Thursday, April 23, 2020, 5 p.m.

Township News

Township to Open Tennis Courts within Social Distancing Limits
The Woodlands Township Board of Directors has approved the opening of tennis courts in the Township beginning Friday, April 24, 2020.

Chairman Bunch said The Woodlands Township Board of Directors are meeting weekly to determine how to open the Township facilities for residents and other needs of the town.

“This is the first step in moving forward to open The Woodlands facilities,” said Township Chairman Gordy Bunch. “We’re closely following the guidelines set forth at the national, state and county levels. As we open facilities, we strongly encourage to our residents to use sound judgment of protecting yourself, practicing good hygiene, and respecting fellow residents.”

The opening of the courts will be done in compliance with social distancing guidelines by removing nets on courts next to each other to keep participant numbers to a minimum. Tennis courts with a two-court system will have one net removed, while three-court systems will have the center net removed. At this time, no programs or court reservations will be offered.

As a reminder to residents, all trails and pathways are open to residents to enjoy the outdoors and get exercise, and doing so should be done according to CDC guidelines for social distancing.

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors Holds Videoconference Meeting
The Woodlands Township Board of Directors held a videoconference meeting on Wednesday, April 22, 2020. The Board discussed a variety of matters related to COVID-19 including the plans for phased re-opening as laid out by the White House and Governor Greg Abbott, nonprofit needs in the community, new additions to the Help Our Heroes initiative, efforts to reopen Parks and Recreation services and more. The meeting video is available for viewing online. The news release and presentation links can be found here.

Also at the meeting, the Board approved sending a letter to both Montgomery and Harris County Public Health Districts to request a modification to how both health districts report positive COVID-19 cases. The modification suggests reporting positive cases on the date the test was administered rather than on the date the results are reported to the health districts from the confirming laboratory. Please see letters here: Montgomery | Harris

Township Board Opposes Mandatory Face Covers
The Woodlands Township Board of Directors gave approval to Chairman Gordy Bunch to send a letter opposing the Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo’s Order regarding mandatory face cover. A fine of $1,000 for non-compliance is in the Order. The Woodlands residents who live in the Village of Creekside Park, which is located in Harris County, are under this Order. Please see letter here.

#Township Together
The Woodlands Township would like to call on residents to share any images of inspiration with the community. Township Director John Anthony Brown introduced the concept at the last Board of Directors meeting. “We hear so much negative news that I really would like an avenue for our residents to submit their creative thoughts to The Woodlands Township,” he said. These can be a photo of something seen in the neighborhood, a family project or anything with a positive message. These will be shared through the Township email updates, social media channels and on The Woodlands Township website here.

Help Our Heroes Expands to Aid Healthcare Workers
The Woodlands Township Board of Directors recently launched the Help Our Heroes campaign to collect crucial Personal Protection Equipment (PPEs) supplies for local first responders and hospitals. Thanks to the generous donations of residents like you, the Township has collected a variety of supplies that number into the thousands for local heroes.

Additionally, as of April 23, 2020, Help Our Heroes has expanded to help our heroes personally as well as professionally. Many times, because of shift work, first responders and healthcare professionals cannot get to the store to buy supplies for their homes and families. The Woodlands Township has incorporated a program called “Adopt a Healthcare Worker” program to provide those supplies.

Donations will be accepted over the next two collection dates of Monday, April 27, 2020, and Thursday, April 30, 2020, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at The Woodlands Fire Department Central Fire Station, 9951 Grogan’s Mill Road, 77380. Both programs conclude on Thursday, April 30, 2020. Please visit https://www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/1489/HELP-OUR-HEROES for more information.

Today's County News

Mobile Testing Site Coming to Montgomery County
Montgomery County will have a mobile COVID-19 Testing Site on Monday, April 27 from 9AM-6PM. Tests will be conducted by appointment only at 19115 David Memorial Dr. Shenandoah, TX 77385. To register for an appointment visit www.txcovidtest.org or call 512- 883-2400. See informational flyer.

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 8^th death related to COVID-19 in Montgomery County. The man was a resident of The Woodlands, who was in his 80s. We offer our condolences to his family.

We can also confirm there are now 467 total positive cases of COVID-19, up 27 cases from yesterday. It’s important to note, the statewide stay-at-home order remains in effect.

Details on individual cases can be found here: https://mcphd-tx.org/coronavirus-covid-19/confirmed-cases/.

Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management updates a dashboard for the cases here: https://coronavirus-response-moco.hub.arcgis.com/.

Montgomery County COVID-19 April 23 Update

Harris County COVID-19 Case Count
As of April 23, 2020 (4:00 p.m.), Harris County Public Health (HCPH) has 48 new cases of COVID-19, which brings the total to 2,284 positive cases. HCPH is also confirming that 1,037 of its patients have recovered. There have been 48 total deaths of COVID-19 in Harris County. None of these numbers include the City of Houston. A full description of the numbers can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/tzymvk5

Cases by zip code in Harris County can be found here 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 34 cases and 77389 has 30 cases.

Harris County Simplified COVID-19 Assessment Tool for Testing
Harris County Public Health (HCPH) will revamp its COVID-19 online self-assessment tool to streamline the COVID-19 testing process. The online tool can be found at: www.readyharris.org or www.hcphtx.org (or https://covidcheck.hctx.net).

The updated version will include scheduling options for individuals to choose the testing time that best fits their schedule. Once an individual completes the self-assessment tool, they will receive a unique identification code, an appointment time, and instructions about where to go for drive-thru testing and what items to bring with them. Testing is free for the public, including those who live in surrounding counties, and anyone can get tested regardless of citizenship status. The tool will be available starting Thursday, April 23, 2020. Learn more about the assessment tool here.

Residents of Harris County Must Wear Masks
Harris County Judge Hidalgo is issued a 30-day order starting April 27, 2020, requiring individuals over the age of 10 to wear a face covering when in public. The order will make exception for those with health or mental health issues that would be complicated by wearing a face covering and for individuals while exercising outdoors alone, eating and driving. There is a fine associated with enforcement of violating the order of up to $1,000. The official order can be found online.

Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough Will Not Mandate Masks
Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough announced this afternoon that he will not be mandating the citizens of Montgomery County to wear masks while out in public.
Please continue to practice good hygiene, keeping hands clean, staying home when sick, and avoiding others who are sick and proper social distancing as recommended by the CDC. View the judge’s complete statement.

State and National News

Texas has opened a new portal, www.workintexas.com, for individuals looking for job openings.

Fraud and Scams Alert
Please be on the lookout for frauds and scams related to Personal Protection Equipment (PPE). The FBI has released specific tips with regards to protecting yourself and your business from these types of scams.

Around the Township

Experience The Woodlands with Safe Social Distancing
Looking to try new restaurants or shops while social distancing? Save this passport to your phone and check off these "destinations" as you support dining and shopping options in The Woodlands. You can visit these destinations by making purchases from local stores and ordering from area restaurants. Post your progress to encourage your friends and neighbors to participate. Snap photos of your food and purchases and be sure to share them on social media, tagging the business and using #SoWoodlands.

Virtual Puzzles from Visit The Woodlands
Visit The Woodlands has created a few virtual puzzles to help you to pass the time. Take a look and challenge your friends and family to see who can get the best time! Is there a Woodlands scene that you'd like to see be made into a puzzle? Let us know!

Gardening with Children: Easy Strategies During Social Distancing
With the extra time created by social distancing, gardening is an activity that children of all ages can enjoy. Here are a few tips to get you started with minimal supplies and minimal cost.

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.

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 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.

Hotlines for Health Questions and COVID-19
Montgomery County: 936-523-5040
Harris County: 713-634-1110
Statewide Mental Health Support Line: 833-986-1919

Free Self-Screening Tool for COVID-19
Visit the self-screening tool on the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

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

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.

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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

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