April 1, 2020; 6 p.m.

County News
Montgomery County COVID-19 Case Count
Montgomery County Public Health District, in conjunction with Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management, can confirm there are now 110 positive cases of COVID-19, up 17 cases from yesterday. There is some good news to share regarding Case # 1, who has been hospitalized in critical condition since early March. He is improving and is now in fair condition, according to the hospital where he is being treated. As mentioned in an earlier release today, there are confirmed two deaths from the virus. With heavy hearts, we offer our condolences to these families.
 
Details on cases can be found here: https://mcphd-tx.org/coronavirus-covid-19/confirmed-cases/.
 
Harris County COVID-19 Case Count
As of April 1, 2020 (4:00 p.m.), Harris County Public Health (HCPH) has 86 new cases of COVID-19, which brings the total to 389 positive cases, including two deaths. HCPH is also confirming that 74 of our patients have recovered. These new cases do not include those within the City of Houston. Harris County Public Health updates its COVID-19 dashboard daily at 4:00 p.m. For information regarding case counts, quadrant data across Harris County and the latest COVID-19 information, please visit http://hcphtx.org/covid-19.
 
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

• Surgical Masks
• Gloves
• Gowns
• Shoe Covers
• Hair Covers
• Goggles
• N95 Masks
• Full Facial Shields
• Disinfectant Spray
• Clorox/Disinfectant Wipes

Please call 936-523-3907 or 936-523-3916 if you can help! View the full release.
 
Rumor Control
There are a lot of rumors out there. It is important to get your information from reliable sources. Be thoughtful about what you read or hear and make sure to separate rumor from fact. If you are concerned about something you have read online, please contact your local law enforcement or a local government agency to verify the information.

Township News
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. 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.

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 audile 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.

Northshore Park Closure
Due to the Emergency Declarations and Order issued by Governor Abbott, Montgomery County Judge Keough and The Woodlands Township Board of Directors relating to Covid-19, all Township parks and recreation facilities were closed on March 16, 2020.  All park gates were locked with the one exception of the entry gate at Northshore Park.  This gate was not affected as the one boat ramp serving the property owners on the lake is located in Northshore Park.
 
However, a number of individuals are not adhering to the Park Closure Order despite the “Park Closed” signs and frequent warnings and are continuing to violate the Order.  Therefore, for the health and safety of the community we find it necessary to close and lock the entrance gate to Northshore Park until conditions change and the Order is lifted. 
 
We apologize for any inconvenience this may create and we appreciate your understanding and support to enforce the Order and to reinforce the social distancing recommended by county, state, and federal government and all health agencies.
 
National News
The President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America - 30 days to slow the spread
The White House released revised guidelines today—30 days to slow the spread. Listen to and follow the directions of your state and local authorities. Do your part to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Even if you are young, or otherwise healthy, you are at risk and your activities can increase the risk for others. It is critical that you do your part to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Read the updated guidelines.
 
Census Day 2020
 The 2020 Census counts the population in the United States and five U.S. territories. Each home will receive an invitation to respond to a short questionnaire—online, by phone, or by mail. Respond now at 2020census.gov.
 
The census provides critical data that lawmakers, business owners, teachers, and many others use to provide daily services, products, and support for you and your community. Every year, billions of dollars in federal funding go to hospitals, fire departments, schools, roads, and other resources based on census data.
 
The results of the census also determine the number of seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives, and they are used to draw congressional and state legislative districts.
 
State News
Statewide COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has launched a statewide mental health support line to help Texans experiencing anxiety, stress, or other emotional challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This resource offers support for all Texans and can be reached any time day or night at 833-986-1919. 

The line is operated by the Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD, and offers trauma-informed support and psychological first aid to those experiencing mental health symptoms related to COVID-19. Counseling services are confidential and free of charge. 

More information on mental health resources and your local metal health authority can be found on HHSC's website. View the full release.
 
Community Resource Information
The following items were received from the agencies noted.

United Way of Greater Houston Helpline and COVID-19 Recovery Fund
United Way of Greater Houston’s 211 Texas/United Way HELPLINE is our community’s go-to resource in times of disaster and every day. The 211 Texas/United Way HELPLINE is available 24/7 to connect people with food, childcare, transportation, and other critical information and resources. If you or someone you know needs help, dial 211.
 
United Way of Greater Houston and the Greater Houston Community Foundation have launched the Greater Houston COVID-19 Recovery Fund to serve our region’s most vulnerable neighbors impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more and donate to the fund at greaterhoustonrecovery.org.

YMCA Operating as an Essential Personnel Child Care Site
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.
Register online. Financial assistance is available.

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.

• 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 Woodlands Township publishes this update to inform residents and businesses regarding the COVID-19 and its impact on The Woodlands Township. Please sign up for Township news and notifications at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/notifyme.

Interfaith of The Woodlands                The Woodlands Township                  Centers for Disease Control
Montgomery County Food Bank          Montgomery County                          Texas Department of Health
Texas Workforce Commission             Harris County                                     Harris Public Health
                                                            Harris County Constable's Office        Montgomery Public Health
                                                            Montgomery County Sheriff's Office
                                                            Partner Agency Notifications Archive