Claire Osborn
Austin American-Statesman
WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas — The Williamson County sheriff’s office has started a pilot program for deputies to check on people vulnerable to coronavirus because of their age or underlying health issues.
With the program, “WilCo Wellness Check,” residents can send an email to have a deputy attempt to contact loved ones or those they care for when they may not be able to do it themselves, according to a news release from the sheriff’s office.
People who send an email are asked to provide the exact address of the person being checked on and any detailed information that may be useful to the responding deputies, such as known medical needs.
Each request is for one single check of a specific address. If more than one check is desired a separate email must be sent.
The program is not meant to be a replacement for 911 calls. Residents eligible for the program live in Williamson County but do not live within any city limits, according to the release.
The checks will be conducted from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday based on availability of deputies. Some exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis, the release said.
The program may be suspended at any time, the release said.