others, click here.