City of Deer Park COVID-19 Updates

Current cases

Harris County Public Health has released the number of COVID-19 cases in a city-by-city basis.
Residents are encouraged to visit their website - http://publichealth.harriscountytx.gov/Resources/2019-Novel-Coronavirus - for more information.

Harris County Public Health is now offering additional detail regarding COVID case counts, recoveries and more via their online dashboard.
Click on the link below and select Deer Park in the City-by-City listing titled "Confirmed Cases by City in Harris County."

https://harriscounty.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/b742cdb862a345d2b6208db5906334cf

Testing information

Harris County Public Health press release - August 11, 2020

Harris County’s two stationary COVID-19 test sites in Pasadena and Cy Fair are getting a big boost from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Texas Department of Health and Human Services (DSHS).

Since our community is currently a COVID-19 hotspot, the state and federal government are providing us thousands of additional test kits and lab capacity, for quicker test results, in 3-5 business days. It’s important for people to know if they have COVID-19 because up to 40% of infected people have no symptoms, but are still contagious.

Test results are also faster now for the mobile test sites, 2-4 days. Sign up online, www.hcphtx.org or by calling 832-927-7575. This is a different website than the one above for Surge Testing. Children can be tested at mobile sites.

COVID-19 Overview 

The City of Deer Park is committed to the safety and health of our citizens.  This page will be updated with the latest information on how the city is responding to the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus, also known as the Coronavirus. 

Deer Park residents are encouraged to stay informed about the Coronavirus disease, and to actively stop the spread of germs and respiratory diseases. 

On Tuesday, March 24, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo issued a “Stay Home, Work Safe” order effective 3/24 at 11:59PM (full order linked above). The order will be in effect through April 3, 2020 at 11:59PM. The order requires all residents to stay home with the exception of those whose jobs are essential for health and safety of the community.

UPDATE: March 31, 20​20

On Tuesday afternoon as of 3PM, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo extended the “Stay Home, Work Safe” order in response to the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The order requires all residents to stay home with the exception of those whose jobs are essential for health and safety of the community.
The order, initially put in effect until April 3, has been extended to 11:59PM on April 30, 2020. The order applies to Harris County, all cities within Harris County and all unincorporated areas. Please click on the link below to view the full order.

According to Judge Hidalgo, the order is being extended in the interest of saving lives, flattening the curve of the virus and not overwhelming the health care system.
Key points of the order, linked below, include:
- Critical industries outlined in order will stay open – employees must maintain social distancing
- Does not impact access to groceries/food or gas stations
- Restaurants can continue to provide drive-through, carry-out orders (maintaining social distancing)

Additionally on Tuesday, Governor Greg Abbott issued Executive Order GA-14. The order will go into effect at 12:01AM on April 2 and continue through 11:59PM on April 30, 2020.
Additional details will be provided via City social media, the dedicated COVID page on the City’s website, and DPTV. Additional information is also available at ReadyHarris.org.

City facilities to remain closed through April 30 listed below:
City Hall (both the front lobby and the Utility Billing lobby), the Deer Park Community Center, the Maxwell Adult Center, the Municipal Court and Theater Building, the Deer Park Public Library, the Deer Park Visitors Center and the Deer Park Animal Shelter and Adoption Center.
See departmental updates of 04/03/20 below for more information.

View the original "Stay Home, Work Safe" Order here.

View the extended "Stay Home, Work Safe" Order - in effect through April 30 - here.


UPDATE: April 24, 2020
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo - Face covering order - 4-28-20

Please see amended face covering order per Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, issued on April 28, 2020. The order no longer includes civil or criminal penalties for violations.

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo issues face covering order - 4/22/20
Read the order here

An update from Mayor Jerry Mouton regarding our community’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic:

As many have already heard, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo has issued a county-wide Executive Order requiring persons to wear facial coverings when in public.  This action was taken without consultation of the City of Deer Park or most other cities within Harris County, and the order has already received much debate and criticism regarding its validity and constitutionality.  While each of us may have strong feelings about this mandate, the fact remains that this practice is a strong recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

I am asking each of you to follow the recommendations of the CDC, not because of any mandate, but because it is guidance from knowledgeable healthcare professionals, and because we care for one another’s well-being.  None of us want to unknowingly contribute to the spread of this virus.  This should not be a time to play politics or to exhibit unnecessary control measures.  I greatly appreciate our community’s compliance with the CDC guidance and recommendations, and anticipate that we will continue to comply without threat of fines or punishment.

In reference to enforcement, please know that our Deer Park Police officers will continue to focus on higher-priority law enforcement matters.  We do acknowledge the importance of stopping the spread of this virus; however, we cannot utilize scarce resources or expose our responders to unnecessary contacts with potentially infected individuals to chase alleged offenders of the County Judge’s Order.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your mayor.  May God bless each of you, and may God continue to bless our Deer Park community.

UPDATE: April 27, 20​20
Governor Greg Abbott announces "Open Texas" Plan

Citizen advisory: Please see content below released by the Office of Governor Greg Abbott today, April 27:
"Governor Greg Abbott today announced the first phase of the State of Texas' ongoing plan to safely and strategically open Texas while minimizing the spread of COVID-19. Under Phase I, certain services and activities are allowed to open with limited occupancy, and the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is issuing minimum standard health protocols for all businesses and individuals to follow. The Governor also outlined special guidance for Texans over 65 and detailed a comprehensive mitigation plan for nursing homes in Texas. The Governor also announced a statewide testing and tracing program developed by DSHS that will help public health officials quickly identify and test Texans who contract COVID-19 and mitigate further spread of the virus. 
The Governor's announcement is accompanied by Texans Helping Texans: The Governor's Report to Open Texas. This detailed report, available on the strike force website, helps Texans understand phase one by outlining the new protocols, guidance, and recommendations. The report also includes a series of Open Texas Checklists that outline DSHS' minimum standard health protocols for all Texans.
By way of Executive Order (GA-18), all retail stores, restaurants, movie theaters, and malls are permitted to reopen on Friday, May 1. These services must limit their capacity to 25% of their listed occupancy. Within shopping malls, the food-court dining areas, play areas, and interactive displays and settings must remain closed.
All museums and libraries may open under the same 25% occupancy limitation, but interactive areas of museums must remain closed. State libraries and museums will open by May 1, and local public museums and libraries may reopen only if permitted by the local government. Single-person offices may reopen as well.
Churches and places of worship remain open. Outdoor sports are allowed to resume so long as no more than four participants are playing together at one time. Certain social distancing practices must also be followed. Local government operations, including county and municipal government operations relating to permitting, recordation, and document-filing services, may reopen as determined by the local government."

In light of the governor’s most recent order, City officials will assess City facility operations including the Deer Park Public Library throughout the week. Check the City website and social media for updates as they are announced.
The “Texans Helping Texans: The Governor’s Report to Open Texas” is available to view on the City of Deer Park COVID page along with the full copy of the press release referenced above.

Governor Greg Abbott - "Open Texas" full document - 4-27-20

Governor Greg Abbott - Press release on "Open Texas" plan - 4-27-20

Executive Order GA-18 - Governor Greg Abbott - Open Texas plan - 4-27-20

UPDATE: May 18, 2020
Governor Greg Abbott addresses "Open Texas" plan - Phase 2

During a press conference on Monday afternoon, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that Phase 2 of the “Open Texas” plan would go into effect today, May 18, with additional openings planned for Friday, May 22 and Sunday, May 31
Guidelines and additional information related to each type of business re-opening as part of Phase 2 may be found at the "Open Texas" website, gov.texas.gov/organization/opentexas. 

Governor Greg Abbott - "Open Texas" full document - 4-27-20

Executive Order GA-23 - Reopening of Texas Phase 2 - Governor Greg Abbott

 UPDATE: June 4, 2020

Governor Greg Abbott addresses "Open Texas" plan - Phase 3

Late Wednesday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued Executive Order GA-26 which implements "Phase III" of the state's re-opening. Executive Order GA-26 is linked here: https://gov.texas.gov/uploads/files/press/EO-GA-26_expanded_opening_COVID-19.pdf and replaced Executive Order GA-23 as of 11:59PM Wednesday. 

Per the press release accompanying the order, "Governor Greg Abbott today announced the third phase of the State of Texas’ plan to safely open the economy while containing the spread of COVID-19. Under Phase III, effective immediately, all businesses in Texas will be able to operate at up to 50% capacity, with very limited exceptions. Businesses that previously have been able to operate at 100% capacity may continue to do so, and most outdoor areas are not subject to capacity limits. All businesses and customers should continue to follow minimum standard health protocols laid out by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)."

The checklist for each activity is available on the Open Texas webpage at https://open.texas.gov/.​

Governor Greg Abbott - "Open Texas" full document - 4-27-20

Executive Order GA-26 - Reopening of Texas Phase 3 - Governor Greg Abbott

UPDATE: June 22, 2020
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo face covering order - June 19, 2020
Read the full order here

An update from Mayor Jerry Mouton regarding our community’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic:

As many have already heard, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo has issued a county-wide Executive Order requiring all commercial entities in Harris County providing goods or services directly to the public must develop, post, and implement a health and safety policy (“Health and Safety Policy”). The Health and Safety Policy must require, at a minimum, that all employees or visitors to the commercial entity’s business premises or other facilities wear face coverings when in an area or performing an activity which will necessarily involve close contact or proximity to co-workers or the public. While each of us may have strong feelings about this mandate, the fact remains that this practice is a strong recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

I am asking each of you to follow the recommendations of the CDC, not because of any mandate, but because it is guidance from knowledgeable healthcare professionals, and because we care for one another’s well-being.  None of us want to unknowingly contribute to the spread of this virus.  This should not be a time to play politics or to exhibit unnecessary control measures.  I greatly appreciate our community’s compliance with the CDC guidance and recommendations, and anticipate that we will continue to comply without threat of fines.

In reference to enforcement, please know that our Deer Park Police officers will continue to focus on higher-priority law enforcement matters.  We do acknowledge the importance of stopping the spread of this virus; however, we cannot utilize scarce resources or expose our responders to unnecessary contacts with potentially infected individuals to chase alleged offenders of the County Judge’s Order.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your mayor.  May God bless each of you, and may God continue to bless our Deer Park community.​

UPDATE: June 25, 2020

Governor Abbott Announces Temporary Pause Of Additional Reopening Phases

Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the State of Texas will pause any further phases to open Texas as the state responds to the recent increase in positive COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. Businesses that are permitted to open under the previous phases can continue to operate at the designated occupancy levels and under the minimum standard health protocols provided by the Texas Department of State Health Services.

“As we experience an increase in both positive COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, we are focused on strategies that slow the spread of this virus while also allowing Texans to continue earning a paycheck to support their families,” said Governor Abbott. “The last thing we want to do as a state is go backwards and close down businesses. This temporary pause will help our state corral the spread until we can safely enter the next phase of opening our state for business. I ask all Texans to do their part to slow the spread of COVID-19 by wearing a mask, washing their hands regularly, and socially distancing from others. The more that we all follow these guidelines, the safer our state will be and the more we can open up Texas for business.”

UPDATE: June 26, 2020

Governor Abbott issues Executive Order GA-28

Please see press release below from Governor Greg Abbott:

Governor Abbott Takes Executive Action To Contain Spread Of COVID-19 - Limits Certain Businesses And Services With Direct Link To Infections

Governor Greg Abbott today issued an executive order limiting certain businesses and services as part of the state’s efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19. This decision comes as the number of people testing positive for COVID-19 and the number of hospitalizations have increased and the positivity rate in Texas increased above 10%, which the Governor previously stated would lead to further preventative action. The targeted, measured directives in the executive order are based on links between certain types of businesses and services and the recent rise in positive cases throughout the state.

The order includes the following:
- All bars and similar establishments that receive more than 51% of their gross receipts from the sale of alcoholic beverages are required to close at 12:00 PM today. These businesses may remain open for delivery and take-out, including for alcoholic beverages, as authorized by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.
- Restaurants may remain open for dine-in service, but at a capacity not to exceed 50% of total listed indoor occupancy, beginning Monday, June 29, 2020.
- Rafting and tubing businesses must close.
- Outdoor gatherings of 100 or more people must be approved by local governments, with certain exceptions.

“As I said from the start, if the positivity rate rose above 10%, the State of Texas would take further action to mitigate the spread of COVID-19,” said Governor Abbott. “At this time, it is clear that the rise in cases is largely driven by certain types of activities, including Texans congregating in bars. The actions in this executive order are essential to our mission to swiftly contain this virus and enhance public health. We want this to be as limited in duration as possible. However, we can only slow the spread if everyone in Texas does their part. Every Texan has a responsibility to themselves and their loved ones to wear a mask, wash their hands, stay six feet apart from others in public, and stay home if they can. I know that our collective action can lead to a reduction in the spread of COVID-19 because we have done it before, and we will do it again.”

View Executive Order GA-28 here.

UPDATE: June 26, 2020

Please see message below from Harris County:
On June 11, Harris County launched a new COVID-19 threat level system designed to help residents better understand the threat from COVID-19 and provide clear guidance on the steps to take to protect the community, to support the conditions to avoid a crisis, and to sustainably reopen the local economy. The system, informed by the latest data from local health authorities, research institutions, and public health experts, includes a color-coded level indicator for residents displaying the level of COVID-19 threat. 

The system advises four levels: Level 1 severe (red), Level 2 significant (orange), Level 3 moderate (yellow), and Level 4 minimal (green). Along with the level of transmission are actions residents should follow: Stay home, (red); minimize all contacts (orange); stay vigilant (yellow); and resume normal contacts (green). The system can be found on readyharris.org along with the latest community guidelines. 

Today, Harris County is elevating the public threat level to Level One, which indicates a “severe and uncontrolled” level of COVID-19, meaning outbreaks are worsening, contact tracing capacity is strained or exceeded, and healthcare surge is likely. The elevation to threat level 1 is a result of multiple data points that demonstrate alarming trends that are on track to overwhelm our local healthcare system. 

Under a level one threat, the public is urged to:

 - Stay home, except for the most essential needs like going to the grocery store for food and medicine.
- Avoid and cancel all gatherings of any size. 
- Essential workers practice special precautions to prevent spread.
- All vulnerable individuals (65+ or with pre-existing health conditions) stay home.
- Self-quarantine for 14 days if in close and prolonged contact with someone who has tested positive with COVID-19.
- Wear face coverings to protect others.
- Avoid non-essential business and personal travel. Avoid public transportation where possible. 
- Cancel visits to nursing homes, long-term care facilities, and hospitals.
- Avoid and cancel all indoor and outdoor gatherings, including concerts, rodeos, large sporting. events, etc. Schools and after school activities for youth close, as directed by educational authorities.
- Minimize contacts with others wherever possible.

UPDATE

On Friday, July 3, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo issued an executive order limiting outdoor gatherings for Harris County residents through August 26.

The order aligns with Governor Greg Abbott’s Executive Order GA-28, updated by proclamation on July 2.

Hidalgo’s executive order is available here.

UPDATE: July 2, 2020

Governor Greg Abbott issued Executive Order GA-29 on Thursday, July 2.
Read the order here.

Also on July 2, Governor Abbott issued a proclamation related to public gatherings, which is available here:

https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-extends-disaster-declaration-4

With the passing of this Executive Order GA-29 and accompanying Proclamation, Sections 5 and 12 of GA-28 are amended as outlined, with the remaining Sections of GA-28 still in place.

UPDATE: July 10, 2020

Governor Greg Abbott renews COVID-19 Disaster Declaration - July 2020

UPDATE: August 8, 2020

Governor Greg Abbott renews COVID-19 Disaster Declaration - August 2020