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COVID-19 UPDATE: Stay Home Orders Issued for Fort Bend & Harris Counties; Additional MCTX City Facilities to Close Through April 3

As the world continues to fight the Coronavirus pandemic, MCTX is monitoring the trajectory of the cases in our region and is working closely with local, state and national officials to implement proactive measures to ensure the safety of our residents.

At around 4:30 p.m. today, Fort Bend County announced its “Stay Home to Save Lives” order which will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, March 25 through 11:59 p.m. Friday, April 3. Harris County issued a similar order “Stay Home, Work Safe” earlier today, March 24, which will also go into effect tonight through April 3. Both orders mandate that citizens:

  • Stay home and work safe at their place of residence
  • Leave their residences only for essential activities
  • Follow social distancing of at least six feet if using outdoor spaces like parks, grocery stores

The orders also:

  • Prohibit all public or private gatherings of any number of people
  • Close all businesses other than those that fall under essential businesses which includes, healthcare operations, government functions, critical functions and retail stores.
  • Allow restaurants to continue to provide take out, delivery, or drive-thru services. 
  • Encourage religious and worship centers to provide video or teleconference services and limit staff to 10 people or less. 

To get additional details and read the full orders, click on the links below:

“As of now, there are no signs of COVID-19 slowing down, so appropriate actions are being taken,” said Mayor Yolanda Ford. “We need our residents now more than ever to stand together and abide by all of the public health, safety and travel guidelines. Fear and panic can easily set in, so it’s important to think logically during this time and for citizens and stakeholders to know that we’re here for them and will continue to provide excellent service to all of our constituencies.”

To ensure safety of our employees and residents, Missouri City is implementing the following changes in operations and is closing City facilities.

  • City Hall Complex: Effective tomorrow, Wednesday March 25, all City Hall offices located at 1522 Texas Pkwy., will be closed to the public through April 3. This includes:
    • City Hall Front Lobby: Even though the lobby is closed, residents still have the option to make payments. For solid waste, they may be made with checks or money orders via mail or using a debit/credit card over the phone. For alarm permits, they may be made via mail, using a debit/credit card online or over the phone. To learn more, click this link: https://bit.ly/33N6qJh. For additional details, please call 281.403.8500.
    • Inspections & Permits: 
      • Effective immediately, all pre-development meeting requests are temporarily suspended, and all in-home inspections and interior remodels are postponed. Exterior remodels, re-roof, window, siding replacement, patio covers and outdoor kitchens may continue while maintaining “social distancing” practices.
      • All applicants are encouraged to submit plans and certain permit applications using the online permitting system, Citizen Self Service, or via email to: planning@missouricitytx.gov, developmentservices-psr@missouricitytx.gov.
      • Inspection requests may be made by calling 281-403-8551 (commercial); 281-403-4390 (residential); 281-403-4311 (fire inspection) or by emailing: developmentservices-psr@missouricitytx.gov or using Citizen Self Service.
      • The next Planning & Zoning Commission meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 8.
      • To learn more about the submission process, the Citizen Self Service online portal, fire inspection requests, current capital improvement projects and more, click this link: https://bit.ly/39h7RRs.
  • Human Resources: For questions please call, 281.403.8500.
  • Community Center, Visitors Center and Old Municipal Courtroom: Will continue to be closed until Monday, April 13.
  •  Animal Shelter: The shelter located at 1923 Scanlin Rd., will continue to schedule visitations by appointment only. Trap loans will be suspended at this time. For questions, please call 281.403.8707.
  •  Recreation & Tennis Center: The Center located at 2701 Cypress Point Dr. will be closed until Monday, April 13. For questions on registered events and refunds, please call 281.403.8637. 
  • City Parks: All parks are still open to public. New pavilion rentals will not be scheduled until April 13; however, existing rentals will not be cancelled. To ensure safety, residents are advised to practice social distancing and stay 6 feet away from individuals; and to not use any playground equipment, benches or other structures. All bathrooms will be closed as well.Raone Park 3.24.2020
  • Municipal Court: The MCTX Court, 3845 Cartwright Rd., including the lobby area is closed through April 3. For questions, please call 281.403.8669.
  • Quail Valley Golf Course: The Quail Valley Golf Course, 2880 La Quinta Dr., remains open for play. The City Centre, at the same address, is cancelling all events until the end of the month. The Bluebonnet Grille is open for carry-out only. Also, staff has implemented several operational changes, increasing cleaning, removal of water coolers/ice chests from the golf course and removal of rakes from bunkers. For more information, please call 281.403.5910.
  • Public Works: Staff continues to monitor all procedures at the City’s Traffic Management Center, Regional Surface Water Treatment Plant and other waste water treatment plants. For questions, please call 281.403.8570.
  • Fire Stations: All Fire Station tours and visits are temporarily suspended until further notice.
  • Police Station Lobby: This facility is still open and residents may walk in and use the phone in the lobby (pictured below) to contact officers on duty. Police Lobby 3.24.2020

“In addition, to practice social distancing to the best of our abilities, the format of official City meetings will be adjusted. All City Council, Planning & Zoning Commission, and Parks Board meetings will now take place virtually instead of being held in Council Chambers” said Mayor Ford. “Councilmembers and Board members may call-in to these audio meetings, and in the spirit of transparency, residents who wish to listen to the meetings will have the capabilities to do so and provide input.” Additional details on this new initiative will be available on the City website soon.

Residents who participate in the Municipal Solid Waste and Recycling Program are still on schedule to receive pickups. Given the COVID-19 awareness, WCA Waste Corp. is implementing changes including limits to their service hours. If your trash is not picked up by 7 p.m. please contact WCA customer service at 281.403.5800. 

To help ensure that social distancing is implemented in MCTX neighborhoods, some Homeowners Associations have closed amenities and cancelled upcoming events/meetings. For more details on these updates, contact your HOA. Residents may get details on their HOA and property managers, by visiting the City website, via this link: http://bit.ly/2QoGkH2. 

As the financial impact of this pandemic is already being felt around the world, some City utilities are providing delayed billing and waiving late fees. For the next 60 days, Comcast will not cut off internet services for customers who do not pay their bills, and customers of the Quail Valley Utility District will not lose service for failing to pay bills. CenterPoint customers should contact the utility provider directly regarding service issues. 

In addition both Harris and Fort Bend Counties have placed temporary suspensions of eviction within the jurisdictions. For additional details contact the Justice of Peace courts. 

To learn more about the effects of COVID-19 and the importance of social distancing, click this link: https://covidactnow.org/state/TX.

“We are taking this pandemic very seriously, and are identifying solutions for the proper balance between the safety of our employees and residents while maintaining City operations,” said Interim City Manager Bill Atkinson. “Although the doors to some City facilities have been closed in alignment with social distancing guidelines and safety precautions, we are still open and conducting business operations via virtual meetings, phone calls, the City website and other online portals.”

To receive accurate and timely information, residents may sign-up to receive alerts through the MCTX Emergency Management website, www.MissouriCityReady.com and the MCTX Twitter account, Twitter.com/MissouriCityEM.

EOC officials also reiterate the importance of practicing healthy hygiene habits and taking the following precautions to help contain this public health crisis:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands. Remember to wash your hands after coughing or sneezing.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

Officials also recommend the following actions to those who are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 because of your age or because you have a serious long-term health problem:

  • Stock up on supplies; however, do not panic-buy
  • Take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others.
  • When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact and wash your hands often.
  • Avoid crowds as much as possible.
  • Avoid cruise travel and non-essential air travel.
  • Stay home as much as possible to further reduce your risk of being exposed.

Individuals who are sick, and are experiencing symptoms like high fever, cough and respiratory problems are advised to contact their health care provider for guidance on next steps. Those without a healthcare provider should contact the Memorial Hermann Nurse Health line at: 832-658-6766.

Local agencies have also established phone banks to assist citizens with general concerns/inquiries regarding COVID-19. See details below:

For Fort Bend County Residents:

  • Fort Bend County Health & Human Services
  • 281.633.7795
  • This number is staffed Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. & Saturday-Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • www.fbchealth.org/ncov 

For Harris County Residents:

For more updates and news, please watch the City website: www.missouricitytx.gov, like us on Facebook—fb/MissouriCityTX, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat—@MissouriCityTX and Nextdoor, watch Missouri City Television (Ch. 16 on Comcast and Ch. 99 on AT&T U-verse) or download the MCTX Mobile app (available for free in Google Play and the Apple app store).

Gov. Abbott Issues Executive Order: Bars, Gyms to Close & Restrictions on Restaurants Until April 3

UPDATE 3.19.2020

On Thursday, March 19 Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued an Executive Order effective 11:59 p.m. on March 20 until 11:59 p.m. on April 3. The order encourages Texans to:

  • Avoid social gatherings in groups of more than 10 people.
  • Avoid eating/drinking in restaurants; drive-thru, pickup or delivery options only allowed. Bars, massage parlors and gyms to close.
  • Avoid visiting nursing homes or retirement or long-term care facilities.
  • Close schools temporarily.

Read Order

*******

In the wake of the latest national social distancing guidelines and increasing COVID-19 cases in the region, MCTX is working closely with local, state and national officials to implement proactive measures to ensure the safety of our residents.

Earlier today, Fort Bend County announced the restriction for restaurants to only provide take out, delivery, or drive-thru services as allowed by law and the closure of area bars and clubs through Wednesday, April 1. This updated order succeeds the initial order from Monday, March 16 which did allow limited dine-in options. View Fort Bend County Order

Harris County issued the same order yesterday, which went into effect 8 a.m. today, March 17 through March 31. View Harris County Order

To abide by these orders and to limit public gatherings to groups of 10 people or less, MCTX is implementing the following changes in operations:

  • The Animal Shelter, 1923 Scanlin Rd., will schedule visitations by appointment only for the next 30 days. For questions, please call 281.403.8707.
  • The Quail Valley Golf Course, 2880 La Quinta Dr., remains open for play. The City Centre, at the same address, is cancelling all events until the end of the month. The Bluebonnet Grille is open for carry-out only. 
  • The Recreation & Tennis Center, 2701 Cypress Point Dr., closure has been extended until Monday, April 13. For questions on registered events and refunds, call 281.403.8637. 
  • All City parks are still open to the public. New pavilion rentals will not be scheduled until April 13; however, existing rentals will not be cancelled. 
  • The Community Center, 1522 Texas Pkwy., is not scheduling any new rentals until April 13.
  • The Visitors Center and Old Municipal Courtroom, both located at 1522 Texas Pkwy., are closed until Monday, April 13.
  • The MCTX Municipal Court, 3845 Cartwright Rd., is closed through Thursday March 26. The lobby area will remain open from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday if customers need assistance. For questions, please call 281.403.8669. 
  • All Fire Station tours and visits are temporarily suspended until further notice.
  • The Citizens Police & Fire Academy is postponed. 
  • MCTX Leadership Luncheon honoring International Women’s Month that was scheduled for March 31 will be rescheduled. 

“City officials and staff are closely monitoring all updates regarding COVID-19 in the region and is implementing necessary measures to ensure the safety of our citizens and staff,” said Interim City Manager Bill Atkinson. “Our emergency operations center is still active at this time and we will make changes if needed.”

Social Distancing* MCTX officials and staff follow social distancing guidelines at their Monday, March 16 City Council Meeting and at other internal meetings. 

To help ensure that social distancing is implemented in MCTX neighborhoods, some Homeowners Associations have closed amenities and cancelled upcoming events/meetings. For more details on these updates, contact your HOA. Residents may get details on their HOA and property managers, by visiting the City website. 

Residents who participate in the Municipal Solid Waste and Recycling Program are still on schedule to receive pickups. 

Some additional closures and event cancellations in the region include:

  • Fort Bend Independent School District through April 10.
  • Houston Independent School District through April 10. 
  • Houston Community College through March 25.
  • University of Houston through March 23; followed by online classes. 
  • Texas Southern University until March 23; followed by online classes. 
  • All Fort Bend County Libraries beginning tomorrow, March 18. Books & More Curbside Pick-Up will be available from Thursday, March 19. For more details, call 281.633.4734. 

Fort Bend ISD is now offering Grab and Go meals at no cost to anyone 18 and under, and to students with disabilities without regard to age, at 11 campuses. For more details and locations, Click Here.

HISD, in partnership with the Houston Food Bank, is also offering curbside pickup at 36 locations throughout the district. For more details and locations, Click Here. 

“This is a difficult time and these closures might seem extreme, but it is very important to ensure that we take the situation seriously and implement social distancing,” said Mayor Yolanda Ford. “Let’s work together to fight through this crisis as a community and flatten the curve by following these guidelines and recommendations.”

To receive accurate and timely information, residents may sign-up to receive alerts through the MCTX Emergency Management website, www.MissouriCityReady.com and the MCTX Twitter account, Twitter.com/MissouriCityEM.

EOC officials reiterate the importance of practicing healthy hygiene habits and taking the following precautions to help contain this public health crisis:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands. Remember to wash your hands after coughing or sneezing.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

Officials also recommend the following actions to those who are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 because of your age or because you have a serious long-term health problem:

  • Stock up on supplies.
  • Take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others.
  • When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact and wash your hands often.
  • Avoid crowds as much as possible.
  • Avoid cruise travel and non-essential air travel.
  • Stay home as much as possible to further reduce your risk of being exposed.

Individuals who are sick, and are experiencing symptoms like high fever, cough and respiratory problems are advised to contact their health care provider for guidance on next steps. Those without a healthcare provider should contact the Memorial Hermann Nurse Health line at: 832-658-6766.

Local agencies have also established phone banks to assist citizens with concerns/inquiries regarding COVID-19. See details below:

For Fort Bend County Residents:

  • Fort Bend County Health & Human Services
  • 281.633.7795
  • This number is staffed Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • www.fbchealth.org/ncov 

For Harris County Residents:

For more updates and news, please watch the City website: www.missouricitytx.gov, like us on Facebook—fb/MissouriCityTX, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat—@MissouriCityTX and Nextdoor, watch Missouri City Television (Ch. 16 on Comcast and Ch. 99 on AT&T U-verse) or download the MCTX Mobile app (available for free in Google Play and the Apple app store).

City Officials Close Municipal Court For Two Weeks In Alignment With COVID-19 Public Gathering Guidelines

To further assure public safety during the COVID-19 global health crisis that is impacting the region, Missouri City officials have proactively decided to close Municipal Court from Tuesday, March 17 through Thursday, March 26, in accordance with public gathering guidelines from federal, state and local partners.

“The City made this decision out of an abundance of caution that we are exercising in all operational determinations during this crisis,” said Interim City Manager Bill Atkinson. “The well-being of staff, citizens and customers is essential and, as such, during this time period we will not hold arraignments, jury trials, bench trials, pre-trials or show cause dockets.”

City staff will contact the estimated 427 defendants and/or their attorneys who have affected cases that will be rescheduled on future dockets.

In the meantime, the Court’s lobby service area, located at 3845 Cartwright Rd., will remain open from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday if customers need assistance. Also, the following opportunities remain available for payments:

  • The public may call 281.403.8669 and speak with a staff member;
  • The public may pay online via this City website link: http://bit.ly/2Ndplor. Individuals may pay or request defensive driving online through the same link; 
  • The public may continue to utilize the drop box located to the left of the Court entrance; it is accessible 24-hours a day

For more information about Missouri City, please watch the City website: www.missouricitytx.gov, like us on Facebook—fb/MissouriCityTX, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat—@MissouriCityTX, watch Missouri City Television (Ch. 16 on Comcast and Ch. 99 on AT&T U-verse) or download the MCTX Mobile app (available for free in Google Play and the Apple app store).

COVID-19 UPDATE: Mayor Yolanda Ford Signs Proclamation Declaring a Local Disaster

MCTX took additional proactive actions today to further safeguard public health and safety during the ongoing coronavirus public health crisis. Continuing to follow best practice recommendations provided by local, state and federal authorities:

  • Mayor Yolanda Ford signed City Order No. O-20-01, a “Proclamation Declaring a Local Disaster, which states “Missouri City has determined that extraordinary measures must be taken to contain COVID-19 and prevent its spread” throughout the community. Read Declaration.
  • MCTX officials implemented closure and limited access to some City facilities and operational suspensions/restrictions to City programs and services in parks and public safety. The Mayoral declaration addresses the decision stating that such declaration “measures may include closing certain venues, the cancellation of certain events and, pursuant to Chapter 122 of the Texas Health and Safety Code, the quarantine of individuals and the compelling of individuals to undergo certain health measures that prevent or control the spread of the disease.”

As of today, Friday, March 13 the following changes are in effect:

  • All Fire Station tours and visits are suspended until further notice. For questions, please call 281.403.8700.
  • The Citizens Police & Fire Academy is postponed. For questions, please call 281.403.5819.
  • MCTX Leadership Luncheon honoring International Women’s Month that was scheduled for March 31 will be rescheduled. 
  • The Recreation & Tennis Center, 2701 Cypress Point Drive will be closed starting today, March 13, at the end of business through Sunday, March 29. 
    • All events, programs and room rentals at the Recreation & Tennis Center will be cancelled during this timeframe. Some of those events include:
      • Friday Night Hoops on March 13
      • Spring Archery Session 2 on March 16
      • Acrylic Painting Class on March 17
      • Tots & Crafts on March 18
      • Senior Breakfast Bingo on March 19
      • Friday Night Flicks on March 20
      • Senior Foodies on March 26
      • Paddles & Racquets March Madness on March 27
      • Mother Son Challenge on March 28
    • Recreation & Tennis Center staff will remain on-site to work on strategic programs. Guests who registered for above programs that required a fee will be given the opportunity to have their fees refunded or transferred into new or rescheduled sessions. Staff will work closely with instructors and league administrators to reschedule practices and games and schedule make-up classes when feasible. Guests with a current membership will be given a two-week extension free of charge. For additional details and questions, please call 281.403.8637.
    • The Community Center, 1522 Texas Pkwy., will not be approving any new rentals for the next two weeks. Staff will contact existing, scheduled rentals for this timeframe and will be handling them on a case-by-case basis. Refunds will be considered.

“The Missouri City Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is currently at Level III, increased readiness. This means a threat exists, but poses no immediate threat to life or property,” said Interim City Manager Bill Atkinson. “We’re closely monitoring all COVID-19 updates in the region, following all recommendations and guidelines, and are taking necessary precautions as needed.”

Other operational updates, include: 

  • All City parks are still open to public. New pavilion rentals will not be available during the next two weeks; however, existing rentals will not be cancelled. Citizens are advised to follow Harris and Fort Bend Counties’ public health emergency guidelines while at parks: http://bit.ly/39KjjpS  andhttp://bit.ly/2vTVUDM.
  • The MCTX Municipal Court, 3845 Cartwright Rd., will remain open for business operations due to staff estimates that dockets will not exceed a gathering of 250 people as is recommended in the public health emergency guidelines.  
  • The Quail Valley Golf Course & City Centre, 2880 La Quinta Dr., will maintain operations utilizing the guidelines and recommendations set by Fort Bend and Harris Counties. 
  • Residents who participate in the Municipal Solid Waste and Recycling Program will receive regular service as scheduled. 

Some additional key local closures and event cancellations in the region include:

  • Fort Bend Independent School District will be closed for at least two weeks from March 16.
  • Houston Independent School District is closed until March 30. 
  • The University of Houston will be closed for a week from March 16.
  • Houston Community College will be closed until March 25.
  • Texas Southern University will be closed for Spring Break until March 23; after that, students and faculty have been notified that all classes will be conducted online. 

Residents may sign up to receive alerts and receive real-time information through the MCTX Emergency Management website, www.MissouriCityReady.com and the MCTX Twitter account, Twitter.com/MissouriCityEM.

“The decision to temporarily close one of our City’s largest amenities was not an easy one, but it was the right one,” said Mayor Yolanda Ford. “The health and safety of our residents are of the utmost importance, especially at a time like this. We must take every possible step to contain this pandemic, and should join in as a community to help stop the spread.”

In the meantime, EOC officials reiterate the importance of practicing healthy hygiene habits and taking the following precautions to help contain this public health crisis:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands. Remember to wash your hands after coughing or sneezing.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

Local agencies have also established phone banks to assist citizens with concerns/inquiries regarding COVID-19. See details below:

For Fort Bend County Residents:

  • Fort Bend County Health & Human Services
  • 281.633.7795
  • This number is staffed Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • www.fbchealth.org/ncov 

For Harris County Residents:

For more updates and news, please watch the City website: www.missouricitytx.gov, like us on Facebook—fb/MissouriCityTX, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat—@MissouriCityTX and Nextdoor, watch Missouri City Television (Ch. 16 on Comcast and Ch. 99 on AT&T U-verse) or download the MCTX Mobile app (available for free in Google Play and the Apple app store).