The Woodlands COVID-19 Updates: Friday, June 19, 2020

THE WOODLANDS, TX --The Woodlands Township Board of Directors met Thursday, June 18, 2020 to discuss Township matters. Among the items of approval will be to accept field/pavilion permits and third party special event permit application for events under 500 people and a revised pool schedule will be effective starting Monday, June 22, 2020.

The Board discussed the impacts of COVID-19 and Chairman Gordy Bunch presented an overview of hospital capacity in The Woodlands. “We know that positive tests will continue to increase as many more people are being tested, but our hospitals indicate we are in good condition at this point in time,” Chairman Bunch said. “With that being said, we still urge our residents to practice good hygiene, wear a face covering when applicable, and practice social distancing.”

The Board also recognized The Woodlands Township Parks and Recreation Department for winning the National Recreation and Park Association 2020 Innovation in Conservation Award. The Board of Directors also issued a proclamation in support of diversity in The Woodlands and healing for the nation, proclaimed June 23, 2020 as International Widows Day and the month of July as Parks and Recreation month in The Woodlands, Texas. Please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov to view the entire meeting.

Testing Sites
Mobile Testing for COVID-19 in Sterling Ridge
A mobile testing site will be coming to the Sterling Ridge Park and Ride, located at 8001 McBeth Way in The Woodlands, TX, 77382, today, June 18 through June 21, 2020, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. This testing site is free, but an appointment is needed. An appointment can be made by calling 512-883-2400 or completed online at txcovidtest.org.

Mobile Testing for COVID-19 in Conroe
Kroger will be sponsoring a free testing site at The Montgomery County Fair Grounds, located at 9333 Airport Road in Conroe, TX 77303, June 22 to June 24, 2020, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Kroger asks that registration be completed online to expedite the testing process at www.krogerhealth.com/covidtesting, but if you are unable to register online, Kroger will be able to register you on site.

County News
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 604 today. That number includes 15 hospitalizations of Montgomery County residents. 917 people have fully recovered. The number of total positive cases has increased 71 since yesterday to 1,555. We can also regrettably confirm the 34th death related to COVID-19. A woman in her 50s, from Conroe, died in the hospital. We offer our condolences to her family.

Today is the largest one-day increase in positive COVID-19 tests that we have experienced in Montgomery County since the beginning of the pandemic. 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.

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 132 confirmed positive cases with 49 active cases, and 77389 has 111 confirmed positive cases with 44 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, just announced a new 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.'

The order begins Monday with fine enforcement starting five days after the order goes into effect. The judge stressed that the county is looking to educate first and is seeking additional guidance from the state on how the fines may be enforced. As of now, the order will only be in effect for about eight days as it is tied to the county’s disaster proclamation. The judge will be seeking an extension of the county’s disaster proclamation and mask order from the Harris County Commissioners Court. 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.

State News
The state has noted an increase in positive tests in those under 30. The Governor recently indicated it is suspected this age group is visiting bars and interacting in more group settings than others. As such, the Texas Alcohol and Beverage Control has indicated to licensees that a violation of current guidelines will result in a 30-day suspension of a liquor license and a second violation will result in a 60-day suspension of a liquor license.

The Governor and his team continued to reiterate the need to practice good health practices like wearing masks, maintaining good hand hygiene, social distancing and remaining home when possible.

Around the Township
Blood Donations Needed Now|Donate June 15-30, 2020, and pick up a T-shirt as a thank you for helping us save lives. Visit giveblood.org to schedule your appointment. Since 1 in 20 people donate, only 5% of the population is saving lives. Here’s your chance to be part of the 5%.

BE A HERO! CHANGE SOMEONE’S LIFE.

The Woodlands Family YMCA at Branch Crossing (click link to schedule appointment)
Friday, June 19, 2020 | 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
8100 Ashlane Way | The Woodlands, TX 77382 | Donor Coach

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.)

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.


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.

Alden Bridge Pool
Alden Bridge Pool was temporarily closed on June 17, 2020, due to an employee testing positive for COVID-19. The pool was closed for cleaning and disinfecting and to provide proper notification to all who may have been in contact with the employee. Once all sanitation is complete, the pool will re-open. Expected timeframe for reopening is Thursday, June 18, 2020. Updates can be found on the Parks and Rec Facebook page @townshipparksandrec.

#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.