Mayor Bob Higley of West University Place and Mayor Andrew Friedberg of Bellaire have each issued a statement describing their cities’ response to the coronavirus global pandemic.
West University
The City Council and staff wanted to update you on City services related to recent news regarding Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) reported in the Houston metropolitan area.
Our Emergency Management Command Staff has been monitoring the daily updates from the County and State Health Departments. West U is implementing measures recommended by the State and County health agencies to ensure the safety of our residents, visitors and employees.
City services for police, fire, emergency medical services, public works, solid waste, water and sewer are not affected. We will continue to provide the high level of service that residents know and expect.
Out of an abundance of caution, the City has implemented changes to those services where large groups would typically gather and services provided to senior citizens. Most notably, the City has cancelled programs, activities and events in Parks & Recreation and Senior Services. For an update on those cancellations, please visit the City’s website (www.westutx.gov) regularly.
Subject Matter Experts – Federal, State and County Health Agencies.
While the City is committed to serving our residents, please understand that the subject matter experts on this issue are from the federal, state and county health agencies. The majority of information from the City is from these agencies. I encourage you to follow them directly to ensure you are getting the facts and objective opinion from these sources.
- Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
- Texas Department of State Health Services
- Harris County Public Health
While COVID-19 is an evolving situation. Many agencies, businesses and schools have implemented changes out of abundance of caution, life is still happening. Implementing measures into your daily life to help prevent the spread of the virus is strongly encouraged.
The CDC recommends washing your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, using hand sanitizer when washing isn’t an option, avoiding large social gatherings and maintaining six feet of distance in social situations. For a complete list, please visit the CDC website.
Additionally, those who are at a higher risk are older adults and people who have serious medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes and lung disease. If you are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 because of your age or because you have a serious long-term health problem, it is extremely important for you to take actions to reduce your risk of getting sick with the disease
We can all do our part in responding to this emerging public health threat, but most of all please remain calm, be prepared and stay informed.
Thank you for doing your part,
Bob Higley
Mayor
Bellaire
Bellaire emergency management officials have been closely monitoring and preparing for potential local impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. While the City is not under a public health disaster declaration at this time, we have developed an incident action plan in coordination with other area agencies to ensure our readiness. Our team is in close communication and participates in daily briefings with Harris County Public Health, the Texas Department of State Health Services, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The recent news of a presumptive positive case in Montgomery County that was not travel related has led to heightened precautions throughout the Houston area. As a result, many local events have been postponed or canceled. Here in Bellaire these include the Touch A Truck event that was scheduled to take place at Evelyn’s Park this Saturday, the Patrons for Bellaire Parks’ Wine and Tapas fundraiser on March 28 (you’ll still be able to support our parks through an online auction instead), Party at the Pavilion on April 3, and the Bellaire Trolley Run on April 4. Decisions have not yet been made concerning other upcoming events as we continue to monitor this rapidly evolving situation.
Employees in all departments are making arrangements to avoid or minimize as much as possible any disruptions to city services. We’re planning for the contingency that some of our workforce could be affected, whether directly, or indirectly such as those with childcare responsibilities (as) schools are closed. Maintaining uninterrupted Police, Fire, Public Works and other essential services will remain our top priority.
Our foremost concern is to protect the health and welfare of the community. All residents are urged to do their part in helping prevent the spread of COVID-19 by familiarizing themselves with and following CDC recommendations. Please stay informed through local news outlets and check the City website frequently for updates as they are available.
Andrew Friedberg
Mayor
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