The Woodlands Township COVID-19 Update, Friday, June 12, 2020

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- Fox News Reporter Chelsea Edwards visited with Township Chairman Gordy Bunch at Riva Row Boat House where they rode water bikes and swans on The Woodlands Waterway. The story is available online.

Drive-in COVID-19 Testing at Rob Fleming Aquatic Center This Week
As our community continues to reopen, it’s important to get tested for COVID-19 if you feel like you’ve been exposed. Drive through testing is being conducted at the Rob Fleming Aquatic Center in the Village of Creekside Park, 6535 Creekside Forest Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77389, through Saturday, June 13, 2020, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please obtain a code at www.readyharris.org.

All Harris County Public Health COVID-19 tests are FREE, no IDs are required. Simply complete the online screening here https://covidcheck.hctx.net/ to schedule your test. Please call 832-927-7575 if you don’t have access to the online tool. The process is simple, safe and secure.

Seven Township Pools are Now Open
Pool season is under way at seven pools in The Woodlands, and season pool passes and lower daily rates apply this summer. Season passes are valid for entry into all open pools unless capacity has been met for the day, according to State of Texas orders. Rigid safety procedures have been put into place as well as capacity limits. Please be aware that having a pool pass does not supersede daily admission when addressing capacity limits at the pools. Pro-rations and refunds will not be issued due to the limited number of pools and/or state or other guidelines that may require pools to be closed. Please see more information here.

Township Spraygrounds are Now Open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The Woodlands Township’s spraygrounds are now open for the 2020 season. The Township has five spraygrounds, also called splash pads, which are open for the season, from June 3 through October 31, 2020, operating 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. May Valley Sprayground is pictured above.

Spraygrounds combine the fun of water play for children without the danger of standing water. All spraygrounds utilize sanitized, chemically-treated water that is tested and monitored daily. The park amenities are not sanitized and residents are asked to respectfully follow all posted rules for their safety. Learn more about spraygrounds for cool summer fun.

New Parks and Pathways GIS Map
The new and improved Interactive Parks and Pathways GIS Map has arrived! Quickly find a park, pool or sprayground, specify a search distance to find a park near your location, find your location on the map and much more. Visit the new map on The Woodlands website or on TheWoodlands311 app.

County News
Harris County Announces New COVID-19 Public Threat Level System Tool
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner announced a new Harris County COVID-19 public threat assessment tool.

Similar to other threat assessment tools, the system has color-coded 'levels,' each providing guidance to the ability of public health to address virus spread and recommended levels of activity individuals should have. The system has four levels: 1-Severe, Stay Home, Work Safe (Red); 2-Significant, Minimize All Contacts (Orange); 3-Moderate, Stay Vigilant (Yellow) and 4-Minimal, Resume Normal Contacts (Green).

Harris County is at Level 2, Significant (Orange). The Woodlands residents in the Village of Creekside Park reside in Harris County.

Montgomery County COVID-19 Case Count
Montgomery County Public Health District, in conjunction with Montgomery County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, confirms the number of ACTIVE cases of COVID-19 has increased to 479 today. That number includes 10 hospitalizations of Montgomery County residents. 747 people have fully recovered. The number of total positive cases has increased 61 since yesterday to 1,258.
Hospitals in the region are seeing an increase in COVID-19 patients, so it is imperative for Montgomery County residents to continue abiding by CDC guidelines when in public places. If you do not feel well, stay home. The CDC recommends the following measures when you are in a public place:

Stay at least 6 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.

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 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 111 confirmed positive cases with 40 active cases, and 77389 has 84 confirmed positive cases with 32 active cases.

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 on getting tested. Once you are 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.

Township Summer Programs Now Available
The Woodlands Township is pleased to re-open a number of summer programs for the community to enjoy. Given the unprecedented situation surrounding COVID-19, summer programs have been adjusted to better serve the community in a safer manner. To learn more about summer camps, swimming lessons, adult programs, sports leagues and more, please see the Summer 2020 Action Guide online at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/actionguide. Registration for summer programs is available now!

Re-Opening of The Woodlands
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.

#Township Together
During the past few months of the COVID-19 pandemic, residents have shared a number of examples of inspiration seen throughout the community. Some are chalk drawings on sidewalks, banners, signs of thanks, painted rocks and many other creations. These can be viewed on The Woodlands Township website. If you’ve found something inspirational, please share by sending your photo to TownshipTogether@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

Sawdust Park and Ride Facility Resumes Partial Service
The Woodlands Township has begun partial service for The Woodlands Express from the Sawdust Park and Ride location. Reduced service from the Research Forest Park and Ride will continue. Sterling Ridge Park and Ride location will remain temporarily closed.

Future announcements will be made if additional schedule adjustments are implemented.

Please visit our Twitter page at https://twitter.com/TownshipTransit for the latest service updates. For schedules, route maps and ticketing information visit www.woodlandstransit.com or call 281-210-3800 and ask for the Transportation Department.

National News
Tips from FEMA: Preparing Your Pets for Emergencies
As communities around the country follow stay-at-home orders and social distancing guidelines to help slow the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), many people may have welcomed new pets into their homes. While enjoying quality time with your pets, we encourage you to prepare by considering your pet in your emergency planning. To learn more about pet preparedness and find tips and tools for both pet and large animal owners, please visit https://www.ready.gov/pets.

Around the Township
Outdoor Dining
Ready to be out and about? Check out the great outdoor options that The Woodlands has for you and enjoy an evening out.

Open Hotels in The Woodlands
Many of The Woodlands hotel properties are open and ready to welcome you to their location. The Courtyard The Woodlands will be re-opening their doors on June 15, 2020. Be sure to stay up to date by viewing Visit The Woodlands.

Best Western Plus | Candlewood Suites | Drury Inn The Woodlands | Embassy Suites |

Fairfield Inn and Suites | Hilton Garden Inn | Hyatt Place | Residence Inn Lakefront Drive | Residence Inn Market Street | The Woodlands Resort

The Woodlands Farmer’s Market
The Woodlands Farmer’s Market is open Saturdays 8 a.m. to noon, located at 7 Switchbud Pl, 77380. The market is continuing to open in phases and is now expanding to 40 spots for vendors. Please visit their website, Facebook page or sign up for their newsletter for more information on safe practices when visiting the market.
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

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.

Stay Connected
Please stay connected to The Woodlands Township through our many communications channels. Learn more and sign up at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/stayinformed.