LUBBOCK, Texas — The following is a timeline of our COVID-19 or coronavirus cases in Lubbock and the South Plains. As of March 25, there are 14 confirmed cases in Lubbock.
February 7
- First known cases of COVID-19 arrives in Texas
By February 13, the Lubbock medical community was already bracing for the impact. LINK to more
March 2
- The City of Lubbock holds its first press conference on COVID-19
At that point there were no known cases in Lubbock, but there was already pressure to cancel large events in Texas such as SXSW. LINK to more
- News breaks that Lubbock is the lab in Texas approved for testing COVID-19
Other labs in Texas would soon get approval for conducting COVID-19 tests, but TIEHH at Texas Tech was the first in Texas. LINK to more
March 9
- Texas Tech (along with TTUHSC) imposes travel restrictions on students, staff and faculty
Among other things, Texas Tech canceled all university-sponsored international travel through April 30. LINK to more
March 12
- Texas Tech canceled classes for the week of March 23 through 27.
Texas Tech also announced that classes would resume online only after March 27. LINK to more
- The March of cancellations begins.
Texas Tech and other teams were told the Big 12 canceled the remainder of its post-season basketball tournament. Other major conferenceS did the same. The NCAA would soon follow suit and cancel March Madness. LINK to more
- The first major non-sporting event was canceled in Lubbock
The JoJo Siwa D.R.E.A.M. tour was postponed at the United Supermarkets Arena. Many other events would follow. LINK to more
- Plainview and New Deal cancel Friday classes
Classes on Friday, March 13 were canceled in two local school districts. It was the first round in a flurry of school announcements. Most local schools extended spring break by one week. Ultimately the governor ordered no students in class prior to April 3. LINK to more
- Panic buying gets underway in Lubbock.
The shelves are empty where toilet paper would normally be found. Disinfectant wipes and certain other products are also flying off the shelves. LINK to more
March 13
- Brownfield Regional Medical Center becomes the first hospital to limit visitors.
The hospital in Brownfield announced a limited number of entrances along with screening & questioning visitors. Other local hospitals would follow suit. LINK to more
- The UIL suspends all sports contests March 16 through 29.
Later the University Interscholastic League (UIL) would expand the cancellation of events. Even practices would be canceled statewide. LINK to more
- Lubbock County declares a local state of emergency
Following the disaster declarations by President Donald Trump and Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Lubbock County made a disaster declaration. The City of Lubbock would soon-after make a similar declaration. LINK to more
March 14
- Atmos Energy temporarily suspended disconnections.
Atmos was the first major utility in Lubbock to publicly announce a temporary halt to disconnects. Xcel, SPEC and LP&L later made similar announcements. LINK to more
March 16
- Chick-fil-A becomes the first national restaurant chain operating in Lubbock to announce no dine-in customers.
Later all restaurants would stop dine-in – most switching to drive-thru, carry-out and delivery – because of an order from the governor. But Chick-fil-A was the first operating in Lubbock to make the announcement. LINK to more
- The first limit on mass gatherings in Lubbock was 200 people.
The Lubbock City Council approved a measure by Dan Pope to limit events in the city to 200 people or less. Later, the mayor declared an emergency and limited gatherings to 50. Later still, he limited gatherings to 10 or less. LINK to more
- The South Plains got its first brush with COVID-19.
A visitor to the Texas Civil Commitment Center in Littlefield tested positive for COVID-19 after the visit. This was the not the first case officially attributed to Lubbock or the South Plains. LINK to more
March 17
- Lubbock gets the first official case of COVID-19
University Medical Center tested a patient at a clinic (not the main hospital) and this was the first case to come back positive. Official word came from state health officials to Lubbock officials on March 17 at 5:20 p.m. A second case was announced that same evening. LINK to more
March 18
- The City of Lubbock announced the closure of certain facilities to the public.
Effective March 21, city hall and a long list of facilities were closed to the public. The city said people could call or email, etc, but no more in-person visits. The city’s libraries replaced in-person visits with curbside service. LINK to more
- The city announced the third confirmed case of COVID-19.
The city announced a third case and limited mass gatherings to 50 people. LINK to more
- The Lubbock Diocese canceled mass and dispensed the obligation to attend weekly services until further notice.
Governor Greg Abbott later said churches in Texas have the right to gather under freedom of religion, but he urged them to consider doing otherwise. Most churches of all denominations in Lubbock canceled in-person services and other events. LINK to more
March 19
- Governor Greg Abbot announced restrictions on bars and restaurants in Texas.
The governor limited gatherings to 10 people or less statewide. He also ordered no gatherings inside restaurants, bars or gyms. Restaurants could continue with drive-thru, delivery and takeout. LINK to more
- Tech canceled in-person May commencement ceremonies.
Texas Tech will provide an opportunity for May 2020 graduates to participate in a face-to-face ceremony, possibly in August, if it is safe to do so. LINK to more
- Outside of Lubbock, Hockley County gets the fist official case of COVID-19 on the South Plains.
One of the first two Lubbock cases was a Hockley County resident. But the first official Hockley County case was actually another person in addition to that. LINK to more
March 20
- The City of Lubbock confirms cases four and five of COVID-19.
The city also provided a list of locations where members of the public might be at risk of exposure to the cornonavirus. LINK to more
March 21
- Another case was reported in Hockley County.
At this point, Hockley County had two confirmed cases. One of the Lubbock cases was then transferred to the jurisdiction of Hockley County so that by the end of the day on March 21, Hockley County would have three confirmed cases. LINK to more
- The City of Lubbock confirmed one more COVID-19 case and then on the same day three more cases.
The city, by the end of March 21, had eight total cases. One them (which would have been case No. 9) was transferred to the jurisdiction of Hockley County to be reported with their numbers. LINK to more
- The Lubbock County Clerk announced the office is closed to the public.
The clerk announced that staff will still conduct business online and by email. There will also be a drop box available. LINK to more
March 22
- The city confirmed two more cases of COVID-19
That brought the official case count to 10 as of March 22. LINK to more
March 23
- Gaines County has its first confirmed case of COVID-19
The first Gaines County case was reported as a travel-related case, not community spread. LINK to more
- Terry County has its first confirmed case of COVID-19
A Meadow ISD employee tested positive for COVID-19. LINK to more
- The Lubbock mayor orders all non-essential businesses to close.
Mayor Dan Pope ordered all non-essential businesses to close no later than March 24 at 6:00 pm. A list of essential versus non-essential business was provided in the order. LINK to more
March 24
- Covenant Health releases instructions on how to make masks for local healthcare workers
Covenant Health released instructions on how people can make approved masks at home, either for themselves or for medical workers. LINK to more
- UMC changed visitor policy due to virus
Tuesday afternoon, University Medical Center announced patients will be limited to one visitor at a time, according to UMC’s Facebook page. LINK to more
- The City of Lubbock tries to clarify essential versus non-essential businesses.
Under the mayor’s disaster declaration, essential services remain open and must enforce social distancing. Non-essential businesses must close. But questions remained as to what is essential. LINK to more
- Hale County confirms first case of COVID-19
The Plainview/Hale County Health Department confirmed its first case of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Hale County LINK to more
- The Lubbock city council pushes back the municipal elections in Lubbock from May 2 to November 3
The City Council approved an emergency measure to move the municipal elections from May 2 until November 3. LINK to more
- Two more cases in Hockley County confirmed on Tuesday
Two new confirmed cases of COVID-19 or coronavirus were confirmed in Hockley County for a total of five. The newest case was described as community transmission. LINK to more
- Gaines County has its first case of COVID-19
Gaines County Judge Tom Keyes said his adult daughter was the first confirmed positive COVID-19 case. He said she likely picked it up at an event in Lubbock. LINK to more
- City of Lubbock confirmed two more cases in the afternoon and then two more cases again in the evening.
At this point, the total number of cases in Lubbock County was 14. LINK to more
- Texas Tech orders staff to work from home except for certain critical personnel
Texas Tech said only critical personnel should be on campus. It was described as a Phase IV closed campus. LINK to more
March 25
- The boys basketball tournament in Levelland, March 7, was described as a possible site where folks were exposed to COVID-19
None of the Hockley County cases were tied to the tournament, but some other West Texas cases might have been linked. LINK to more
- Terry County confirms two new cases of COVID-19
The South Plains Public Health District confirmed two more cases of COVID-19, or coronavirus. LINK to more
- Five more cases in Lubbock
As of March 25, 2020 at 1:00 p.m., the total number of cases in Lubbock County was 19. LINK to more
March 26
- City of Lubbock confirms two cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) are associated with Lubbock nursing facility
The city said two employees of Whisperwood Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, 5502 4th Street, tested positive for Coronavirus. LINK to more
- South Plains Public Health District confirms 4th case of COVID-19 in Terry County
The South Plains Public Health District confirmed one more case of COVID-19, bringing the total to four in Terry County. LINK to more
- First Dawson County COVID-19 case confirmed
The first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Dawson County, according to the Lamesa Press-Reporter. LINK to more
- Scurry County issues stay-at-home order to citizens amid COVID-19 outbreak
The order essentially states that residents are to stay in their homes except for a few activities, the county judge said. LINK to more
- City of Lubbock reports four additional cases
The total number of cases in for Lubbock and Lubbock County was now 23. LINK to more
March 27
- City of Lubbock confirms 6 new cases of COVID-19 in nursing home
The City of Lubbock has confirmed six additional cases of COVID-19 associated with Whisperwood Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, located at 5502 4th Street. LINK to more.
- Lamb County officials confirm first case of COVID-19
County Judge Mike DeLoach announced the first local resident of Lamb County with confirmed case of COVID-19. LINK to more
- Texas Tech to offer food & housing pro-rated refunds, honor graduates at a football game
In addition to food and housing credits, President Lawrence Schovanec also talked about the cancellation of in-person graduation ceremonies. LINK to more
- Hockley County confirms 2 new cases of COVID-19
“As of this morning this brings the total number of confirmed cases for Hockley County to 7,” said Sharla Baldridge, Hockley County judge.
- Lynn County reports first coronavirus case
Lynn County Judge Mike Braddock announced the first case of COVID-19 in the county. LINK to more.
- City holds press conference as COVID-19 cases increase locally
As cases of coronavirus or COVID-19 continued to increase in Lubbock and the South Plains, the City of Lubbock scheduled a press conference for Friday at 6:00 pm. LINK to more.
March 28
- City of Lubbock reports 8 new coronavirus cases, 31 total
The City of Lubbock announced eight additional cases of COVID-19 Friday. LINK to more.
- City of Lubbock confirms first COVID-19 death
The City of Lubbock has confirmed its first death related to the novel coronavirus COVID-19. The person who died was a male in his 60s with underlying health conditions. He was a resident of Lubbock. LINK to more.
March 29
- City of Lubbock issues stay at home order
The City of Lubbock announced a stay at home order in response to the COVID-19 pandemic Sunday night. LINK to more.
- City of Lubbock orders new guidelines for nursing homes
The City of Lubbock announced new guidelines for nursing homes Sunday evening. LINK to more.
- City says 10 new cases of COVID-19 as of Sunday night, Stay Home order also announced
The City of Lubbock on Sunday night announced 10 new cases of COVID-19 or coronavirus. That brought the total to 51. LINK to more.
March 30
- City of Lubbock sends out COVID-19 update for stay-at-home order
On Monday, the City of Lubbock sent out another COVID-19 update for the city after a stay-at-home order was put in place 11:59 p.m. Sunday. LINK for more.
- City of Amarillo issues ‘shelter in place’ order
The city of Amarillo issued a ‘shelter in place’ order on Monday morning. LINK to more.
- City confirms 26 additional COVID-19 cases
The City of Lubbock has confirmed 26 additional cases of novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) as of 5:00 p.m. on March 30, 2020. The total number of cases in Lubbock County is 77. LINK to more.
March 31
- Hale County, City of Plainview issue stay-at-home order amid COVID-19 concerns
Hale County Judge David Mull and the City of Plainview Mayor Wendell Dunlap joined with our friends in Lubbock and around the South Plains to issue a Stay-At-Home Directive for residents of City of Plainview and Hale County effective from Tuesday (March 31) 11:59 p.m. LINK to more.
- Governor orders schools closed until May 4, allows essential business only in Texas
Governor Greg Abbott on Tuesday issued an executive order to keep schools in Texas closed until May 4 as a way to slow or stop the spread of COVID-19 or coronavirus. Schools were instructed to use distance learning techniques. LINK to more.
- City of Lubbock confirms 1 new death, 23 new cases of COVID-19
The City of Lubbock has confirmed 23 new cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) and one additional death as of 5:00 p.m. on March 31, 2020. The total number of cases in Lubbock County is 100 with two deaths. LINK to more.
April 1
- City of Lubbock Investigating Possible COVID-19 Case Associated with Local Daycare
On Tuesday, The City of Lubbock announced the investigation of a possible daycare-related COVID-19 case. LINK to more.
- Hockley County death from COVID-19, KLVT radio reports
KLVT radio reports that one person in Hockley County died from COVID-19. This is first fatality from COVID-19 in Hockley County. LINK to more.
- Lamesa Press-Reporter: Fourth COVID-19 case confirmed in Dawson County
Dawson County Judge Foy O’Brien confirmed a fourth case of COVID-19 in the county on Wednesday, according to the Lamesa Press-Reporter. LINK to more.
- City of Lubbock reports 8 additional cases, 3rd death from COVID-19
The City of Lubbock announced 8 additional cases of COVID-19 and a third death during a press conference Wednesday. The total number of cases in Lubbock is 108, with 3 deaths. LINK to more.
- Plainview/Hale County Health Department confirms 5 new COVID-19 cases Wednesday
The Plainview/Hale County Health Department now has six confirmed cases, five new cases of coronavirus (COVID-1) confirmed today, April 1st, in Hale County. LINK to more.
- City informs parents of Stepping Stones daycare about COVID-19 exposure
EverythingLubbock.com acquired a copy of a letter from the City of Lubbock to parents of kids who attend Stepping Stones daycare. LINK to more.
April 2
- Plainview, Hale County now tracking recoveries on COVID-19
Plainview said there are 4 confirmed cases in Plainview with another two in Hale County for a total of six. But the city tracked a new state for the first time; recoveries. LINK to more.
- City of Amarillo reports first two COVID-19 recoveries
Two Randall County residents are the first two confirmed recoveries from COVID-19, according to the City of Amarillo. LINK to more.
- Evictions on hold in Lubbock with only a few exceptions, no restart date available yet
Justice of the Peace Jim Hanson provided an update on the status of evictions in Lubbock County on Thursday morning. LINK to more.