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LIVE BLOG: March 2, 2020 to April 12, 2020

Posted at 3:11 PM, Apr 02, 2020
and last updated 2020-04-13 11:47:33-04

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Here's the place to come for the latest coronavirus-related news from the Coastal Bend. Check here often throughout the day for updates about our area and its response to this extraordinary, life-changing event. You will find the latest information at the top of the story and all previous reported information below. We hope that including all these reports in one place will paint a more complete picture of the local response to the global COVID-19 pandemic.

4:18 p.m. 4/12/20 update: No new reported COVID-19 cases in Nueces County, according to local health officials.

5:58 p.m. 4/11/20 update: The first case of COVID-19 has beenconfirmed among the NASCC population.

5:44 p.m. 4/11/20 update: Two Corpus Christi Firefighter Paramedicshave been released from quarantine after patient tests negative.

4:43 PM, Apr 11, 2020 update: San Patricio Countyis reporting no discovered cases of COVID-19 in the area today.

4:10 p.m. 4/11/20 update: Nueces County reports 4 new confirmed COVID-19 cases. Today's total is 76.

3:56 PM, Apr 11, 2020 update: Two Corpus Christi Firefighter Paramedics have been put in isolationafter possibly being exposed to COVID-19 while responding to an EMS call last night.

4/10/20 updates:

4:30 p.m. update: Nueces County's is reporting 0 new cases -- the total remains at 72. A total of 1,014 people have been tested in the county.

3:45 p.m. update: According to figures compiled by Johns Hopkins University, the worldwide death toll attributable to the coronavirushas now topped 100,000.

2:07 p.m. update: Gov. Greg Abbott reports that Texas ranks second "most likely" nationally in COVID-19 recoveries.

4/9/20 updates:

4:30 p.m. update: Nueces County is reporting 3 more cases, total cases to date is 72.

4:26 p.m. update: Bee County is reporting a second positive COVID-19 case; a male, between the ages of 45 and 50, and is in fair condition. He is quarantined at his residence.

3:07 p.m. update: At the request of the City of Corpus Christi and Nueces County, Padre Island National Seashore will be closing for the Easter weekend beginning at 8 p.m. tonight.

2:35 p.m. update: Corpus Christi Fire Department Chief Robert Rocha, who was tested after being running a fever Wednesday, tested negative for COVID-19.

12:55 p.m. update - The state of Texas has reached a COVID-19 testing milestone by topping 100,000 tests complete. Yesterday state officials had reported 96,353 tests. And as of this morning, there have been 106,134.

11:10 a.m. update - Texas A&M University-Corpus Christidonated 100 COVID-19 test kits to the Corpus Christi-Nueces County Public Health District. The kits were assembled from lab supplies usually reserved for pigs, cows, and chickens at A&M’s four diagnostic labs across the state and consist of a swab, a vial with transport media to preserve the sample in the vial and a bag.

9:45 a.m. update - The Christus Spohn Hospital System has announced a universal face mask policy thatwill require facemasks for all doctors and associates.

4/8/20 updates:

7:15 p.m. update: Corpus Christi officials said in a press release that Corpus Christi Fire Department Chief Robert Rocha is to be tested for COVID-19.

5:25 p.m. update: City officials announced today that nine city parks will be closed over the Easter weekend because of coronavirus concerns.

Among the parks include Bill Witt, Waters Edge, Cole Park, West Guth and Labonte.

Additionally, County judge Barbara Canales also announced that all county parks and beaches will be closed over the holiday weekend.

Police will be monitoring to make sure that people don't attempt to move barriers to get onto the beach. Officers will set up barricades at park and beach entrances.

5:03 p.m. update: City Manager Peter Zanoni announces all city parks and beaches will be closed until further notice.

4:30 p.m. update: Nueces County is reporting 69 confirmed COVID-19 cases.

1:45 p.m. update: Bob Hall Pier has beenclosed until further notice.

12:15 p.m. update: Among the highlights in Gov. Greg Abbott's press conference today included:

  • Abbott says he had a conference call with 1,100 Texas mayors and county judges yesterday to clarify state orders and help local officials in their response
  • Announcement about Walgreens providing drive-thru testing in Texas
  • Today or tomorrow, Texas will cross 100,000 mark for COVID-19 tests. Confirmed cases remain under 10% compared to those tested
  • Yesterday was high water mark for both confirmed cases and fatalities - both numbers continue to increase, specifically in Harris County


12:10 update: The Texas Workforce Commission has had a record-setting number of claims. Largest spike in calls ever came on March 26 with 1.7 million calls received in one day.

That same line averages 127,000 calls per day. Likely process even more claims than in all of 2019.

The TWC has added additional staff added to process claims, including 250 house and senate staffers who are pitching in to help process unemployment claims.

They urge anyone who is eligible for benefits and has been DENIED to reapply because they may now qualify due to state and federal changes.

4/7/20 updates:

9:30 p.m. update: Bee County reports first confirmed COVID-19 case.

5:15 p.m. update: Mayor Joe McComb to extended the city's stay-at-home order, he announced at today's city press briefing.

In other news, there have been 818 tests performed so far in Nueces County, according to Corpus Christi city manager Peter Zanoni.

4:30 p.m. update: Nueces County is reporting 65 confirmed COVID-19 cases.

4:05 P.M. update: All visitors will be required to wear a mask inside Driscoll Children's Hospital. If they do not have one, one will be provided.

10 a.m. update: Gov. Greg Abbott hasclosed all state parks and historic sites across the state. Included are four in the Coastal Bend: Mustang Island, Goose Island, Choke Canyon and Lake Corpus Christi all will be closed.

9:45 a.m. update: Dr. Anthony Fauci, the White House's infectious diseases expert,expects our lives' return to normal will be gradual, but life may look different until a COVID-19 vaccine is ready.

4/6/20 updates:

Nueces County is now at 59.

San Patricio County is now reporting 7 cases as of Monday.

Aransas County is now reporting 2 cases as of Monday.

4/5/20 5:09 p.m. update: The City of Corpus Christi says the CC Fire Department Captain whose spouse tested positive for COVID-19 was tested and results were negative.

The five firefighters who were place in quarantine after being in close contact with the Captain have been removed from quarantine.

9:01 PM, Apr 02, 2020 update:A news conference was held at the Nueces County Courthouse on Thursday to announceamendments to the stay-at-home order originally issued on March 25.

7:31 PM, Apr 02, 2020 update: Academic accountability ratings for school districts across the statewill be waived in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic, the Texas Education Agency announced on Thursday.

Instead, all districts and campuses will receive a label from the TEA that declares "Not Rated: Declared State of Disaster.”

4/2/20 5:01 p.m. update: Kleberg county is reporting its second diagnosed case of COVID-19.

4/2/20 4:40 p.m. update: Corpus Christi and Nueces County officials have reported a total of 47 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Nueces County. Six of the total were reported as new cases on Friday.

Of that total, 27 has been determined to have been travel-related, either were community transmission, four were person-to-person cases and eight remain under investigation.

3:21 PM, Apr 02, 2020 update: The U.S. Postal Service confirmed that an employee at the Lamar Park Post Officetested positive for COVID-19.

8:53 PM, Apr 01, 2020 update: A Corpus Christi Police Department employeehas tested positive for COVID-19.

8:13 PM, Apr 01, 2020 update: As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise, nurses are on the front line of what's happening.That’s why Wednesday evening, local Corpus Christi Medical Center nurses planned a protest for more protection during the coronavirus pandemic.

6:22 PM, Apr 01, 2020 update:Many Alice residents are upset today because while most retail and salon businesses have closed their doors in Texas, due to COVID 19 safety guidelines, one business remains open.

And the owner of that store is the City of Alice Mayor.

5:59 PM, Apr 01, 2020 update: Nueces County Judge Barbara Canalesannounced that beginning Thursday, the county's stay-at-home order will be changed to align with the state order outlawing group gatherings.

Social gatherings will not be allowed at parks or on beaches. Families are exempt from the rule.

4:37 PM, Apr 01, 2020 update:Del Mar College sent text messages, and students received calls from the college announcing that it will hold continue to hold online classes through the end of the Spring semester.

The last day for most online classes will be May 6.

4/1/20 6:30 p.m. update: San Patricio County is reporting one new case of COVID-19. The diagnosed patient is a woman

4/1/20 4:42 p.m. update: Only one case of COVID-19 reported in Nueces County. The county now has a total of 41.

Nueces County Judge Barbara Canales announced that she intends to align the Nueces County stay-at-home order with Governor Greg Abbott's stricter order on social gathering. It's extended to April 30.

Canales relayed several scenarios to explain the no social gathering order. A household may go the park or beaches or hangout in the backyard but the activities are limited to only those in a household. She recommended that grocery store trips should not be used as social gathering experiences and to limit the trip to one person if possible. In regards to family visits, Canales implored residents use common sense and ask themselves "is it absolutely necessary that I see this person."

Group activities like football and basketball are not allowed while the order is active.

3/31/20 update: Some criminals will be facing stiffer punishment during these disaster times. Greg Chandler details that six categories of crime will face enhanced penalties under Texas law because of thedisaster situation.

3/31/20 update: Among the highlights from the city's press conference include:

Of our 34 cases in Nueces County

6 are in the hospital

2 of the patients are in critical condition

The other 4 are recovering

No city council meeting is scheduled for next week, but they may hold an emergency meeting to extend the stay at home order. They are working with the county on that subject.

Following this morning’s accident, 15 first responders are in quarantine:

Five firefighters who are expected to be in quarantine until Thursday

Then the 10 first responders involved in responding to this morning’s accident. The breakdown is 6 firefighters and 4 police officers. They are still waiting for the test results to determine if that patient had COVID-19.

3/31/20 5:30 p.m. update: Corpus Christi City Manager Peter Zanoni announced that 10 new Corpus Christi first responders - six firefighters and four police officers - are being quarantined after responding to a morning traffic accident.

5:28 PM, Mar 31, 2020 update: Nueces County has 34 confirmed COVID-19 cases.The city has reported another case, boosting the county wide total to 34.

The one case previously attributed to Jim Wells county has now been added to the Nueces County total. Aransas Co. also is reporting an error with the Texas DSHS website. It says it also has no cases.

4:07 PM, Mar 31, 2020 update: Texas Health Dept. launches statewide COVID-19mental health support line.

4:07 PM, Mar 31, 2020 update: Texas Health Dept. launches statewide COVID-19mental health support line.

This new resource offers COVID-19-related mental health support for all Texans. People can call the Statewide COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week toll-free at 833-986-1919.

3:20 PM, Mar 31, 2020 update: The Diocese of Corpus Christi hassuspended all church masses until further notice.

This affects masses in all 12 counties here in South Texas.

11:52 AM, Mar 31, 2020 update: Head-on crash sends two to hospital,several first responders quarantined

10:24 PM, Mar 30, 2020 update: Aransas Countymade changes to its Stay-At-Home order on Monday.

According to a press release from the county, Aransas County Judge C.H. Burt Mills, Jr, City of Rockport Mayor Patrick Rios and Town of Fulton Mayor Jimmy Kendrick wrote and executed an amended version of the Stay at Home Order, which was originally released on March 27. The Order continues until 11:59 pm on April 14.

8:23 PM, Mar 30, 2020 update: An Austin area college student with a permanent address in Kingsville has tested positive for COVID-19 caseaccording to the City of Kingsville.

8:11 PM, Mar 30, 2020 update: A second Gregory Portland Independent School District (GPISD) employeehas tested positive for COVID-19.

On Friday, three employees of that district were showing symptoms of the virus. In response, the district closed all campuses and facilities.

6:52 PM, Mar 30, 2020 update: Scientists at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi's Conrad Blucher Institute (CBI)have developed a tool to track COVID-19 cases across the state.

4:34 PM, Mar 30, 2020 update: The Corpus Christi Independent School District have eased their policy for "to-go" meals. The school district will no longer require students to be in the vehicle when a parent or guardian picks up breakfast and lunch packages.

The curbside meal-pickup program is available each weekday from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Drivers are asked to place one of the following on the dashboard against the closed window:

11:37 AM, Mar 30, 2020 update: As people sit at home with worry and concerns about the coronavirus, it's understandable that many have questions.

Nueces County Judge Barbara Canales hopes to have answers through a Nueces County coronavirus hotline center. The phone number is (361) 414-6000.

9:16 PM, Mar 29, 2020 update: According to a release issued Monday by Jim Wells Co. Judge Juan Rodriguez Jr., the COVID-19 patient originally reported to be in Jim Wells Co. now lives in Nueces Co., and will count toward the total number of Nueces Co. cases.Jim Wells Co. currently has no confirmed cases of COVID-19.

6:13 PM, Mar 29, 2020 update: San Patricio County issued a "Stay at Home order" thatwill go into effect by midnight tonight.

Residents must stay home beginning tonight through April 13. Unless the travel is deemed essential, residents have been ordered to stay at home between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m..

3:34 PM, Mar 29, 2020 update: A Gregory Portland Independent School District (GPISD) employeehas tested positive for COVID-19.

On Friday, three employees of that district were showing symptoms of the virus. In response, the district closed all campuses and facilities.

2:40 PM, Mar 29, 2020 update: The City of Corpus Christ announced that 4 officers have returned to duty after a possible suspect they transportedtested negative for COVID-19.

Nueces County Public Health Districtconfirmed it today.

10:35 PM, Mar 28, 2020 update: With concerns of the coronavirus, they had to cancel their gathering butJudge David Stith had an idea and that was to have the wedding virtual via zoom.

4:36 PM, Mar 28, 2020 update: The first confirmed COVID-19 casehas been detected in Portland, Texas.

The individual is said to be between 30-35 years of age and is currently hospitalized.

Officials posted that this is a travel related case.

10:21 AM, Mar 28, 2020 update:Four Corpus Christi police officers have been Isolated after they were involved in a call which resulted in an arrest of a suspect who later showed signs consistent with COVID-19.

The suspect was transported to the hospital for medical care and later determined had symptoms consistent with the risk of the coronavirus.

Out of an abundance of caution, the police officers have been isolated since they are at potential risk. At this time, the results of the COVID-19 test are pending.

9:52 AM, Mar 28, 2020 update:The city has announced that two Corpus Christi firefighter paramedics have been placed in quarantine after potential exposure to COVID-19 after transporting a patient to the hospital.

The paramedics were wearing full protective gear that included safety glasses but not goggles.

1:11 PM, Mar 27, 2020 update:Corpus Christi Mayor Joe McComb signed a city order to stay at home that mirrors a similar that was signed by County Judge Barbara Canales on Wednesday.

McComb's order is effective immediately and remains in effect for seven days. City Council will consider extending the order at its Tuesday meeting.

10:18 AM, Mar 27, 2020 update:Health officials confirmed to Kleberg County Judge Rudy Madrid and the City of Kingsville have a confirmed case of COVID-19 in that community.

An announcement was posted on a Facebook account managed by Kingsville city employees.

8:41 AM, Mar 27, 2020 update: The Gregory-Portland ISDwill be closing all schools to all employees at 4 p.m. Friday.

It comes after three district employees with the Gregory-Portland ISD have exhibited some of the symptoms of COVID-19, according to a news statement.

9:49 PM, Mar 26, 2020 update: The City of Odem issued Stay-at-home orderson Thursday.

9:05 PM, Mar 26, 2020 update: The mayor of Sinton, Edward Adams,signed a "Stay Home Work Safe Measures" order Thursday in response to the novel coronavirus.

The order begins at 12:01 a.m. on March 27 to 11:59 a.m. April 9.

9:05 PM, Mar 26, 2020 update: The mayor of Sinton, Edward Adams,signed a "Stay Home Work Safe Measures" order Thursday in response to the novel coronavirus.

8:48 PM, Mar 26, 2020 update: Padre Island National Seashore, in response to guidance from Nueces County, Kleberg County, and Willacy County, is announcing additional modifications to operations in the wake of the coronavirus.

As of 12 a.m. Friday, the seashore will offer very limited services outside those that support visitor or resource protection.

3:17 PM, Mar 26, 2020 update: The office of Texas A&M-Corpus Christi president Kelly Miller has made the announcement that a university employee has tested positively for COVID-19.

11:22 AM, Mar 26, 2020 update: Kleberg Countyhas announced a stay-at-home order for residents in the county.

10:39 AM, Mar 26, 2020 update: Port Aransas Mayor Charles Bujan confirmed Port Aransas hastwo confirmed COVID-19 cases.

In a post on social media, he stated, "We have been notified by County Health Dept that Port Aransas has two confirmed cases of COVID 19."

8:18 AM, Mar 26, 2020 update: Due to the "Stay-at-Home" order, the Corpus Christi Animal Care services will be closed to the public.

The facility will not be continuing adoptions to practice social distancing.

7:04 AM, Mar 26, 2020 update: The mayor of Port Aransas has issued a declaration for that community.

Beginning tonight at midnight, RV parks within the area will be treated as a residence.

11:34 PM, Mar 25, 2020 update: The firefighter being monitored for COVID-19 symptoms hastested negative for coronavirus.

The city also announced that seven firefighters remain in quarantine.

10:08 PM, Mar 25, 2020 update: West Oso ISD wants to make sure its students don't go hungry while they aren't able to attend classes.

The school district will be providing free curbside meals at West Oso High School starting Wednesday.

10:08 PM, Mar 25, 2020 update: West Oso ISD wants to make sure its students don't go hungry while they aren't able to attend classes.

3:46 PM, Mar 25, 2020 update: With 14 local coronavirus cases reported,health department officials announced that they are looking at adding more drive-thru testing events.

Annette Rodriguez of the city/county health department said at a Wednesday press conference her department now has 45 people on telephones answering coronavirus-related questions. A retired physician has also joined their staff to answer questions.

2:57 PM, Mar 25, 2020 update: The Governor of Texas just tweeted that the president has approved his latest declaration request.

President Trump just granted a Major Disaster Declaration for Texas. This will expand the resources available to Texas and speed the ability to robustly respond to coronavirus.

2:39 PM, Mar 25, 2020 update: Judge Barbara Canales hasissued a stay-at-home order for Nueces County because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Canales' order means that local residents are ordered to stay at home to the greatest extent possible, she said.

1:53 PM, Mar 25, 2020 update: Robstown officials declarefirst COVID-19 case

11:40 AM, Mar 25, 2020 update:According to Judge Rudy Madrid, tests results have come back after COVID-19 tests were conducted earlier this week.

According to a statement issued on social media, states, "At this point in time we have received 12 negative results from the Kleberg County and City of Kingsville Remote COVID-19 Testing Site at Dick Kleberg Park."

10:47 AM, Mar 25, 2020 update: On Sunday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued an order for all hospitals to postpone all surgeries that are not immediately and medically necessary.

Texas health care facilities also halted unnecessary surgeries to save resources and keep hospitals at a functional capacity in case a COVID-19 disaster were to arise in the area.

11:44 PM, Mar 24, 2020 update: The City of Alicehas announced a stay-at-home curfew that starts at 11:59 p.m. Tuesday and will stretch in early morning hours until 11:59 p.m. on Friday night.

6:43 PM, Mar 24, 2020 update: The city hasconfirmed four more local coronavirus cases today, boosting the total in Nueces County to 10.

The city said seven of the cases were travel related and three more remain under investigation.

4:16 PM, Mar 24, 2020 update: San Patricio County officialsannounced Tuesday afternoon a positive coronavirus case. The patient is from McLennan County.

The woman is in stable condition. According to the press release, she is in isolation since the symptoms do not require hospitalization.

3:47 PM, Mar 24, 2020 update: The Corpus Christi Council hasextended the social distancing order another four weeks.

It is an order in place right now that limits gatherings under ten people. The order was issued after cases of the COVID-19 virus was found in Texas last week.

1:46 PM, Mar 24, 2020 update:The Corpus Christi police department says they want to warn the pubic to not fall for any COVID-19 scams.

12:18 PM, Mar 24, 2020 update: 7th positiveCOVID-19 case confirmed in Nueces county

9:19 PM, Mar 23, 2020 update: Officials have confirmed six new cases of coronavirus have been reported in Nueces County.

8:48 PM, Mar 23, 2020 update: Judge Barbara Canalessaid late Monday that she is considering calling for a shelter-in-place shelter order in place for Nueces County.

6:13 PM, Mar 23, 2020 update: Corpus Christi development services departmentsays no in-person activities right now.

1:32 PM, Mar 23, 2020 update: Padre Island National Seashore is announcing new modifications to operations to implement the latest guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), and local and state authorities.

As of Tuesday, the Malaquite Beach Campground will be closed until further notice.

10:30 AM, Mar 23, 2020 update: The Corpus Christi Independent School District hasexpanded its free meals program.

The district now has 17 pick-up locations after adding 11 more over the weekend.

The meals are being handed now until one in the afternoon.

7:18 AM, Mar 23, 2020 update: Corpus Christi police havethree beach access points closed out on the Island.

They say closing access road 3A over at Windward drive, Zahn road,

and Newport Pass road will help them ensure that there are no groups formed larger than 10.

4:26 PM, Mar 22, 2020 update: Local Churches beginlive streaming Sunday mass

12:36 PM, Mar 22, 2020 update: La Palmera Mall announced Sunday it istemporarily closing because of COVID-19.

4:26 PM, Mar 21, 2020 update: Officials haveconfirmed the first COVID-19 case in Nueces County.

Mayor Joe McComb said in a Saturday press conference that the patient is a Corpus Christi man between the ages of 45 and 55.

4:20 PM, Mar 20, 2020 update: Nueces County still does not have a confirmed case of COVID-19as of Friday, said Corpus Christi City Manager Peter Zanoni.

1:33 PM, Mar 20, 2020 update: The Scripps National Spelling Bee issuspending this year's national finals.

1:06 PM, Mar 20, 2020 update:Today is the last day for Texans to dine-in at restaurants.

On Thursday, Gov. Greg Abbott announced a series of executive orders relating to stopping the spread of COVID-19.

Among those orders say that schools, bars, clubs and gyms have to close.

As for restaurants - they have until midnight to stop allowing people to "dine-in.”

8:05 PM, Mar 19, 2020 update: Kleberg County will close Dick Kleberg Park in Kingsville on Friday morning toset up a COVID-19 testing site in the park’s recreation center.

7:44 PM, Mar 19, 2020 update: The Department of Public Safetyhas closed its driver license offices across the state.

The DPS says it's a temporary closure, but there's no word on when those offices will reopen.

12:49 PM, Mar 19, 2020 update: Drive-through screening for COVID-19started today here in Corpus Christi.

There is a catch -- testing is by appointment only -- you cannot just drive over and ask to be tested.

The last test for the day happened right around 10:30 a.m. There were a total of 16 tests given this morning at the old Memorial Hospital.

12:36 PM, Mar 19, 2020 update: Governor Greg Abbott hasissued an executive order that will prohibit gatherings of more than 10 anywhere in the state.

Included are bars, restaurants, food courts and gyms closed.

5:20 PM, Mar 18, 2020 update: Del Mar College announced its physical campuseswill be closed until April 13.

Online classes will resume as scheduled, and in-person classes are being transitioned online.

5:10 PM, Mar 18, 2020 update: The Diocese of Corpus Christihas canceled all masses for at least two weeks amid coronavirus concerns.

1:17 PM, Mar 18, 2020 update: The city of Kingsville and Portland havedeclared a state of emergency.

The city's declaration limits the size of gatherings to no more than 50 people.

12:51 AM, Mar 18, 2020 update: Tarrant County is reporting a second COVID-19 death in Texas.

The patient is an elderly person who also reportedly died on Sunday.

12:20 PM, Mar 18, 2020 update: The city of Corpus Christi and Nueces County have signed an order limiting mass gatherings to 50 people.

Exceptions are public and private schools, transit areas and grocery stores.

11:15 AM, Mar 18, 2020 update: The annual Beach to Bay run has beenimpacted by coronavirus concerns.

Race director Doug McBee Jr. confirmed that the relay marathon has been moved from May 16 to October 10.

10:17 AM, Mar 18, 2020 update: The Alice Independent School District has announced its schools will beclosed through April 3.

6:18 AM, Mar 18, 2020 update: Students at Premont ISD were supposed to return to school Wednesday morning, but that has now changed.

According to thedistrict's website, Premont ISD will be closed until further notice.

2:07 PM, Mar 18, 2020 update: Corpus Christi Independent School District schoolswill be closed until at least April 14.

The district made the announcement Wednesday afternoon in an automated call to parents of the district's students.

The county's health department said the Matagorda County man in his late 90s died Sunday night. The man has not been identified.

6:06 AM, Mar 17, 2020 update: Beginning Tuesday, Whataburger will beclosing their dining rooms.

7:59 PM, Mar 16, 2020 update: Local officialsimplementing new CDC guidelines

7:12 PM, Mar 16, 2020 update: The Pentagon isimplementing additional travel restrictions within the United States.

4:59 PM, Mar 16, 2020 update: Texas A&M University-Corpus Christiannounced Monday afternoon that the remainder of its Spring 2020 semester classes will be completed online.

In-person classes will move online in addition to classes that were previously administered online. Student digital resource courses will be available online to help students unfamiliar with online learning.

4:14 PM, Mar 16, 2020 update:A number of states in the last 24 hours have taken the extraordinary step of closing most entertainment venues hoping to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

These restrictions are in line with recommendations by the CDC to limit the number of people in one location.

4:11 PM, Mar 16, 2020 update: The UIL suspended all athletic and scholastic competition until at least March 29.

And today,they added more guidelines, adding practices and workouts outside the school day to the list of unapproved school activities.

2:41 PM, Mar 16, 2020 update: The Premont ISDwill require students and staff to pass a temperature check before they can return to school on Wednesday..

According to a Facebook post from the district, anyone who is running a fever will be sent home.

12:36 PM, Mar 16, 2020 update: Mayor Joe McComb isspeaking out against hoarding.

“The community can come together. We're going to get through this epidemic in good shape, I think,” McComb said. “But the panic buying isn't going to benefit anyone and the hoarding, as a matter of fact it can create some problems for people who need to go to the grocery store and get some supplies.”

11:21 AM, Mar 16, 2020 update: The 2020 Wings Over South Texas air show has beenofficially canceled citing concerns over the potential spreading of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19.

The decision was announced this morning by base leadership.

10:00 AM, Mar 16, 2020 update: Gov. Greg Abbott is waiving all STAAR testing requirements for the current school year amid the coronavirus pandemic affecting Texas school districts in a statement on Monday.

Abbott is requesting suspension of federal testing requirements.

1:19 PM, Mar 15, 2020 update: City of Corpus Christi and Nueces County officials haveunveiled their process for testing potential COVID-19 patients in Corpus Christi.

There still are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Nueces County, a point both Corpus Christi Mayor Joe McComb and Corpus Christi-Nueces County Public Health District Executive Director Annette Rodriguez stressed.

12:57 PM, Mar 15, 2020 update: In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic,another sports conference has announced the permanent cancellation of its spring athletic events.

The Lone Star Conference, which is the conference in which the Texas A&M-Kingsville Javelinas compete, announced Sunday morning that all spring sports would be canceled.

8:25 PM, Mar 14, 2020 update: Several schools and school districts in the Coastal Bend areoffering grab-and-go lunches to help parents with a few extra kids at home during their extended Spring Breaks.

The Corpus Christi Independent School District, Gregory-Portland ISD, Flour Bluff ISD, and Kingsville's Jubilee Academy are providing students free lunches. Tuloso-Midway and Ingleside also will provide breakfast.

3:44 PM, Mar 14, 2020 update:The Diocese of Corpus Christi said Wednesday that it will not be holding in-person Mass for at least two weeks because of growing concerns about COVID-19.

“It’s a very dramatic moment, very difficult decision to have to make,” said Diocese of Corpus Christi Bishop Michael Mulvey.

12:29 PM, Mar 14, 2020 update: Corpus Christi Mayor Joe McCombstopped by KRIS 6 News this morning to ask the community to not monopolize food and household goods, allowing H-E-B and Walmart and other area grocery stores to be able to operate effectively.

"H-E-B and others have assured us that we’ve got plenty of product -- they just have to have time to get it to Corpus Christi (and) get it back on their shelves," McComb said Saturday morning.

11:24 AM, Mar 14, 2020 update: This morning theSouthland Conference announced it will be suspending all spring competitions and championships due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

8:19 PM, Mar 13, 2020 update:Opening day postponed for the Hooks, Whataburger Field closed.

7:17 PM, Mar 13, 2020 update: If you had a jury summons for Monday, you can ignore it.

All jury trials scheduled for next week at theNueces County Courthouse have been canceled.

The decision was made Friday by the Board of Judges, and it's in response to guidance from the CDC about reducing of large crowds.

4:08 PM, Mar 13, 2020 update: The University Interscholastic League (UIL)announced today that they are suspending all UIL events for the health and safety of the public.

10:26 AM, Mar 13, 2020 update: The St. Paddy's Day Block Festival has beencanceled effective Friday.

Event organizer Mike Treiber tells KRIS 6 News the event will no longer proceed as planned because the City of Corpus Christi, on advice of the city's legal team and the city manager's office, has pulled the permit and street closures needed for the event.

6:33 AM, Mar 13, 2020 update: The city of Austin has confirmed itsfirst two presumptive positive cases of Covid-19.

Travis County leaders held a briefing to update the public on the two cases.

4:29 PM, Mar 12, 2020 update: CCISD is following the lead of local colleges and universities,extending its Spring Break.

3:53 PM, Mar 12, 2020 update: The North American Hockey League (NAHL)announced today that effective immediately all scheduled 2019-20 NAHL regular season games have been paused until further notice due to the COVID-19 virus and outbreak.

3:06 PM, Mar 12, 2020 update: The UILsuspended the rest of its 2020 Boys state basketball tournament this morning in San Antonio.

The league released a statement saying the high school tournament would be suspended after the conclusion of the Class 3A contest.

2:58 PM, Mar 12, 2020 update: Del Mar College, as well as Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and Texas A&M-Kingsville,have extended their Spring Breaks until March 20.

11:23 AM, Mar 12, 2020 update: Test results have come back for a Driscoll Children's Hospital employee being tested for COVID-19.She tested negative.

Driscoll Children's Hospital spokesman Ben Castle told KRIS 6 News that the unidentified employee does not have COVID-19.

9:26 PM, Mar 11, 2020 update:The Southland Conference released a statement tonight saying that it will limit attendance starting with tomorrow morning's games at the Merrell Center in Katy, Texas.

No fans will be allowed to attend the games.

9:51 AM, Mar 11, 2020 update: Nueces County Public Health District Director Annette Rodriguez said her office actively is monitoring five patients during today's news conference at city hall, but emphasized, along with other local leaders, that there still areno confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Nueces County.

9:51 AM, Mar 11, 2020 update: Nueces County Public Health District Director Annette Rodriguez said her office actively is monitoring five patients during today's news conference at city hall, but emphasized, along with other local leaders, that there still areno confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Nueces County.

9:42 PM, Mar 10, 2020 update: With the first positive case of COVID-19 being confirmed in Tarrant County tonight, thetotal cases in Texas is now 16.

7:27 PM, Mar 10, 2020 update: Here in Texas,three more cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Collin County, north of Dallas.

Now state leaders are calling on health insurance companies to waive coronavirus testing fees.

6:34 PM, Mar 09, 2020 update: Thestate issued a warning today about price gouging on medical supplies.

Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton issued a joint statement saying if extensive reports of price gouging are received, the attorney general can be granted broader powers to prosecute those cases.

5:06 PM, Mar 08, 2020 update:SXSW cancelled.

3:48 PM, Mar 05, 2020 update: Gov. Greg Abbott hasdesignated a lab in Corpus Christi among those in the state that will be able to test for the new coronavirus.

4:24 PM, Mar 04, 2020 update: We have some new information about the two local residents who are being monitored by the Health Department for COVID-19 coronavirus symptoms.

4:24 PM, Mar 04, 2020 update: We have some new information about the two local residents who are being monitored by the Health Department for COVID-19 coronavirus symptoms.

Dr. Kim Onufrak, the Corpus Christi Nueces County Public Health District clinical director tells us they do not have symptoms and there are no positive cases in Corpus Christi.

4:50 PM, Mar 03, 2020 update: The Corpus Christi-Nueces County Health District said there are no coronavirus cases in Nueces County, but they are monitoring two individuals that met the criteria for monitoring based on the Center for Disease Control's guidelines.

9:11 PM, Mar 02, 2020 update: Christus Spohn Hospital regional spokesman Kevin Dolliole debunks a photo that is making its way around local social media, saying its hospitals currently do not have any confirmed cases of COVID-19 coronavirus.

The county's coronavirus hotline for anyone with questions about the order is (361) 414-6000. For questions after hours, the county judge says to send questions to county.attorney@nuecesco.com.