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 is following state and national guidelines to cancel City-sponsored gatherings and events and by limiting access to City facilities and buildings. The City will continue to assess the situation daily, and follow guidance provided by the CDC and the Galveston County Health Department. We will update residents regularly about future closures and impacts to the community through the City’s website and social media pages.
Drive Thru Testing Facility
The Galveston County Health District is offering free COVID-19 drive-thru testing site. Click here for more information,
Positive Cases in League City
The number of positive cases in Galveston County, as well as in League City, is released daily by the Galveston County Health District at 5 p.m. and is shared on the League City website here. There is also an interactive map available here that includes a breakdown of total tested, hospitalized, in quarantine, and recovered.
Since the beginning of March, a total of thirteen League City employees have tested positive for COVID-19. Of the thirteen, seven are employees with the City’s Fire Marshals Office, five are employees of the League City Police Department, and one is with EMS. Of those employees that have tested positive, almost all have recovered and have been cleared to return to work. The League Fire Administration building had been closed while employees were tested and quarantined, but has since reopened. The City is taking all necessary precautions to test and quarantine staff and has also brought in a professional team for thorough cleaning and deep sanitization of offices, work stations, buildings, and vehicles. We will continue doing all we can to keep our employees safe.
governor’s plan to reopen texas
On Tuesday, April 27, Governor Greg Abbot announced that he will NOT be extending the "Stay at Home" order that expires April 30 and he outlined next steps for reopening business in Texas. Abbott announced that as part of “Phase 1” retail stores, malls, restaurants and movie theaters will be able to reopen on Friday, May 1. Phase 1 of the plan would allow those businesses to reopen (if they choose to), however, venues will be limited to 25 percent capacity. Museums and libraries will also be allowed to reopen on Friday, however, any hands-on exhibits cannot. Certain sport, such as golf and tennis, will be allowed, but only if there are four people or less playing together and practicing social distancing. Anyone with a medical license in the state of Texas can get back to work in a normal way, however, hospitals must maintain 15 percent of beds available for a potential surge in COVID-19 patients.
Not included in the list of businesses that can reopen are barber shops, salons, gyms and bars. Places of worship will be able to expand capacity on May 1 but must encourage social distancing
Abbott said that Phase 2 would begin on May 18, depending on whether spread is still able to be prevented after Phase 1 begins. Phase 2 would allow businesses to bump up capacity to 50 percent. Click here to read the full Governor’s Report to Open Texas.
GALVESTON COUNTY GUIDELINES FOR SOCIETAL RESTORATION
Galveston County Judge Mark Henry and the Mayors of all communities in Galveston County, including League City Mayor Pat Hallisey, met virtually on Thursday, April 23 to discuss the development of guidelines to provide to Galveston County businesses and organizations for when they reopen per plans and orders from the State of Texas. Click here for the recommended Galveston County guidelines that were developed. The guidelines are NOT a plan for reopening Galveston County. The reopening plan for Texas is under the direction of Governor Greg Abbott.
During the reopening of businesses and organizations, League City will be encouraging everyone to take personal responsibility. As we reopen as a society, League City is asking all of its citizens to continue taking the necessary steps to protect themselves and those around them. This includes following the current guidelines and recommendations from the CDC and Local Health Authority, Dr. Phillip Keiser. This includes the recommendation that members of the public should be covering their faces or wearing masks when and where available when social distancing cannot be achieved.
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 owned and operated parks are open, but citizens are reminded to follow the six-foot social distancing recommendation.
Events and Meetings
Special meetings and events hosted by the City will be canceled or postponed until May 4.
New Trash Collection Guidelines
To help protect the City’s waste workers during the COVID-19 outbreak, new guidelines have been issues regarding trash. Residents should 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.
Utility Billing
The City is accepting online payments and payments deposited at the 24-hour dropbox located between City Hall and the Civic Center. Payments can also be made over the phone by calling 281-554-1334, option 1. If you get a recording, please call back, as there is a limited number of cashiers taking calls. We appreciate your patience.
For the time being, water service will not be disconnected for non-payment, and late payment fees will not be charged.
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.
Statewide COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line
Texas Health and Human Services has launched a 24/7 statewide mental health support line to help Texans experiencing anxiety, stress or emotional challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Counseling services are confidential and free of charge to people who call the hotline. People can call the Statewide COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week toll-free at 833-986-1919.
USEFUL 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 over the phone. Describe your symptoms and travel history. If they recommend testing, go as soon as possible.