04/24/20 Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

By Hector Montemayor-Perez
Senior News Reporter

SAN MARCOS, Texas –The Hays County Local Health Department reported only one new COVID-19 lab-confirmed positive cases in Hays County, bringing the total amount of active cases to 76. 

There are now 1,478 negative lab-confirmed cases for COVID-19 in Hays County. Seventy-one individuals have recovered from the virus in this county.

The City of San Marcos is continuing to offer certain inspections despite the hardships brought by the pandemic. building, fire, code enforcement, health and public infrastructure inspections are being adjusted to fit with social distancing guidelines.

“The inspection process is vital to maintaining safety in our community and ensuring residential, commercial and public infrastructure projects continue on schedule,” City Manager Bert Lumbreras said. “The City has adjusted its processes per CDC guidelines to make inspections safer and more convenient for residents, contractors and staff.”

The Planning and Development Services department is using Skype video inspections for most work completed in occupied homes.

The San Marcos Fire Department Fire Prevention Division is also using Skype as a tool for online fire-related inspections. The SMFD is allowing various inspections, such as Elevator and Food Truck/Trailer inspections, to be conducted via Skype. A full list can be found here.

The Neighborhood Enhancement Department has shifted focus. Now the department will only be addressing more serious or imminent health and safety violations. For all other nuisance violations officials will be leaving courtesy reminders and avoiding in-person contact with residents.

Engineering and Capital Improvement are maintaining social social distancing, but are still conducting public infrastructure inspections normally as most are completed outdoors.

Home builders are including hand washing stations and contractor check-in areas complete with temperature checks and colored wristbands that alternate depending on the day.