Custom Text

News

The Woodlands Township COVID-19 Update May 21

By  | 

The Woodlands Township shared the following COVID-19 Updates on Thursday, May 21.

Board of Directors to Hold Meetings Tonight via Videoconference
The Woodlands Township Board of Directors will hold a Budget Planning Session Meeting via videoconference on Thursday, May 21, 2020, with a scheduled time to begin at 4 p.m. Central Daylight Time. The meeting can be viewed online at https://www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/778/Meeting-Videos.

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors will also hold a Regular Board Meeting via videoconference on Thursday, May 21, 2020, at 6 p.m. During the May 21, 2020, videoconference Board meetings, members of the public may provide public comment by calling 346-248-7799 or 888-788-0099 (toll-free), then enter ID 827 1846 7057 #. The meeting can be viewed online at https://www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/778/Meeting-Videos.

Riva Row Boat House Adds Water Bikes to Rental Options
The Woodlands Township began offering water bikes as a new and exciting rental option at Riva Row Boat House today, May 21, 2020. Water bikes are being added to the many rental options already available at Riva Row, including single and tandem (or double) kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and swan pedal boats. “We are happy to announce this new addition of water bikes to the Riva Row Boat House – especially now that we are entering Phase Two of the Governor’s orders of Opening Up Texas,” stated Township Chairman Gordy Bunch. “We look forward to our residents coming out and enjoying one or more attractive features (The Woodlands Waterway) and enjoying the outdoors in The Woodlands.”

These fun additions to The Woodlands Waterway will be positioned in the lower level of the waterway along with kayaks and paddleboards, and riders will be able to explore the area from Riva Row Park all the way out to the edge of Lake Woodlands, passing the Grogan’s Mill Bridge and East Shore, and discovering Mitchell Island on the way. Read more about water bikes at the Riva Row Boat House.

Watch a video as The Woodlands Township Chairman of the Board, Gordy Bunch, introduces the new amenity at Riva Row Boat House. For ongoing updates regarding re-openings in The Woodlands, please visit https://www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/1495/Re-opening-of-The-Woodlands.

Community Gardens Open with Some Limitations

As part of the re-opening of amenities and recreation facilities in The Woodlands, community gardens have re-opened. Please note the limitations at each garden and also keep in mind best practices when going out in public, such as social distancing a minimum of 6 feet from those who are not part of your household, washing your hands often and using hand sanitizer, avoiding touching your face and wearing a face covering if possible.

  • Community Garden at Alden Bridge; with modified and enhanced access
  • Community Garden at Bear Branch; with parking restrictions
  • Community Garden at Wendtwoods Park (pictured)

For a list of open and closed facilities in The Woodlands Township, please visit https://www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/1495/Re-opening-of-The-Woodlands.

Read about Governor Abbott’s announcement of Phase Two.

Advertisement

County News

COVID-19 Testing Sites
View Montgomery County Public Health’s May 19, 2020 press release for more information on the following testing sites:

  • Kroger has announced another testing site from May 31 through June 2, 2020 from 9 a.m. through 4 p.m. at 22296 Market Place Dr., New Caney, Texas 77357.
  • Three COVID-19 drive-thru testing sites are now open in Montgomery County at select Walmart locations. The sites are open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays weekly from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., weather permitting.

View Montgomery County Public Health’s May 18, 2020 press release for more information on the testing voucher program.

Hotlines for health questions and COVID-19
Montgomery County: 936-523-5040                 
Harris County: 713-634-1110 
Statewide Mental Health Support Line: 833-986-1919

Free Self-Screening Tool for COVID-19
Visit the self-screening tool on the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

Montgomery County COVID-19 Case Count
Reporting results have merged and are only reported on the following dashboard, located 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: https://harriscounty.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/c0de71f8ea484b85bb5efcb7c07c6914.  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.

National News

Coronavirus Testing Basics
There are two different types of tests – diagnostic tests and antibody tests. A diagnostic test can show if you have an active coronavirus infection and should take steps to quarantine or isolate yourself from others. An antibody test looks for antibodies that are made by the immune system in response to a threat, such as a specific virus. Learn more about the different types of tests and the steps involved.

CDC Reaffirms Virus Spreads More Through Person-to-Person and Not Surfaces
According to the CDC, social distancing is still the most important method of avoiding the COVID-19 virus, and residents are urged to understand how the virus is thought to spread:

  • Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
  • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
  • These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
  • COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.

Read more information on the spread of COVID-19 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Advertisement

Township News

#TownshipTogether
Send us your photos! The Woodlands Township is calling on residents to share images of inspiration within the community. These can be a photo of something seen in the neighborhood, a family project or anything with a positive message. These will be shared through the Township email updates, social media channels and on The Woodlands Township website. Send your photos to TownshipTogether@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

Thinking About a Home Improvement?
Applications for improvements are being reviewed and acted on by Township Covenant Administration staff. Applications can be mailed or submitted online. Please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/covenants for additional information. Applications can be submitted online to: covad@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov

Township makes it easy to report service requests
Residents can easily report service requests and have them routed to the proper department for handling – all on The Woodlands 311 app.  Simply attach a photo or let your phone record the exact location so the problem can be reported. The app can also be used to learn about Township services, public facilities and more. Learn more about The Woodlands 311.

Around the Township

Celebrate, Honor, Remember: Memorial Day 2020
Memorial Day pays tribute to all military service men and women who lost their lives while serving the United States. The Township gives thanks to all who have served and encourages everyone to celebrate safely. The traditional Memorial Day in The Woodlands event will not be held due to social distancing, limited number of gatherings and more due to COVID-19. Please remember that fireworks of any kind, including sparklers, are not permitted in The Woodlands.

Open Stores at Market Street
Several retailers at Market Street are currently open with more opening in the coming weeks. Market Street management notes that individual retailers may require a mask and additional safety requirements upon entry, so customers are encouraged to call ahead to verify hours and guidelines. Visit their website for the list of currently open stores, phone numbers and Market Street’s safety guidelines as it relates to common areas.

Open Stores in The Woodlands Mall
The Woodlands Mall reopened on Tuesday, May 5, 2020. The mall will be open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. Visit their website for the list of currently open stores, safety measures and curbside pickup options.

The Woodlands Farmer’s Market Reopens Saturday Morning, 8 a.m. to noon
The Woodlands Farmer’s Market is re-opening May 23, 2020, this weekend! Customers are encouraged to check the website, Facebook page or newsletter for definite details including phases in which the market will open, participating vendors, and best practices for visitors.

The market will have a different layout in order to promote social distancing for customers and vendors. Instead of having two aisles with the vendors facing each other, the vendors will be in a rectangle with the customers walking on the outside. There will be hand sanitizer stands and markers to help customers.

In order to keep customers, vendors and volunteers safe, the Market Committee has closely examined best practices from farmer’s markets and farmer’s market associations from across the United States. Consequently, The Woodlands Farmer’s Market will be implementing the following prudent best practices (which may be subject to change):

TO MINIMIZE RISK TO ALL AND SLOW THE SPREAD, PLEASE

•    If you are feeling ill, do not enter
•    Masks are required for all
•    In and out quickly, no lingering
•    Sanitize hands before entering market and before leaving the market
•    Follow social distancing – 6 feet apart
•    If you touch it, you buy it
•    Pre-order and pay online when possible
•    Pay by card or exact change
•    No pets or children
•    Avoid groups or gathering of more than 2
•    No food or drink at the market

Open Hotels in The Woodlands 
Many of The Woodlands hotel properties are open and ready to welcome you to their location. The Woodlands Resort re-opened yesterday, May 20, 2020 and will be open every day, including Memorial Day. Find all the details on the Resort’s website. The Embassy Suites is opening their doors on June 1, 2020. Below is a list of all open hotels in The Woodlands at this time. Be sure to stay up to date by viewing Visit The Woodlands.

Advertisement

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 link below to find more information about resources in the community related to COVID-19: https://thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/1491/Community-Resources.

Red Cross Family Assistance
The American Red Cross has launched a Virtual Family Assistance Center (VFAC) to support families struggling with loss and grief due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Red Cross is here to provide compassion and support to families as they grieve.

To help, the Red Cross has set up a virtual team of specially trained mental health, spiritual care and health services volunteers who are:

  • Connecting with families over the phone to offer condolences, support and access to resources that may be available
  • Providing support for virtual memorial services for families, including connecting with local faith-based community partners
  • Hosting online classes to foster resilience and facilitate coping skills (Coping in Today’s World and Psychological First Aid)
  • Sharing information and referrals to state and local agencies as well as other community organizations including legal resources for estate, custody, immigration or other issues
  • Front-line responders, such as healthcare workers, workers at long-term care facilities, and other essential personnel dealing with families of COVID-19 patients, are welcome to call as well.

All Family Assistance Center support will be provided virtually and is completely confidential and free.

Please visit www.redcross.org/vfac to access a support hub with special virtual programs, information, referrals and services to support families in need. The hub will also connect people to other community resources provided by partners. People without internet access can call 833-492-0094 for help.

Township’s Coronavirus page
The Woodlands Township’s special COVID-19 information page can be found at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/covid19. This page features Montgomery and Harris county Hubs, community resources and updated COVID-19 news from the Federal Government and the CDC. This page also includes the latest news from The Township, updates from partner agencies, social distancing strategies, important links, frequently asked questions, live Twitter feeds and more.

Source: The Woodlands Township

Advertisement

Advertisement
Related Items