News

The Woodlands Township COVID-19 Updates June 24

By The Woodlands Township | June 24, 2020

The Woodlands Township shared the following COVID-19 updates on Wednesday, June 24, 2020.

Township News

Board Reiterates CDC Guidelines of Social Distancing and Facial Coverings
With a rapid increase in COVID-19 cases, the Township Board of Directors continues to strongly recommend CDC Guidelines for social distancing and facial coverings while out in public, especially when you will be around other people. Everyone should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store or to pick up other necessities. Everyone should continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing. “Fighting this pandemic requires that we all work together – citizens and our businesses,” Chairman Gordy Bunch said. “We have a responsibility to take care of ourselves and a responsibility to take care of those around us.”

Watch a video about wearing face coverings in The Woodlands.

Township held Regular Board of Directors Meeting Electronically
The Woodlands Township Board of Directors held a Regular Board Meeting via videoconference, tonight, June 24, 2020, at 6 p.m. View agenda. The meeting can be viewed online at https://www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/778/Meeting-Videos.

State News

Governor Abbott Expands Local Authority On Outdoor Gatherings, Increases Safety At Child Care Centers

As COVID-19 cases rise, Governor Greg Abbott has expanded the ability of mayors and county judges to impose restrictions on outdoor gatherings of over 100 people. Previously, this applied only to outdoor gatherings over 500 people. The Governor has also directed the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to enact emergency rules that provide strict health and safety standards and procedures related to COVID-19 for child care centers in Texas. These two actions are based on data showing an increase in COVID-19 transmission stemming from large gatherings and child care centers. Read the full Order.

County News

Message from Montgomery County Hospital CEOs
The Woodlands Township has received the following message from the Montgomery County Hospital CEOs: “We are asking our community and government leaders to help support our local hospitals and health care workers by encouraging mask coverings in all public places, social distancing with limited gathering of people, and proper hand hygiene.”

Montgomery County COVID-19 Case Count increasing dramatically
Montgomery County Public Health District, in conjunction with Montgomery County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, can regrettably confirm two additional deaths related to COVID-19, which brings the total to 36 deaths in the Montgomery County. A man in his 40s from Conroe, and a man in his 70s, also from Conroe, have died. We offer our condolences to their families at this difficult time.

Today, the number of ACTIVE cases of COVID-19 has increased to 724. Of the 724 active cases who are Montgomery County residents, 13 are in the hospital. 1,071 people have fully recovered. The number of total positive cases has increased 94 since Tuesday to 1,831.

Montgomery County has reached an all-time high in ACTIVE cases of COVID-19. To reduce the spread, it is imperative for residents to abide by CDC guidelines. If you do not feel well, stay home. The CDC recommends the following measures when you are in a public place:

Stay at least six feet from others at all times.
Wear a cloth face covering to help protect yourself and others.
Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
Bring hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol to use if soap and water are not available.
For more information on how to protect yourself and others, go to the CDC Prevent Getting Sick webpage.

The MCHD/MCPHD COVID-19 Call Center is open for residents needing COVID-19 testing through the voucher program, or for general questions, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Please call 936-523-5040 for more information.

You can view the list of case-by-case updates on the MCPHD website here: https://mcphd-tx.org/coronavirus-covid-19/confirmed-cases/. You can 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: https://tinyurl.com/tzymvk5. 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 143 confirmed positive cases with 50 active cases, and 77389 has 119 confirmed positive cases with 46 active cases.

Harris County Mask Order and MaskUpHouston
Harris County Judge Hidalgo, joined by Houston Mayor Turner and Bob Harvey of the Greater Houston Partnership, announced on Friday a Harris County Order requiring businesses to have and implement a plan that, at a minimum, requires all individuals (employees or customers) 10 years or older to wear a face covering over the mouth and nose. There will be certain exceptions like while driving, eating or underlying health conditions. A business is subject to a $1,000 fine per violation. The judge and mayor referred to the new policy as, “no shoes, no shirt, no mask — no service.” Read the full release.

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) COVID-19 Testing
Get tested, it’s free! To sign up for testing, visit hcphtx.org or ReadyHarris.org or you can call 832-927-7575. View flyer for more information. Once tested, results from HCPH testing sites can take up to 5 days to process. As you wait for your results, stay home and self-isolate, especially if you are sick, practice social distancing (6 ft/2 m) and wear a face-covering. View flyer for more information on the next steps after you have been tested.

Blood Donations Needed Now

Donate June 15-30, 2020, and pick up a T-shirt as a thank you for helping to save lives.
Visit giveblood.org to schedule your appointment.
The Blood Center is now requiring that donors wear a mask or face covering when at a blood drive. In the case that you do not have one, staff will offer you one.
All successful blood donors will receive a FREE COVID-19 ANTIBODY TEST. (This test is authorized by the FDA only for detecting the presence of antibodies against SARS-Co V-2, and is not intended for diagnosis of COVID-19.)

Free Mental and Emotional Help is Available Now
The COVID-19 Crisis Counseling Program is designed to aid individuals living through the COVID-19 crisis in understanding their reactions, reviewing their options, and connecting with agencies and organizations to assist in improving their situations. Crisis counselors will be able to provide active listening while offering reassurance and practical assistance through psycho-education and emotional support. They will also teach behavioral techniques for coping with stress, anxiety, depression, etc. that may arise during this time. The program is offered FREE of charge to anyone in the community. All age groups are welcome. Get more information on this program now.

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.

View the full update at https://www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/civicalerts.aspx?AID=3117