San Angelo Remains Coronavirus-Free as Confusion Occurs Over Use of 9-1-1

SAN ANGELO, TX — More test results were received Sunday at 4:30 p.m. There were no positive tests, meaning no case of COVID-19 caused by the coronavirus has been detected inside Tom Green County.

As of March 22, 2020 at 4:30 p.m., the test results in the county are:

• 113 total
• 25 negative tests
• 88 pending

Confusion between the City of San Angelo and the police department erupted this afternoon. The police wanted to free up the emergency 9-1-1 lines from COVID-19 inquiries and violation reports.

Early this morning, the police sent out a notification on Nixle claiming the dispatchers “have been overwhelmed with calls from people asking questions about COVID-19.  Please note that 9-1-1 and non-emergency call takers cannot provide information or answer questions about the coronavirus (COVID-19) or Governor Greg Abbott's State Disaster Declaration's 10 person rule.”

Later Sunday, City of San Angelo Public Information Officer Brian Groves reiterated the request to free up 9-1-1, adding to report violations of the COVID-19 restrictions to the non-emergency dispatch numbers.

“If you see anyone, be it a person, organization, or business who is not abiding by the 10-person restriction rule please contact the non-emergency dispatch number at 325-657-4315 or 325-657-4316,” Groves wrote in an email.

We reported that.

By 7:45 p.m., police spokeswoman Cpl. Tracy Piatt-Fox claimed we were reporting “inaccurate information” referring us to the early morning Nixle alert. She did not reference the updated City email.

By 8 p.m. San Angelo Police Chief Frank Carter issued the following statement:

"Folks, just a few bullet points about COVID-19 as we move forward into a new week. I have seen and heard rumors about the restrictions in San Angelo.

1. There is no shelter in place order.

2. There is no curfew for adults.
3. Gatherings should be limited to 10 or less.
4. Bars are closed, restaurants are take-out only.
5. Police dispatch has received an abundance of calls about Covid-19 regulations, please contact the city of San Angelo about regulations. If you want to report a violation, call the non-emergency line, 657-4315.
6. I am trying to keep our staff as safe as possible for emergency situations, the less contact they have with citizens in non-emergency situations, the safer we both can be.
7. SAPD is limiting the public into the police station, several offenses can only be filed on-line. Records request will be done on-line and alarm permits are sent in by mail.
8. Starting Monday, some of our staff will be working from home.
9. SAPD is still patrolling neighborhood and answering calls for service but if we see the call can be handled between the complaint and officer by phone, we are doing it.
10. Recommendations:
    1. If possible, stay at home or limit contact with folks.
    2. When shopping, adhere to the limits so everyone gets what they need.
    3. Remain calm, use common sense when it comes to personal hygiene.
    4. Keep in mind the elderly, they are the most vulnerable during this time.
11. If you have any questions feel free to send me a message [over Facebook here], if I don't know the answer I will attempt to get it.

Be safe, Be San Angelo, Be the Best — Frank Carter, Chief of Police"

For questions about COVID-19 restrictions, call City of San Angelo Code Compliance at 325-657-4409 during normal business hours.

To report what you believe are violations of COVID-19 restrictions, call the non-emergency police dispatch line at (325) 657-4315.

Drive-up coronavirus testing starts Monday at 9 a.m. near the Shannon Medical Center at the corner of E. Beauregard Ave. and Oakes St. To be eligible for a test, one must pass screening and get authorization from a doctor or nurse practitioner. Shannon will have one stationed at the drive-up screening area for on-the-spot testing decisions Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.