As news about the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues to develop, the City of League City is actively monitoring the situation and taking the proper precautions to limit the spread of illness. In order to ensure the safety and well-being of staff and residents, the City will be joining county and school district initiatives by limiting large, City-sponsored gatherings and limiting access to City facilities and buildings. The City will continue to assess the situation daily, and follow guidance provided by the CDC. We will update residents regularly about future closures and impacts to the community through the City’s website and social media pages.
LOCAL DISASTER DECLARATION
On Tuesday, March 24, the League City Council approved the 21 day extension of a local disaster declaration issued earlier in the month by League City Mayor Pat Hallisey. Council members voted to amend the local disaster declaration to include language that mandates the closure of bars, taverns, nightclubs and lounges located within League City as well as gyms and fitness centers, game rooms, arcades, hair and nail salons, massage establishments, and tattoo parlors. The amended language also mandates that restaurants and establishments that serve food shall only sell food and drink for off-site consumption and that organizers of social events in the City with more than 10 people shall cancel, postpone, or hold such events virtually. Council voted to add language to the declaration that excludes religious and worship services from being considered as social events. Click here to see the amendments to the local disaster declaration
Also added was a clause that allows residents to be fined up to $2,000 for violating the orders issued in the local declaration as well as a provision that requires residents to place all trash and recycling in a bag before placing it in a garbage receptacle, trash can, or recycle bin. This will ensure workers are protected from direct contact from trash and waste during the collection process. Clear or white bags are to be used for recycling. Starting the week of March 30, no loose items in bins will be picked up.
Galveston County STAY AT HOME ORDER
On March 23, the mayors of Galveston County’s 13 cities, including League City Mayor Pat Hallisey, signed an order issued by Galveston County Judge Mark Henry requiring all Galveston County residents, including those that reside in League City, to remain at their place of residence unless engaged in essential activities or business.. The stay-at-home order takes effect at 11:59 p.m. March 24, 2020 and continues until 11:59 p.m. on April 3, 2020. For more information on the stay at home order, click here
Executive order from Governor
On Thursday, March 19, Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared a public health disaster and issued an executive order requesting citizens statewide to avoid all bars, gyms, and restaurant dining rooms as well as social gatherings of more than 10 people Restaurants are still allowed to offer to-go, take-out, and delivery options. The governor is also allowing restaurants that possess a mixed beverage permit to sell beer, wine or mixed drinks with any food purchase. The executive order began at midnight on Friday, March 20, and will end on April 3. To read the governor’s executive order, click here.
Current City Closures, Cancelations, and Postponements
City Hall and City Hall Annex
Public access to both facilities has been limited. Signs posted at each facility direct visitors to phone numbers of various departments. Staff from all departments will continue to be available to provide services and answer questions over the phone and through email, as well as accept payments for utility bills, Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Friday 7:30 a.m. till noon. The City is encouraging online payments of utility bills and the use of the 24 hour drive-thru drop box located between City Hall and the Civic Center. Learn about online bill pay here.
Public Safety Building
The building will continue to remain open at this time, but residents are encouraged to use online services when possible including requesting a copy of a police or accident report. To access a full list of LCPD online services, click here.
Hometown Heroes
Hometown Heroes Park will be closed and all programming will be suspended until further notice. This includes recreational classes and sporting events.
Chester L. Davis Sportsplex
The sportsplex is currently closed until further notice.
Helen Hall Library
The library will be closed to the public as of 6 p.m. Thursday, March 19. Books can be returned at the available 24 hour drop-off located outside of the library building. Overdue fines have been waived.
Facility Rentals
Facility rentals will be canceled/rescheduled.
Big League Dreams
The facility is closed until further notice.
All Other City Parks
City parks and trails(except for the Davis Sportsplex and Hometown Heroes Park Recreation Building) continue to remain open. If you choose to visit, continue to practice social distancing and remain six feet away from members outside of your own household. Avoid playing group sports such as soccer, basketball, baseball, etc.
Events and Meetings
Special meetings and events hosted by the City will be canceled or postponed until after May 4.
This includes the following:
- Household Hazardous Waste Event
- Community Garage Sale
- Grand Opening of Fire Station #6
- Walk for Wellness
- League City Egg Scramble
- League City Hiring Expo
- 2nd Annual Pet Fest
- Nature with Kristine
- Astronomy in the Park
- City Board and Committee Meetings
Some events may be postponed for a later date. The City of League City will continue to actively monitor the COVID-19 situation and revisit cancelations and postponements.
Emergency Operations
The City’s Emergency Operations Center has required departments to evaluate all aspects of City operations to ensure the continuity of essential City services. This includes identification of critical staff members required to maintain adequate service. Police, Fire, EMS, and Water/Wastewater departments will remain operational.
Non-Emergency City Employee Operations
The City is directing City employees to cancel and/or reschedule all non-essential training/travel for the months of March and April. The City Manager’s Office will continue to evaluate and, if necessary, modify department activity. Staff with the City’s Human Resources Department have been emphasizing good hygiene practices throughout all City facilities and stressing the importance of employees staying home when sick. The City is also allowing staff to work remotely when possible.
Utility Billing
The City is encouraging use of online payments and the drive-thru dropbox at City Hall. Learn about online bill pay here.
For the time being, water service will not be disconnected for non-payment, and late payment fees will not be charged.
School District Updates
Gov. Greg Abbott announced on March 16 that he has waived the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) testing requirements for the 2019-2020 school year. Learn more here.
Clear Creek ISD
- As of March 12, 2020 the Clear Creek Independent School District has ordered the closure of all district schools through April 10. All school-related activities and events are also canceled until further notice.
- Clear Creek ISD is providing FREE weekday drive-through meals. Parents can drive up to the front entrance of the school between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and receive a meal for each student present under the age of 18 in the vehicle. The five schools serving meals are Greene Elementary, League City Elementary, McWhirter Elementary, Stewart Elementary, and Whitcomb Elementary. Get the most up-to-date information here.
Dickinson ISD
- As of March 12, 2020 the Dickinson Independent School District has ordered the closure of all district schools through April 10. All school-related activities and events are also canceled until further notice.
- Dickinson ISD is providing FREE weekday drive-through meals for all students who qualify for the federal meal program. Parents can drive to the Owens Drive side of Dickinson High School between 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. and receive a packaged lunch and breakfast meal for the next morning. Learn more here.
- Get the most up-to-date info at http://www.dickinsonisd.org/.
Santa Fe ISD
- As of March 12, 2020 the Santa Fe Independent School District has ordered the closure of all district schools through April 10. All school-related activities and events are also canceled until further notice.
- SFISD is providing FREE weekday drive-through meals beginning Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 20 for all students who qualify for the federal meal program. Between 10:30 a.m. and 12 p.m. parents can enter Barnett Elementary from 1764 and drive to the rear of the building using the car rider drop off and pickup designated lanes. Students will receive a packaged lunch and breakfast meal for the next morning. Learn more here.
- Get the most up-to-date info at sfisd.org/coronavirus.
Social Distancing and Flattening the Curve
To prevent the spread of COVID-19 and ensure our healthcare system isn’t overwhelmed, social distancing is recommended. Preventing the rapid transmission of the coronavirus will disperse cases over time, rather than overwhelming hospitals all at once. Learn more about stopping the spread of COVID-19 here.
How to practice social distancing:
- Avoid all gatherings of 10 or more people.
- Maintain at least 6 feet separation from others.
- Limit contact with people outside of your household. Avoid social visits.
- Limit visits and keep your distance from older relatives, especially those who are at a higher risk for developing serious COVID-19 illness.
- Avoid unnecessary travel.
Groceries
A two-week supply of food and necessities for your family is enough to get through a period of quarantine. As long as residents only buy what they need, there will be enough food and supplies for everyone. Federal and local government authorities have encouraged people to stop stockpiling groceries, and grocery stores have limited the purchase of certain products.
Price Gouging
If you see price gouging, please report it to local authorities or file a complaint with the Texas Attorney General. Learn more about how to identify price gouging.
Resources
Stay up-to-date with the latest COVID-19 news
If you do feel sick and believe you may have been exposed to COVID-19, contact your health care provider or a hospital immediately. Describe your symptoms and travel history. If they recommend testing, go as soon as possible.
Residents can help prevent the spread of illness by:
- Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water is not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick. The CDC recommends keeping a distance of at least six feet.
- Stay home when you are sick. Keeping a sick child at home prevents the spread of illness in the school and community and allows your child an opportunity to rest and recover.
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
