The region including Bastrop County no longer has a high hospitalization rate due to COVID-19, meaning certain restrictions on businesses and elective surgeries that were put in place last month can be lifted. On January 10, Bastrop County was notified by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) that certain businesses must operate at 50% capacity and healthcare providers may not conduct elective surgeries. This is because Trauma Service O, the region of Texas that includes Bastrop County, was using more than 15% of its hospital capacity to treat COVID-19 patients. This “high hospitalization” designation lasts until the trauma service ...