The Woodlands Township shared the following COVID-19 Update on Friday, August 28, 2020 at 7:30 p.m.

Township News

The Woodlands Township Receives Entergy Briefing

Officials with The Woodlands Township have been in communication with Entergy officials  to discuss the power outages experienced by residents and businesses in The Woodlands on Thursday.

Around midnight, Entergy’s reliability coordinator, MISO, cancelled its order for periodic power outages in the Entergy Texas region. Shortly after this, Entergy Texas returned all customers who were affected by these rotating outages back in service. Through the night and all day today, Entergy Texas continued to take steps to improve the integrity of the electric grid.

 Entergy experienced significant damage to segments of their transmission lines which ultimately affected all customers including those in The Woodlands.

 “We are communicating diligently with Entergy and their restoration efforts,” said Township Chairman Gordy Bunch. “Entergy has said it does not anticipate any more periodic power outages and we look forward to seeing additional information.”

Please read the Entergy continues restoration press release.

Water in The Woodlands is Safe to Drink
The Woodlands Water Agency states that the household water system of The Woodlands Water Agency is equipped with backup generators. Even without power, the water delivery system remains operational in most circumstances. The water is safe to use and drink. Please note, the phone system at The Woodlands Water Agency is not operational. Customers with urgent water service issues are asked to contact the answering service, which is being monitored, at 281-537-4376. Please visit their website for more information at www.woodlandswater.org.

Chairman Bunch Provides an Update on School Reopenings in The Woodlands
Most schools are reopening after Labor Day (September 7, 2020) and some private schools have already reopened. Law enforcement wants to remind everyone that the school zone flashing speed limits are in effect, whether it’s open for virtual only or partially in person and to please slow down when in these areas.

The coronavirus does not currently have a vaccine and we will also be entering the flu season. It is recommended to get your flu shot when practical. As you come back to school. Please limit gatherings and parties. Depending on which county you reside in, there are restrictions on gatherings. View the video here.

Stay Informed with The Woodlands Township
You can sign up for news and alerts from the Township at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/notifyme. Additional information can be found at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/emergency. Be sure to stay tuned to your favorite television or online news outlet to keep up with the weather. View latest information from the Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management or Harris County at www.readyharris.org.

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Prepare for Hurricane Season

• Understand that planning may be different this year because of COVID-19.
• Give yourself more time than usual to prepare your emergency food, water, and medicine supplies. Home delivery is the safest choice for buying disaster supplies. If in-person shopping is your only choice, take steps to protect your and others’ health when running essential errands.
• Be safe when filling prescriptions and limit in-person visits to the pharmacy by signing up for mail order delivery, calling in your prescription ahead of time and using the drive-through or curbside pickup. Order a 60- or 90-day supply to have on hand.
• Pay attention to local guidance for evacuations and shelters, including potential shelters for your pets.
• If you need to evacuate, prepare a “go kit” with personal items you cannot do without during an emergency. Include items such as hand sanitizer, bar or liquid soap and two cloth face coverings per person.
• When you check on neighbors and friends, be sure to follow social distancing recommendations (staying at least 6 feet, about 2 arms’ length, from others) and other CDC recommendations.
• If you need to go to a disaster shelter, follow CDC recommendations for staying safe and healthy in a public disaster shelter during COVID-19.

Entergy Storm-Restoration Process
Entergy is taking the steps to ensure they are ready to quickly begin restoration as a result of Hurricane Laura. Learn more about the restoration process.

Staying informed before, during and after a tropical system strikes is just as important as making personal storm plans. Here’s how customers can stay updated throughout the event:

• Download the Entergy App at entergyapp.com. Customers can use the app to report outages or check on the status of power at their home or business.
• Entergy’s View Outages website includes maps that show where outages are located and give information about restoration progress.
• Sign up for text alerts by texting REG to 36778 and have your account number and ZIP code handy. The registration pattern is as follows including spaces: REG (account number) (ZIP code). Once registered, text OUT to 36778 to report an outage. You can also report an outage online as a guest.
• The Entergy Storm Center website has storm safety, preparation and restoration information that is updated throughout the day.
• Operation: Storm Ready Guide is a free downloadable guide that helps customers plan and prepare for weather emergencies.

The Woodlands Express and Town Center Trolleys Service Resumed
The Town Center Trolleys and The Woodlands Express Park and Ride service have resumed service today, Friday, August 28, 2020. Please follow updates on Twitter @TownshipTransit.

County News

Montgomery County COVID-19 Case Count Sees an Increase of 65 Positive Cases
Montgomery County Public Health District, in conjunction with the Montgomery County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, can sadly confirm an additional death related to COVID-19, bringing the total to 110.

• A woman in her 60s, from Conroe, died in the hospital. The report on co-morbidities was not available at the time of this release. They offer their condolences to her family at this difficult time.

 They can also confirm:

• TOTAL cases of COVID-19 increased by 65 to 8,580 since Wednesday’s (8/26) report.
• We are continuing to process cases that were reported to The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) directly by healthcare providers and entered into the National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NEDSS), run by the CDC. Out of the 65 new total cases since Wednesday’s report, 12 (from the NEDSS system) tested positive in June. See additional information here.
• ACTIVE cases of COVID-19 increased by 7 to 1,326 since Wednesday’s (8/26) report.
• 37 residents are known to be in the hospital, as a result of contact investigations. Contact investigations have not been initiated on all reported cases.
• 5,913 people have clinically recovered.

Take steps to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community.

• Consider staying home unless it is necessary to leave your home.
• Avoid groups of people.
• Practice social distancing.
• Wear a mask (if it is necessary to leave your home).
• Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer frequently.
• Disinfect surfaces in your car and around your home.

Have questions? Please go to https://mcphd-tx.org/ and scroll down to the FAQs. Find more information on the SETRAC website, setrac.org. View the list of case-by-case updates on the MCPHD website here: https://mcphd-tx.org/coronavirus-covid-19/confirmed-cases/. Refer to the dashboard here: https://coronavirus-response-moco.hub.arcgis.com/.

Harris County COVID-19 Case Count
Harris County Public Health (HCPH) publishes their daily case count, combined with the City of Houston’s daily case count, here. Cases by zip code in Harris County can be found by clicking on areas of the map.
 
The Village of Creekside Park is located in two zip codes: 77375 and 77389, and these also include Magnolia, Augusta Pines/Auburn Lakes/West Rayford Road in northwest Harris County. Today, Harris County is reporting zip code 77375 has 786 confirmed positive cases with 125 active cases, and 77389 has 389 confirmed positive cases with 35 active cases.

COVID-19 Case Count Brief from The Woodlands Fire Department
As of Friday, August 28, 2020, + or – signifies change since previous report.

Montgomery County

• 8,580 Confirmed, +65 (53 New cases, 12 entered via backlog from June)
• 1,326 – Active Cases, +7
• 110 – Deaths, +1
• 5,913 – Recovered, +57
• 37- Hospitalized, -2

Harris County 

• 40,366 – Confirmed, +1386
• 3,964 – Active Cases, -5443
• 492- Deaths, +8
• 35,908 – Recovered,,+6821

Get Tested for COVID-19
Free COVID-19 testing is available for residents of Montgomery County online at https://www.mchd-tx.org. Call 936-523-3916 for more information.

Harris County residents may also sign up for free COVID-19 testing online at hcphtx.org. Call 832-927-7575 for more information.

Genalyte Expands COVID-19 Antibody Testing in The Woodlands
Genalyte announced the opening of a new COVID-19 antibody testing site at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion (2005 Lake Robbins Dr., The Woodlands, Texas, 77380)

Genalyte’s SARS-CoV-2 MultiAntigen Serology Panel, which tests for antibodies the body can produce in response to SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19), offers appointments available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., beginning Monday, August 31, 2020. Register today.

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State News

Mask Orders: State of Texas and Montgomery and Harris Counties
The State of Texas requires all individuals over the age of 10 to wear a face covering (over the nose and mouth) wherever it is not feasible to maintain six feet of social distancing from another individual not in the same household. Read the full executive order.

Harris County directs any businesses providing goods or services to require all employees and visitors to wear face coverings in areas of close proximity to co-workers or the public. Everyone over the age of 10 must wear a face covering while in businesses or on commercial properties. Businesses that fail to comply could be fined up to $1,000. This order is in effect until August 26, 2020.

Montgomery County does not have a mask mandate for businesses, however many businesses request or require the wearing of masks.

Around the Township

Farmer’s Market
The Woodlands Farmer’s Market is open Saturdays 8 a.m. to noon (7 Switchbud Pl, 77380). The market is produced by Grogan’s Mill Village Association. The market will continue with the additional fourth row this weekend. Due to the fourth row, some parking spaces have been closed off to accommodate. It is recommended to park in the lot closer to the old Randalls.

Safety precautions are in place, including: prohibiting the consumption of food/beverage in the market, changed layout for maximum social distancing, requirement that masks to be worn by patrons and vendors, letting vendors assist with purchases and set up hand sanitizing stations. For more information, please visit the website, Facebook page and sign up for the enewsletter.

Hurricane Laura Lodging Information 
With the effects of Hurricane Laura to the Texas Gulf Coast and Southwest Louisiana, The Woodlands area has seen an increase in hotel activity due to its proximity to Houston and the evacuation route of I-45.

If you are in need of shelter as a result of the storm, The Woodlands currently has hotel availability (as of 4 p.m. Thursday, August 27, 2020) with many properties accepting pets. All hotels in The Woodlands are prepared for evacuees and will continue to follow the strongest COVID-19 related health and safety procedures. For hotel bookings and more information visit, www.visitthewoodlands.com/hotels. 

Beware of Phone Scams
In the wake of Hurricane Laura, Entergy has seen an increase in reports of phone scam activity. Remember, Entergy NEVER demands immediate payment from customers over the phone.

The most current and reliable information regarding scams and tools to help you to keep your information safe can be found on the Entergy website.

What to do if you suspect a scam

Learn to tell if someone may be scamming you via phone, in-person, digital and social, employment, and advanced meters.

How to safely pay your Entergy bill.

Community Resources

Numerous resources are available in the community for support. These vary from food banks to financial assistance and much more. Please visit the Community Resources webpage to find more information about resources in the community related to COVID-19.

Clear the Shelters – Gain a Best Friend
Clear the Shelters is a month-long event taking place from August 1 through August 31, 2020. All pet adoption fees have been waived. Please visit ClearTheShelters.com for more information. Adoptions are by appointment only to maintain social distances. Please visit the Montgomery County Animal Services webpage to schedule a time. View Adoptable Dogs | View Adoptable Cats

Township’s Coronavirus Page
The Woodlands Township’s COVID-19 page can be found at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/covid19. This page features Montgomery and Harris county hubs, community resources and news from the Federal Government and the CDC. It also includes the latest news from the Township, partner agencies, important links, FAQs, live Twitter feeds and more.

Source: The Woodlands Township

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