District F Coronavirus Update (Community Input Meetings, Stay Home-Work Safe Order Extended To April 30th, Schools Closed Through May 4th)

• The protocols direct all Texans to minimize non-essential gatherings and in-person contact with people who are not in the same household.
• The Governor’s Executive Order renews and amends his previous order enforcing federal social distancing guidelines for COVID-19, including closing schools and instructing Texans to avoid eating or drinking at bars and restaurants through April 30th.
  • Schools will remain closed through May 4th.
• The protocols allow exceptions for essential activities and services based on the Department of Homeland Security’s guidelines on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce. Examples of these essential services include healthcare, grocery stores, banking and financial services, utilities, child care for essential service employees, and government services.
  • Churches are considered essential and are allowed to conduct services. Churches are still encouraged to continue offering services online as well, to blunt the sread of the coronavirus.  Congregants are also to continue practicing social distancing by maintaining 6ft of distance. 

• The Stay Home-Work Safe order will be extended through April 30th.
  • Our current social distancing measures are working, but public health experts expect the peak of the outbreak will end in about 4 weeks.  If we do not continue practicing social distancing, the peak would be pushed out to 8 weeks.
• During this Stay Home order, Harris County will be releasing non-violent offenders from county jail.
  • A case of COVID-19 was recently confirmed among the inmate population.  Another 12 are experiencing symptoms.
  • This is not a free pass.  The offenders will still face a judge and, if found guilty, will face justice.
  • Offenders charged with violent crimes (or who have a violent history), burglary, and DUI will not be released.

• Please call the Health Department’s COVID-19 call center at (832) 393-4220 to be screened and directed to the testing site.
• As of 03/31, there were an additional 68 positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the City’s total to 377.*
  • a 4th death has been recorded

Here were some of the notable Agenda items passed:

• Item #5 – Approval of Emergency Purchase of Liquid Hand Sanitizer – $64,000
  • In response to the shortage of FDA approved hand sanitizers to address the COVID-19 pandemic throughout the City of Houston
  • Hand sanitizers will be distributed to all major City facilities, outreach stations, and anywhere they are needed
  • The City will set up hand washing stations throughout the City
• Item #9 – Approval of Creation of a “COVID-19 Disaster Fund”; establishing the sources and uses of the funds therein to aid in the response to the public health emergency pertaining to COVID-19
• Item #10 – Approval of an amount not to exceed $5,000,000 out of Budget Stabilization Fund and approval of said amount to the COVID-19 Disaster Fund for expenditures related to the Public Health Emergency Response efforts for COVID-19
  • Additional funds are needed to assist with expenditures related to the COVID-19 disaster, including managing, controlling and reducing threats, emergency medical care, medical sheltering, purchase and distribution of emergency consumables, movement of supplies and persons security and law enforcement, communication of general health and safety information, and reimbursement of force account overtime costs.
  • While this funding is expected to be refunded up to 75% by FEMA, the timing of the reimbursement is uncertain.
• Items #11 & 12 – Approval and authorization of Lease Agreement between 290 Northwest INC and Hazari, LLC as Landlords and the City of Houston as Tenant, for hotel space of 186 guest rooms and associated common space
  • To provide adequate shelter and quarantine sites, and to accommodate those in need of self-quarantine, making various findings and provisions relating to the subject and declaring an emergency
• Item #16 – Approval of Subrecipient Agreement between City of Houston and Local Initiatives Support Corporation to provide $1,490,395 in Hurricane Harvey Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Funds (CDBG-DR17) for the administration and operation of a Jobs Initiative Program to provide employment and training opportunities to low and moderate income persons
  • to address skills gaps that were created as a result of Harvey
  • will include one-on-one coaching to help clients navigate training opportunities, create resumes, and apply for jobs

Beginning Monday, March 30, METRO is making more adjustments to its bus and rail schedules to continue to provide the highest level of service possible. The modified schedule will maintain service throughout the region with some possible delays.  All Park & Ride routes, except those serving the Texas Medical Center, are suspended.