In recent weeks, the entire community has been working to keep up with the rapid response to the spread of COVID-19 in North Texas and the nation. All steps being taken are meant to safeguard public health, including closure of several city facilities.
All residents of The Colony are currently under a series of Executive Orders and local disaster declarations issued by Gov. Greg Abbott, Denton County Judge Andy Eads, and The Colony City Council, all of which are meant to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in our communities, aka #FlattenTheCurve.
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CITY FACILITIES: WHAT’S OPEN
CITY FACILITIES: WHAT’S CLOSED (UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE)
SERVICES, MEETINGS, SPECIAL EVENTS
- All Board and Commission meetings (with the exception of The Colony City Council, Planning and Zoning Commission, Economic Development Corp. Board and Community Development Corp. Board) are postponed. Residents are encouraged to watch public meetings online where applicable and submit citizens-input of public interest or regarding agenda items to The Colony City Secretary Tina Stewart.
- Special events through at least the end of April are cancelled, including Movies in the Park (4/3 and 4/24); the Spring Eggstravaganza (4/9); and Up, Up and Away (5/2). The Coach Cox Kids Chase by the Lake is being postponed to Sept. 12, 2020.
- The Colony Fire Department has cancelled all scheduled public education and public relation events to ensure adequate emergency preparedness and response capability through the end of the month. In addition, all fire department facilities are closed to walk-ins and visitors. If someone arrives to a fire station with a medical emergency, they are instructed to call 9-1-1 or use the public phone in the lobby at each fire station. Check out this video for more information about TCFD preparedness & procedures.
- The Colony Police Department is NOT pulling over drivers and asking for work documentation in light of any "Stay at Home" order. If an Officer makes a stop, it will be for an observed traffic violation or investigation of another criminal offense. They will, however, encourage the community to voluntarily comply with the orders as they conduct daily operations. Anyone suspecting others in the community are not properly adhering to the guidelines may contact the TCPD non-emergency line at 972-625-1887. Also, the lobby at Police Headquarters is closed to the public.
- Permitting services will continue electronically for general applications, signs and fences. All other permits can be accepted in the utility-billing drive-through on the north side of City Hall or by appointment only if necessary.
- Planning services will continue either electronically or by appointment only.
HEALTH GUIDANCE
Denton County Public Health (DCPH) is the City of The Colony’s official public health authority. DCPH is responsible for identifying and monitoring all cases of COVID-19 in Denton County. The agency maintains a detailed database of statistical information regarding case-count in The Colony.
As we have from the beginning, we encourage our residents to follow public-health best practices regarding the spread of infectious diseases as outlined below by Denton County Public Health and the CDC:
- Stay home if you can, especially when you are sick
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Cover your mouth and nose to reduce the spread of germs
- Wash hands thoroughly and often
- Avoid touching your eyes nose and mouth.
Face-coverings: When you can’t stay home, the CDC recommends use of a cloth face-covering in public to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Your cloth face covering should:
- Reach above the nose, below the chin, and completely cover the mouth and nostrils;
- Fit snugly against the sides of the face;
- Be made of multiple layers of fabric that you can still breathe through; and,
- Be able to be laundered and machine dried without damaging the material or shape.
Do not buy surgical masks to use as a face covering. Those are intended for healthcare workers and first responders. Many items you may already have in your home can be used to create face coverings. Try creating a cloth face covering using bandanas, ski masks, washable napkins, or dish towels. More information from the CDC.
DCPH offers a hotline for residents to call for information about COVID-19. The number is available 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 940-349-2585. Additional resources:
Pets: According to the CDC, there is no reason to think that any animals, including pets in the United States, might be a source of infection with this new coronavirus. To date (3/11/20), CDC has not received any reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19. At this time, there is no evidence that companion animals, including pets, can spread COVID-19. However, since animals can spread other diseases to people, it’s always a good idea to wash your hands after being around animals. For more information on the benefits of pet ownership, visit CDC’s Healthy Pets, Healthy People website.
Pools & hot tubs: There is no evidence that COVID-19 can be spread to humans through the use of pools and hot tubs. Proper operation, maintenance, and disinfection (e.g., with chlorine and bromine) of pools and hot tubs should remove or inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19.
Chloroquine phosphate: The CDC has issued a health alert warning against the use of non-pharmaceutical chloroquine phosphate to treat COVID-19. Chloroquine phosphate, when used without a prescription and supervision of a healthcare provider, can cause serious health consequences. More information.
More information: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/
MENTAL HEALTH
Resources are available via the Denton County MHMR Center. The crisis hotline is 800-762-0157. For more information, visit their website.
The Texas Department of Health and Human Services has also established toll-free mental health support line for those experiencing anxiety, stress or emotional challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic: 833-986-1919.
The North Texas Behavioral Health Authority is offering a hotline for anyone to call who may be experiencing stress and anxiety during this time of crisis. The number is 833-251-7544.
For more, check out our Mental Health Resource one-sheet.
INFORMATION FOR BUSINESSES
Visit The Colony EDC website for information about its Small Business Support Grant Program.
As of March 20, Texas small businesses can now apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the US SBA. Also, The Colony Economic Development Corp. has compiled a Business Retention Coronavirus Recovery Checklist which will help with guidelines for the immediate actions a local business should take during this time.
Also, Texas Woman’s University (TWU) is offering a program to assist Texas, woman-owned businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19
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City statement March 3, 2020