News

The Woodlands Township COVID-19 Update March 31

By The Woodlands Township | March 31, 2020

On Tuesday, March 31 at 6 p.m., The Woodlands Township shared the following updates regarding the COVID-19 crisis.

Hotlines for health questions and COVID-19
Montgomery County: 936-523-5040
Harris County: 713-634-1110

State News

New Executive Order, Statewide Essential Services And Activities Protocols for Texas
Governor Greg Abbott today issued an Executive Order implementing Essential Services and Activities Protocols for the entire state of Texas. 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. View the official order issued by the Governor’s Office.

The Governor announced that Texas schools will remain closed until Monday May 4, 2020.
The Governor extended his executive order on essential services and essential activities until April 30, 2020, in line with the President’s extension of federal guidelines for social distancing. Texans are to limit personal interactions and activities only to essential activities. Essential services are those previously defined by the US Department of Homeland Security. Details can be found at www.tdem.texas.gov/essentialservices.

As of noon today, Texas has:

Tested 42,922 individuals for COVID-19
3,266 positive COVID-19 results
122 counties have positive cases
41 fatalities connected to COVID-19
Less than 10% of individuals that are tested test positive. Of those with positive results, about 11% require hospitalization.

County News

Montgomery County COVID-19 Case Count
Montgomery County Public Health District, in conjunction with Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management, can confirm Montgomery County now has 93 positive cases of COVID-19, an increase of 12 from yesterday. The County office also announces 3 additional recoveries. These can be viewed on the updated case list below.

This is just a reminder that moving forward, Montgomery County will update cases here: https://mcphd-tx.org/coronavirus-covid-19/confirmed-cases/.

Harris County COVID-19 Case Count
As of March 31, 2020 (4:00 p.m.), Harris County Public Health (HCPH) has 49 new cases of COVID-19, which brings the total to 303 positive cases, including two deaths. HCPH is also confirming that 61 patients have recovered. These new cases do not include those within the City of Houston. Harris County Public Health keeps an ongoing list of case statuses on its website. For the complete list of Harris County confirmed case information with status details, please visit https://www.hcphtx.org/Resources/2019-Novel-Coronavirus/Harris-County-COVID-19-Confirmed-Cases.

In addition, Harris County Judge Lena Hidalgo and Houston Mayor Turner held a joint press conference today, March 31, 2020, announcing the extension of the Harris County “Stay Home Work Safe” order until 11:59 p.m. on April 30, 2020.

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

Montgomery County Judge Keough Issues Stay Home, Stop the Spread
Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough issued a stay home order on Friday, March 27, 2020. The order will take effect for residents of Montgomery County at 11:59 p.m. and expire on April 12, 2020. The order stipulates that most businesses cease operations, aside from those on an essential list including grocery stores, pharmacies, healthcare providers, government agencies, gas stations and more. The order also instructs residents of Montgomery County to stay home except for essential errands. A curfew will be in place throughout all of Montgomery County, starting at 11:59 p.m. every night and ending at 6 a.m. Read the complete Montgomery County order.

Township News

The Township Board of Directors urges residents to continue social distancing and proper hygiene and cleaning with diligence in the both Montgomery and Harris County orders of Stay at Home. “The numbers are still pretty unpredictable and will be over the next several days,” said Township Chairman Gordy Bunch. “While I know it’s extremely difficult environment we’re in, we hope to continue to see progress and all of us thank The Woodlands residents who are helping to flatten the curve of this very dangerous virus.”

Special Board of Directors meeting
The Woodlands Township Board of Directors will hold a Special Board of Directors Meeting via videoconference this Thursday, April 2, 2020 with a scheduled time to begin at 6 p.m. Central Daylight Time. The meeting can be viewed online at https://bit.ly/2tp2BL9. View the agenda.

During the April 2, 2020, videoconference special Board meeting, members of the public may provide public comment by calling 877-853-5247 (toll-free), then enter ID 530 613 342 #. Calls will be taken in the order the calls are received and only during the “public comment” agenda item. This phone number is active only for the April 2, 2020 Board meeting. New phone numbers will be issued for each future meeting during the public health pandemic emergency.

Residential Design Review and Development Standards Committees meetings
Development Standards Committee Meetings during the COVID-19 public health emergency will be held via videoconference and can be viewed online at https://www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/778/Meeting-Videos. Members of the public may provide public comment by calling the toll-free number listed, then enter the ID #, both of which are posted at the bottom of the agenda. Read the full press release.

The Conservatory at Alden Bridge shelter-in-place
Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough, in consultation with Montgomery County Public Health District, has issued an Immediate Shelter-in-Place order for The Conservatory at Alden Bridge on Monday, March 30, 2020. No one shall enter or exit the address or individual living units at this address: 6203 Alden Bridge Dr. The Woodlands, TX 77382. Read the full update.

Guidelines for Social Distancing on the Pathways
For pedestrians using the pathways, please remain a minimum of 6 feet apart. Be sure to stay to the right, watch for other pathway users, be especially alert when running and listen for audible signals and allow faster pathway users to pass freely.

For bicyclists using the pathways, please give audible warnings when passing pathway users, ride at a safe speed, helmets are recommended and be sure to ride straight ahead.

For rollerbladers on pathways, blade at a safe speed, helmets and protective gear are recommended, blade straight ahead and listen for audible warnings and allow faster pathway users to pass freely.

Help Keep Our Garbage and Recycling Truck Drivers Safe
The Woodlands Township asks for your assistance in helping to keep our garbage and recycling truck drivers safe. Please help prevent truck fires and protect the environment by not placing hazardous waste in your garbage or recycling. Waste Management has reported an increase in truck fires due to hazardous waste being put into trash carts. Batteries, chemicals, motor oils, and propane tanks should be kept out of your recycle, trash, and green waste. These items require special handling at a household hazardous waste facility. Currently those facilities are closed. Please hold onto these items until they reopen.

If you need to report a missed pick up, schedule a bulk pickup or submit another request, please contact Waste Management at 1-800-800-5804 or email cssatex@wm.com.

Waste Management continues to provide weekly curbside services according to your designated service day. Due to an increase in volume, pick up times may vary from your previous pick up time, however, trucks are operating from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. We anticipate that disruptions in service may be inevitable if and when local, state or federal declarations mandate additional operational restrictions.

Simple Recycling (textile recycling using an orange bag) has been suspended until further notice. Please hold onto items you may have used for this service until a later date.

Community Resource Information

The following items were received from the agencies noted.

YMCA operating as an Essential Personnel Child Care Site in response to the COVID-19 crisis
Located at 6145 Shadowbend Place, The Y is providing a full day of programming, snack and meals for the children of “essential personnel,” including medical workers; first responders; select government staff; and grocery store, pharmacy and food distributor employees.

Children, ages 1 – 12 years old are eligible to register. The program runs Monday-Friday, 6:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. and features games, arts and crafts, STEAM and literacy activities.

Food Banks
Local food banks are inventorying their resources to ascertain what will be needed in the days to come. Many Township residents have expressed a desire to volunteer or donate; please see the information below regarding those needs.

Interfaith of The Woodlands remains open to meet the basic needs in South Montgomery County, including Senior Grocery Delivery, Crisis Assistance Services and Food Pantry Assistance. Hours are Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Curbside services are by phone at 281-367-1230. Donations are being accepted. Please read on to learn how you can lend support to Interfaith.
Montgomery County Food Bank is conducting a virtual food drive. Please read on to learn how you can help.
Meals on Wheels has coordinated a food drive to stock the shelves. A system in place to deliver supplies to the most at-risk neighbors, but they need your help to provide the food… because no one deserves to have an empty pantry, especially at times like this. During these times of uncertainty, food insecurity is at an all-time high. An increasing number of seniors are becoming homebound, as the fear of going out and being exposed to COVID-19 continues. Join the virtual food drive.
Community Assistance Center Serving Montgomery County is currently providing assistance to residents of Montgomery County with financial assistance for utilities, pre-packaged bags of groceries during Wednesday Markets and is accepting donations. For more information view the flyer.

Grocery Store Special Hours

ALDI: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Costco: Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Fiesta Mart: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
HEB: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Delivery to seniors (60+) is available through partner, Favor Delivery. Phone orders are accepted 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., seven days a week by calling 1-833-397-0080. This service is free until April 19, 2020 but will include a $10 tip to the Favor Runner who will shop for and deliver the items.
Kroger: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sam’s Club: Monday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Open Tuesday and Thursday 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and concierge curbside service available for seniors 65+.
Target: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Tuesday and Wednesday 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. priority is given to 65+, pregnant and those in at-risk conditions.
Trader Joe’s: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Wal-Mart: 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Open Tuesdays from 6 to 7 a.m. for seniors 65+.
Whole Foods: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Shoppers 60+ can begin shopping at 7 a.m.

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 now 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. Please check back often as it is updated frequently.

Source: The Woodlands Township