Coronavirus delays, closures throughout town

(Editor’s Note: This is a list of known events that have been changed, postponed or canceled due to the outbreak of coronavirus excluding City Hall or SISD. These are as of press time Tuesday (March 24). New announcements or changes can be sent to news@slatonitenews.com or faxed to 828-6202 and will be posted online).

United changes hours, offers senior shopping

United in Slaton has announced they will have hours for senior shopping. These will be conducted Mondays and Thursdays from 7-9 a.m. “We are encouraging the community to hold off on their shopping during these designated times so that our elderly community can be free to fill their needs,” said store manager Josh Mullins.

The store also changed its store hours from 7 a.m.-9 p.m. beginning Monday, March 23. “We are making this change in order to better serve our guests and give us a little more time to get the store back in some type of shape for the next day,” added Mullins.

Local Banks

Centennial Bank has currently closed their lobby to guests, however; Terrica Taylor, Senior Vice President – Market President said they are more than happy to help customers through their drive through windows during banking hours.

Peoples Bank closed their lobby Monday to guests, but also will have their drive through open during this time.

Caprock Santa Fe Credit Union does have their lobby open; however, CSFCU President Ann Marie Wright it is encouraging people to use the drive-through as much as possible. They are allowing access to the lobby, especially if a customer has an appointment.

Prosperity Bank has limited access to the lobby except for specific transactions that can’t be done in the drive-through.

Restaurants

In executive orders signed Thursday (March 19), Abbott declared that bars, restaurants, and food courts, visiting gyms or massage parlors; were to be closed.

The exception however was the use of drive-through, pick up or delivery options. All restaurants in Slaton are currently using this system, as are others throughout the state.

Businesses

Currently all non-essential businesses are closed per Abbott’s executive order. Among those that are deemed essential are food stores, safety personnel, gas stations, plumbing/heating/A/C, and other stores necessary to help quality of life.

The order limits no more than 10 people at a time.

All nursing homes,retirement or long-term care facilities are closed to visitors unless to provide critical assistance.

Lil’ Tigers will be open Monday-Friday from 7 a.m.-4 p.m. They are limiting the ratios to ensure everyone’s health, but are asking those who able to work from home to consider keeping their children at home.

Although President Donald Trump announced that the deadline for tax returns has also been extended to July 15, those who help with taxes are still helping their customers

H&R Block in Slaton is accepting drop off service and returns. Those who need assistance can drop off their paperwork and they will call you when teh return is completed.

Anton J. Buxkemper III, CPA announced the office would be available by phone only. That said, those who need to drop off tax documents or bookkeeping informaiton can also call them to schedule a time to come in.

Pember Insurance Agency also is asking their customers to reach them by phone only. Those who have to make a payment can knock at the door and they will answer. Those who have to sign documents can also call and schedule a time to ensure documents are ready for signing.

Religion

Due to Abbott’s declaration March 19 limiting the number of people gathered to 10 people, many churches are going to online services. Among these are any church in the Lubbock Diocese and First Baptist Church Slaton. Mighty Oak Assembly of God has closed their church for at least two weeks per the decision of the grand council.

Those who have questions about their church’s availability for services can contact their offices.

Also, Our Lady of Guadalupe’s second Fish Fry, slated for March 27, has also been canceled.

Harvey House

The Harvey House is currently closed for tours.

Also, a meet and greet with Rosa Latimer, author of several Harvey House books and a play for March 20 has been postponed out of precaution during the current coronavirus situation.

As of press time Tuesday, the event has not been rescheduled.

Those who have further questions regarding the event can call the Harvey House at 828-5900.