The Woodlands Township - COVID19 Updates: Thursday, July 2, 2020

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- Governor Issues Statewide Face Covering Requirement, Limits Gatherings
Governor Greg Abbott today issued an Executive Order requiring all Texans to wear a face covering over the nose and mouth in public spaces in counties with 20 or more positive COVID-19 cases, with few exceptions. The Governor also issued a proclamation giving mayors and county judges the ability to impose restrictions on some outdoor gatherings of over 10 people, and making it mandatory that, with certain exceptions, people cannot be in groups larger than 10 and must maintain six feet of social distancing from others.

Additionally, the Governor released a new video message to coincide with his Executive Order, encouraging Texans to do their part to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and keep their communities safe. The video can be downloaded at this link and can also be viewed on YouTube.

View the Governor’s Executive Order. | View the Governor’s Proclamation.

Chairman Bunch Discusses the Importance of Wearing a Face Covering
As the number of cases of COVID-19 continue to increase both in Harris and Montgomery counties, please take a look at the importance of wearing a face covering from Township Chairman Gordy Bunch. Watch the video.

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, is saddened to confirm the 37th death related to COVID-19 in Montgomery County. The man, who was in his 90s from Porter, died in a long-term care facility. We offer our condolences to his family.

Today, the number of ACTIVE cases of COVID-19 has increased to 960 in Montgomery County. The number of TOTAL positive cases has increased by 96 cases since yesterday to 2,353. Of the 960 active cases who are Montgomery County residents, 24 are in the hospital. 1,356 people have fully recovered.

You have the power to keep businesses and restaurants open. This 4th of July holiday weekend, avoid large groups of people. Wear a mask (if it is necessary to be in public), wash your hands or use hand sanitizer frequently, disinfect surfaces in your car and around your home, and practice social distancing. These actions will reduce your chances of contracting COVID-19.

Tomorrow (Friday, July 3, 2020), MCPHD, MCHD and Montgomery County offices will be closed in observance of the Independence Day holiday. The next update will be Monday, July 6, 2020.

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/.

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.

For more information on how to protect yourself and others, go to https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html.

Online Registration for COVID-19 Testing Now Available
Montgomery County Public Health District, in conjunction with Montgomery County Hospital District, would like to announce online registration is now available to receive a voucher for COVID-19 testing through both MCPHD and MCHD. Testing is available for both symptomatic and asymptomatic people who would like to be tested. You must be a Montgomery County resident to be eligible for a voucher; each resident can receive only one voucher.


• STEP ONE: Go to mchd-tx.org or mcphd-tx.org and click on “Need to be tested?”

• STEP TWO: Fill out the information.

• STEP THREE: Check your email for the voucher.

• STEP FOUR: Make an appointment at your testing center of choice based on information you receive in the email.

• STEP FIVE: Get tested! The testing center of your choice will notify you of the result.
For more information, the MCHD/MCPHD COVID-19 Call Center is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Please call 936-523-5040. Read more about online voucher registration.

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 210 confirmed positive cases with 101 active cases, and 77389 has 143 confirmed positive cases with 49 active cases.

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.

Lakes Edge Boat House to Re-Open on July 3, 2020
The Woodlands Township is proud to announce the re-opening of Lakes Edge Boat House beginning Friday, July 3, 2020. The smaller of two boat rental locations owned and operated by The Woodlands Township, the Lakes Edge Boat House has been closed since the initial shutdown of Township facilities in March due to COVID-19. Read more about Lakes Edge.

Fireworks are Prohibited in The Woodlands Neighborhoods
The Woodlands Fire Department and The Woodlands Township remind all residents that The Woodlands Covenants strictly prohibit the sale or use of fireworks and sparklers of any kind in The Woodlands Township neighborhoods. The Woodlands Township is situated in a beautiful forest, and one errant spark could severely damage the community.

To report the sale or use of fireworks, please call The Woodlands Fire Department non-emergency line at 281-362-3900 and inform the dispatcher of the activity and location. In the event of a fire or medical emergency, please call 911.

Around the Township
Township to Present “Drive-In” and Online Fireworks Show to Celebrate America’s Birthday
The Woodlands Fourth of July celebration will take a different look this year due to COVID-19 pandemic, but the fireworks of celebration will continue the tradition of America’s birthday.

The Woodlands Township will offer a “drive-in” and online fireworks display, presented by St. Luke’s Health - The Woodlands Hospital, on Saturday, July 4, 2020. Watch the fireworks show online from the comfort of your home! The show will be streamed live on The Woodlands Township website at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov and www.woodlandsonline.com

The 18-minute show will be launched from the campus of Lone Star College - Montgomery at approximately 9:30 p.m. and will be simulcast on KSTAR Country 99.7 FM with live coverage on The Woodlands Township’s website and Woodlands Online. To listen to the soundtrack live, spectators can download the KSTAR app by searching “KSTAR Country Radio” in the App Store or on Google Play.

Due to COVID-19, the festival locations of The Woodlands Fourth of July activities have been cancelled due to mass gatherings.

Read more about The Woodlands Township’s Drive-in Fireworks Display.

Fireworks are prohibited in The Woodlands neighborhoods
The Woodlands Fire Department and The Woodlands Township remind all residents that The Woodlands Covenants strictly prohibit the sale or use of fireworks and sparklers of any kind in The Woodlands Township neighborhoods. The Woodlands Township is situated in a beautiful forest, and one errant spark could severely damage the community.

To report the sale or use of fireworks, please call The Woodlands Fire Department non-emergency line at 281-362-3900 and inform the dispatcher of the activity and location. In the event of a fire or medical emergency, please call 911.

The Woodlands Town Center Trolleys Resumes Service July 1, 2020
The Woodlands Township will resume full service for the Town Center Trolleys beginning on Wednesday, July 1, 2020. This includes all four trolleys operating the normal route and stops, seven days a week. Current capacity will be limited by half.

Due to COVID-19 safety measures, trolleys will be wiped with disinfection throughout the day and will undergo a thorough disinfection process at the end of each service day. All drivers will be required to wear face coverings. Passengers are also highly encouraged to wear face coverings. View the complete release

Solid waste services not impacted by holiday weekend
The Woodlands Township reminds residents that all solid waste services in the community will occur as usual over the Fourth of July holiday. There will be no interruption or delay of trash, recycling, yard trimmings or Simple Recycling (textiles) services due to the holiday. All services will be provided on regular service days.

Message from the Texas Hotel and Lodging Association:

Governor Abbott Closes Standalone bars, Reduces Restaurant Capacity back to 50 Percent
On June 26, 2020, Governor Abbott amended his executive order affecting the opening of Texas. The June 26 order, GA-28, mandates restaurants shall again return to a maximum 50 percent occupancy capacity effective June 29, 2020. This does apply to hotel restaurants and dining areas.

Additionally, standalone bars or other establishments that derive more than 50 percent of their revenue from the sale of alcoholic beverages are permitted to open only for pickup/to-go service, effective at noon today. While most hotels do not derive more than 50 percent of their revenue from the sale of alcoholic beverages, hotels should take great care and consider reducing bar service to guests seated at a table in a dining area (at no more than 50 percent occupancy), or for to-go service or in-room dining.

Meetings may continue at a maximum 50 percent occupancy capacity, and subject to the physical distancing requirements found in these standards of operation issued by the State of Texas.

General hotel operations for the accommodation of overnight guests may continue at full capacity. Pools and other water features remain at 50 percent maximum occupancy and subject to physical distancing requirements.

Enjoy a Summer Getaway Right Here in The Woodlands
Looking for summer vacation plans due to COVID-19? Stay right here in The Woodlands! Many hotels are offering Summer Staycation and Mid-Week specials. Visit The Woodlands’ new website features special offers for restaurants, hotels in The Woodlands and more. View hotel specials and other offers here.

Visit The Woodlands Launches New Destination Website
Visit The Woodlands is proud to announce the launch of its new, fully redesigned destination website, visitthewoodlands.com. The new website offers the most accurate and up-to-date content for leisure travelers with access to curated trip ideas, upcoming events, special offers, visitors guide and more. The site also features a section designed for meeting planners that includes details on meeting venues in The Woodlands, CVB services, online RFP submission and the official Meeting Planners Guide. View the website here.

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.
Open Hotels in The Woodlands
Westin and Marriott are expected to be opening soon. 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

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

Comcast Extends Free Public Wifi Access
To continue to help keep people connected as the country prepares to reopen, Comcast is extending free access to the 1.5 million public Xfinity WiFi hotspots to anyone who needs them, including non-customers, through the end of 2020. Learn more here.

Township Neighborhood Watch to Host Salute to First Responders Blood Drive
Visit The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park (6464 Creekside Forest Drive) on Monday, July 6, 2020, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. to donate blood. Please consider this opportunity to express your gratitude to our first responders who continue to serve our community and receive a FREE beach towel with your successful donation!

Donors with appointments will be honored first; however, walk-ins will be taken when a station is open. Visit the Gulf Coast website to schedule your appointment.

The Gulf Coast Blood Center will take precautions to ensure your safety and is offering FREE COVID-19 antibody testing for all successful donors. Donors will be required to wear a mask. Participants waiting outside of their vehicle will be required to follow social distance guidelines.

Blood Drives at the YMCA

Donate July 10 and 13, 2020 and pre-register at giveblood.org.
If you are not feeling well or have been exposed to COVID-19 within the last 14 days, we ask you to please do not try to donate.
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.)

July 10, 2020 | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Woodlands Family YMCA at Shadowbend
6145 Shadowbend Place, The Woodlands, TX 77381
Schedule Your Appointment

July 13, 2020 | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Woodlands Family YMCA at Shadowbend
6145 Shadowbend Place, The Woodlands, TX 77381
Schedule Your Appointment

July 13, 2020 | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.The Woodlands Family YMCA at Branch Crossing
8100 Ashlane Way, The Woodlands, TX 77382
Schedule Your Appointment


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.