NEWS
Governor announces COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan
| Governor Abbott, DSHS Announce COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Plan Vaccine Distribution Principles Developed By Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) today announced the guiding principles for Texas’ COVID-19 vaccine allocation process, which will serve as a foundation for the state’s initial distribution for COVID-19 vaccines expected as early as next month. These principles have been established by the Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel (EVAP), created by DSHS to make recommendations on vaccine allocation decisions, including identifying groups that should be vaccinated first to provide the most protection to vulnerable populations and critical state resources. “These guiding principles established by the Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel will ensure that the State of Texas swiftly distributes the COVID-19 vaccine to Texans who voluntarily choose to be immunized,” said Governor Abbott. “This foundation for the allocation process will help us mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in our communities, protect the most vulnerable Texans, and safeguard crucial state resources.” Texas will initially allocate COVID-19 vaccines based on the following criteria: Protecting health care workers who fill a critical role in caring for and preserving the lives of COVID-19 patients and maintaining the health care infrastructure for all who need it. Protecting frontline workers who are at greater risk of contracting COVID-19 due to the nature of their work providing critical services and preserving the economy. Protecting vulnerable populations who are at greater risk of severe disease and death if they contract COVID-19. Mitigating health inequities due to factors such as demographics, poverty, insurance status and geography. Data-driven allocations using the best available scientific evidence and epidemiology at the time, allowing for flexibility for local conditions. Geographic diversity through a balanced approach that considers access in urban and rural communities and in affected ZIP codes. Transparency through sharing allocations with the public and seeking public feedback. EVAP has recommended, and the Commissioner of Health John Hellerstedt has approved, health care workers likely to provide direct care for COVID-19 patients and other vulnerable residents to be the first group to receive the vaccine. This includes staff at hospitals and long-term care facilities, emergency medical services and home health care workers. As part of its ongoing work, EVAP will make recommendations on how and when to roll out vaccine to other critical groups. |
Early voting for the Bowie and Forestburg Independent School District bond elections begins April 22 at one central location at the Bowie Senior Citizens Center.
Early voting will be April 22-26, and April 29-30, all from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is only one location for early voting for both elections.
On the May 4 election day the polls will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at these locations: Bowie Senior Citizen Center, Forestburg ISD library and Sunset City Hall.
Voters can cast ballots at any of these locations due to countywide voting.
Bowie ISD is asking voters to reconsider a $65.8 million bond issue, that was defeated in November 1,079 to 855, a shortfall of 224 voters.
There will be two town hall meetings this week where the superintendent will discuss the bond proposal on April 24 from noon to 1 p.m at the administration office, 404 E. Williams, and 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the junior high school.
Read more on the upcoming elections and the proposed bonds in the weekend Bowie News.
More than a dozen men, believed to be illegal aliens who were being trafficked, fled from a traffic stop at the edge of the Montague and Clay County line early Wednesday morning.
As of Friday seven of the men who ran away from the van had been captured. The search for the men began at 1:05 a.m. April 17 when a Clay County Deputy made a traffic stop in the Bellevue area at U.S. 287 north of Tyson Road. The sheriff’s office announced approximately 11 to 14 suspected illegal aliens immediately fled out of the vehicle on foot into the surrounding countryside when the stop was made.
After a day long search seven were apprehended and the investigation indicates the men may have been taken for human trafficking. They had no ID, no money, no personal items and a couple had no shows.
Read the full story in the weekend Bowie News.
Members of the Bowie City Council will meet at 6 p.m. on April 22 facing a relatively brief agenda lead off by the city manager’s report.
Bert Cunningham, manager, will offer his report on the following topics: Nelson Street project; sewer line project and phase two of sewer line bid opening; Texas Department of Agriculture; Strategic Government Resources Muni Purchasing Group; Resilient Communities program planning grant; downtown revitalization grant and substation improvements.
The only new business is a replat request recommendation for the area at 805 Hulme will be presented by the planning and zoning commission and the reappointment of seven members to the Board of Adjustments and Appeals.
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