WATCH: Local Officials Outline COVID-19 Threshold Restrictions

SAN ANGELO, TX -- The rise in COVID-19 cases is not the only dilemma facing our community but the threshold that could enforce restrictions.

As of Tuesday the threshold according to the Texas Department of State Health Services regarding COVID hospitalizations out of total hospital capacity in trauma service area K, which includes Tom Green County and the surrounding Concho Valley checked in at 15 percent. Wednesday the threshold rose to 16.85 percent. According to Governor Greg Abbott's Executive Order GA-32 seven consecutive days of meeting the 15 percent threshold of hospitalized patients as a percentage of total hospital capacity in a specific section would mean restrictions or closures to combat the COVID-19 outbreak.

After seven days of exceeding the 15 percent total hospital capacity threshold occupancy would drop from 75% to 50% for the following:

• Restaurants
• Libraries
• Event Centers
• Other businesses not listed under the CISA guidance or covered by other exemptions contained in the governor's executive order.

Bars with more than 51% of alcohol sales would be forced to close while bars who applied to the TABC to serve food could remain open. 

Watch as Tom Green County Judge Steve Floyd and Tom Green County Sheriff-Elect Nick Hanna talk about how meeting threshold, the wearing of masks, and if someone can be arrested for not wearing a mask.