The Woodlands Township COVID-19 Update, Tuesday, May 19, 2020

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- The Woodlands Township Opening More Facilities: Watch a video as The Woodlands Township Chairman of the Board Gordy Bunch discusses additional re-openings in The Woodlands as Texas moves into Phase 2 of re-opening.

For ongoing updates regarding re-openings in The Woodlands, please visit https://www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/1495/Re-opening-of-The-Woodlands.

Township Director and Public Health Liaison Dr. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs, right, with Village of Creekside Park President Nancy Becker, left, and Landon Reed of Harris County Precinct 4 helped distribute more than 500 full bottles of hand sanitizer at The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park on Tuesday.

Thanks to Harris County Pct. 4 for Hand Sanitizer distribution
On Tuesday, May 19, 2020, Harris County Pct. 4 Commissioner Cagle’s office partnered with The Woodlands Township to bring free hand sanitizer to residents. Bottles of hand sanitizer (32 oz) were distributed at The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park to The Woodlands residents. Special thanks to Whitmeyers Distilling Company in Houston for production of the hand sanitizer and sponsoring the free bottles for distribution. Please note, hand sanitizer is NOT ingestible and is flammable....and for hand sanitizing purposes only.

Board of Directors to Hold Meetings this Week 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 http://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 http://www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/778/Meeting-Videos.

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
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.

State News
Governor Abbott’s Executive Order May 18, 2020

Texas has spent the last several weeks ramping up adequate supplies of PPE and continuing to build and protect hospital capacity.
Over the first half of May, the state doubled the number of all tests administered in March and April combined.
More than 25,000 tests are being administered statewide on a daily basis
More than 600 testing sites throughout the state
7 day rolling average of positive cases still continue to decline and is currently ~5%. On May 17, 2020, the state had fewer hospitalizations than any single day since April 15.
Surge Response Teams still working to stop the spread in nursing homes, jails and meat packing facilities. Surge teams are in Amarillo and the surrounding area addressing the local hot spot that has developed.
Read the full Order for Phase Two Openings and more.

County News
COVID-19 Testing Sites
Three COVID-19 drive-thru testing sites are now open in Walmart parking lots. The sites are supported by Walmart, eTrueNorth and state and local officials to test anyone who meets CDC and state and local guidelines on who should be tested. Those interested in being tested need to visit www.DoINeedaCOVID19test.com to see if eligible for testing and to make an appointment. For more information including dates, times, address and more, please read the press release.

America’s ER was selected and contracted by the Montgomery County Hospital District (MCHD) and the Montgomery County Public Health Department (MCPHD) to provide COVID-19 testing for up to 12,000 Montgomery county residents at America’s ER’s drive-through testing facilities. Please read the press release for more information.

Montgomery County COVID-19 Case Count
Montgomery County Public Health District, in conjunction with Montgomery County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, can confirm the number of ACTIVE cases of COVID-19 has increased to 539 today. That number includes 61 hospitalizations. 291 people have fully recovered. The number of total positive cases has increased 31 since yesterday to 848. With increased testing now available in Montgomery County, we expect this number to continue climbing.
Kroger has announced another testing site from May 31st through June 2nd. View today’s MCPHD press release for more details.

There is also a new partner in the MCHD/MCPHD COVID-19 testing voucher program. Those who wish to be tested can do so at a new location. Woodlands Functional Family Medicine is located at 8000 McBeth Way, Suite 190 in The Woodlands. Residents will have to make an appointment at this location and Lone Star Family Health Center. Appointments are NOT required at America’s ER. See below for more information on testing sites.

Key points of the program:

Vouchers are only for Montgomery County residents.
You may only receive 1 test through the voucher program.
Obtain vouchers by calling 936-523-5040, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Vouchers, if unused, expire in 5 days.
The testing site is solely responsible for notifying you of results.
Test locations for those with symptoms include:

America’s ER Drive-Thru Testing Site @ Woods Edge Community Church
25333 Gosling Rd.
Spring, TX 77389

Lone Star Family Health Center
605 S. Conroe Medical Dr.
Conroe, TX 77304

Woodlands Functional Family Medicine
8000 McBeth Way, Suite 190
The Woodlands, TX 77382

Test locations for those without symptoms:

America’s ER Drive-Thru Testing Site @ Woods Edge Community Church
25333 Gosling Rd.
Spring, TX 77389

Woodlands Functional Family Medicine
8000 McBeth Way, Suite 190
The Woodlands, TX 77382

For questions, please call 936-523-5040.

As previously mentioned, reporting results have merged and will only be reported on the following 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 here 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 76 cases and 77389 has 46 cases.

National News
First Tropical Storm of 2020
Tropical Storm Arthur is the first named storm of 2020, but poses no threat to Texas. While Tropical Storm Arthur will not impact Texas, we are ramping up to the start of Hurricane Season. All residents should get a kit, make a plan and stay informed on tropical weather. Read the ReadyHarris alert for more information on hurricane safety and visit the Township website for the hurricane preparedness checklist.

Coronavirus Testing Basics
You’ve probably heard a lot about coronavirus testing recently. 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.

Township News
Commute with Confidence: A Special Edition Brown Bag Webinar
The Township will be participating in a webinar hosted by the Houston-Galveston Area Council about the status of commuter transportation in the region, sharing what area transportation providers are doing to make the journey safer and what commuters can do to help keep them­selves safe in their plan for a return to work. View the flyer for more information and the registration link.

#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 mailed to:
The Woodlands Township
2801 Technology Forest Blvd.
The Woodlands, Texas 77381

Or submitted online to: covad@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov

Application forms and any other additional requirements for review and submittal can be found on the website: https://www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/148/Application-Forms.

Did You Know?
The Woodlands has 4,445 acres of open space, equating to 38.3 acres of open space per 1,000 residents. Areas like Terramont Park offer rolling hills of grass and trees, making it a perfect spot for picnics, family time or just a relaxing walk in natural splendor.
Around the Township
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
The Woodlands Farmer’s Market is currently closed, but 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.

Open Hotels in The Woodlands
Many of The Woodlands hotel properties are open and ready to welcome you to their location. Get excited for the reopening of The Woodlands Resort on May 20, 2020. Find all the details on the website. 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 online.

Best Western Plus
Candlewood Suites
Drury Inn The Woodlands
Hilton Garden Inn
Hyatt Place
Residence Inn Lakefront Drive
Residence Inn Market Street
Get Creative with New Cooking Ideas from Visit The Woodlands
Have a craving for your favorite restaurants but want to keep social distancing? Challenge your cooking skills or just enjoy some quality family time with these amazing recipes. From salad to dessert, you will find a variety of recipes here.

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: http://thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/1491/Community-Resources.

The 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.

Mosaics of Mercy
Mosaics of Mercy is a non-profit that serves as a hub for resources for mental well-being. The organization stays current on the available mental health resources for our community, including the status of treatment programs, counselors seeing clients through telehealth, and virtual support groups.

More information can be found at www.mosaicsofmercy.com. Help is available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 346-703-0051 for personal assistance navigating resources. There are current resources listed at https://mosaicsofmercy.com/coronavirus/. New episodes of the Hope Pieced Together podcast are released weekly, interviewing local professionals on topics related to mental well-being for this period. https://mosaicsofmercy.com/hope-pieced-together/.

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.

Tracking COVID-19: Local, Regionally, Nationally, Internationally
Below are the widgets for tracking COVID19.

Montgomery County
Texas Counties Statewide
Texas Department of Health and Human Services Case Counts
Global Cases