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WCSO launches program to help the vulnerable during pandemic

By Matthew Quick
Published  April 10, 2020 11:26am CDT
Coronavirus
FOX 7 Austin

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas - The Willaimson County Sheriff's Office has begun a pilot program to begin checking on the public during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. 

The pilot program titled "WilCO Wellness Check" is aimed specifically to help those who are vulnerable to coronavirus due to age or underlying health issues. 

RELATED: LIST: Confirmed coronavirus cases by county

"Do you have a family member, friend, acquaintance and/or any person who relies on another for support that needs to be checked on during this pandemic? The WCSO has set up an email for those who may need a deputy to attempt contact with your loved ones or those you care for if you are unable," the sheriff's office said in a press release. 

WSCO outlined these guidelines for the pilot program: 

  • This is not a replacement for 911 calls. If it's an emergency, CALL 911. 
  • Services are intended ONLY for the Williamson County Sheriff's Office jurisdiction. Not available within city limits. 
  • Checks will be conducted during 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday thru Friday and answered based on the availability of deputies. (Some exceptions may be made on a case by case basis.) 
  • Each request is for one single check of a specific address. If more than one check is desired a separate and new email must be generated. 
  • This is a pilot program to determine the need of our community and may be suspended at any time. 

If you have an interest in using the WSCO pilot program, send an email to elderlyconcern@wilco.org with the exact address of the person(s) being checked.

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The sheriff's office is also asking that any detailed information is included that may help to better aid the deputies upon the wellness check such as any known medical needs.  

Williamson County updates public on COVID-19 response

As of April 8, the county has 97 confirmed coronavirus cases, ten more than the day before. According to the county's health district, 40 of the cases have recovered so far. The county is also reporting four deaths. 

CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST INFO ON THE CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK

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