Here in Dallas, TX we have been a bit ahead of some other cities and states in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is in large part a result of the leadership of Judge Clay Jenkins. (Note: he is not a “judge” judge in a legal sense. Texas counties have an odd nomenclature for the head of the County Commissioners, which is called the Commissioners Court. I’m sure there’s some fascinating story behind how this came to be, but now is not the time to explore it further).
Judge Jenkins, a Democrat to the bone, comes to this crisis with some prior experience behind him. Most noteworthy would be when Dallas had the first diagnosed Ebola case in the nation, from a recent arrival from Liberia. Sadly, the victim, Thomas Duncan, did not survive. But there was a whole lot of education for both leaders and the general public, and a whole lot of decisions that pertained; including arrangements for Mr. Duncan’s significant other and her family, where he had been living prior to falling ill. Judge Jenkins, with the participation of then mayor Mike Rawlings, was masterful in being mindful of community fears and concerns but firmly on the side of following science and sense, and showing compassion for the victim and his close contacts. I am very glad to have been one of those voting to keep Judge Jenkins in office — we are blessed to have him in these times.
So, that’s the early background. Recently, the county has previously closed all the bars, restaurants and gyms; and Judge Jenkins diligently and openly worked on Governor Abbott to follow suit, until several days later Abbott did. Tonight the Judge held another press conference and announced the closing of hair and nail salons, spas, tattoo parlors and any other non-medical personal care services whose procedures cannot be conducted with personal distancing of 6 feet. He also leaned on dentists, surgery centers, etc. to postpone or cancel elective procedures. Then he turned to the toilet paper.
First came a county edict of a 12 roll limit on TP sales. This was accompanied by a well deserved lecture on why we should not be in this situation regarding toilet paper. That there was, and is, enough in the supply chain, and stores would be well able to have kept up with the usual level of demand. He pressed, as he has before, for people to show personal responsibility for themselves and others, and move from selfishness to sacrifice.
Further effective at midnight, all elective medical, surgical and dental procedures are prohibited. The county is also limiting the sale of toilet paper, after having direct consultation with the Texas Retailers Association.
Judge Jenkins said some residents “have not moved from selfishness to sacrifice,” and; therefore, have caused the limit to decrease to 12 rolls per purchase. However, if a shopper finds a package with more than that — they can buy it.
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He then launched into an educational aside about the problems of subbing kleenex for TP, and the pipe clogs it is causing.
In addition to those items of business, he strongly urged local manufacturers re-tool and redirct to make those things so desperately needed; personal protection (PPE) for health care providers, and ventilators for patient care.
Some of these things shouldn’t have to be said, but I’m very glad we have Democrats in local leadership who will say them when they need to be said. If only our national leadership could be as decisive on what needs to be done, and clear in explaining why.