Kerr County officials discuss Storm Aid and recent COVID-19 case counts

Kerr County officials urge all county residents and business owners who suffered damage to their properties as a result of last week’s winter storm to report the damage to FEMA in one of three ways. Individuals can call (844) 844-3089, visit https://arcg.is/uOrOb, or scan a QR code via FEMA’s website using a smartphone.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved public assistance for Kerr County, which means that federal dollars will be committed to repairing infrastructure.

As of now, FEMA has not approved individual assistance, which would come in the form of federal funds straight to individual residents for rebuilding or repairing in the storm’s aftermath.

According to Kerr County Emergency Management Coordinator Dub Thomas, “If enough residents complete the survey, then it will increase everyone’s odds in the county of getting funds to fix their homes and businesses.”

Thomas added, “I have no doubt that our county’s residents have suffered enough damages that they should receive FEMA assistance on the individual level, and that the county is definitely in a state of disaster from the harsh storm.”

While reports on recent COVID-19 statistics were sparse as local emergency management personnel focused on the recent winter storm, the latest numbers indicate a significant decrease in positive COVID-19 cases. “As of today, Kerr County has 94 active cases of COVID-19,” according to Thomas.

As of February 24, the county has 9 patients hospitalized at Peterson Regional Medical Center due to virus complications, 4,040 recoveries and 81 confirmed fatalities as reported by the DSHS.

The Kerr County COVID-19 Vaccine call center remains open Mondays through Fridays, at (830) 315-5900.

Thomas wants to continue reminding citizens that despite the lowered COVID-19 case counts in recent days, everyone should continue practicing safety precautions including wearing masks, social distancing and washing hands.