A shelter in place declaration designed to provide a better COVID-19 deterrent and regional consistency was declared by Kaufman County March 24. Kaufman County also had its first two confirmed cases reported soon after this emergency meeting.

Kaufman County Emergency Management Coordinator Steve Howie recommended entities which could potentially incur costs related to COVID-19 prevention declare an emergency and maintain an itemized list to facilitate potential reimbursement.

Talty supports the implementation of the shelter in place policy, but has not issued a declaration of emergency since no reimbursable COVID-19 costs have become necessary. Mayor Frank Garrison is prepared to make such a declaration when appropriate

Dr. Ben Brashear, Kaufman County Health Officer, addressed commissioners early in the emergency session to recommend further action and update information provided at previous meetings.

At a previous meeting Dr. Brashear stated a coronavirus like COVID-19 spreads by expended water droplets which do not remain airborne for an extended period. Consequently, social distancing at the recommended six feet significantly deters community spreading. Dr. Brashear also recommended those with symptoms first contact primary care from home rather than traveling to a medical office. Those assisting a potentially infected patient needing hospitalization should ensure the hospital receives advance notification so a space and staff can be prepared for the person's arrival.

For updated information on local cases and declarations, check the county website or contact the county emergency response staff at oem@kaufmancounty.net

Kaufman County now works with Blackjack Disposal to provide more frequent opportunities for residents to dispose of old household items, recyclables and trash at no cost.

Other acceptable items require a disposal fee and each county location has some additional restrictions. Proof of residence, such as a driver's license or water bill, will be required. No cattle trailers or enclosed trailers allowed. Residents should contact the applicable county barn or Blackjack Disposal, info@blackjackdisposal.com, with specific questions or up to date details.

ITEMS WHICH WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AT ANY LOCATON AT ANY TIME: BARBED WIRE, BRICKS, CONCRETE, CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS, ROCK ROOFING, SHINGLES, BRUSH,BOATS, TRAVEL TRAILERS AND DEAD ANIMALS OF ANY TYPE OR SIZE.

REMAINING 2020 SCHEDULE

Precinct 1 @ City of Kaufman Convenience Station- 701 Alton Street, Kaufman- 972-932-2161

May TBD- 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.
September 5- 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Kaufman Convenience Station will be open for you to bring items not being collected for free the day of the event. Check www.kaufmancounty.net for regular pricing and other details. Don't forget to bring the necessary coupons.

Precinct 2 @ County Maintenance Barn- 12051 Precinct Circle, Forney- 972-703-2626

June 6- 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.
October 3- 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.

ONLY PRECINCT 3- TERRELL & PRECINCT 4- KEMP
THE FOLLOWING CAN BE TAKEN FOR A CHARGE ON THE DAY OF THE EVENT:
TIRES, TELEVISIONS, COMPUTERS, MICROWAVES, LATEX PAINT, PESTICIDE CONTAINERS, HAZARDOUS HOUSEHOLD WASTE
Check www.kaufmancounty.net for pricing.

Precinct 3- Terrell Convenience Station, 287 FM 429- 972-703-2626

March 7- 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.
July 11- 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.
November 7- 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Precinct 4- ECO Station, 6520 Plainview (Just east off 175), Kemp- 903-289-9881

April 4- 8 a.m- 4-p.m
August 1- 8 a.m-4 p.m.
December 5- 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

The City has again budgeted to provide mosquito spraying from mid-May through early October. The 2020 schedule will be inserted here when available. The schedule is always tentative since weather. atmospheric or wind conditions cause delays. Any cancelled spraying will take place on the next available, suitable evening. Sprayings will not begin until well after dusk.