Latest News

New COVID-19 testing site to open in Missouri City at Thurgood Marshall High School beginning May 1. Testing is available for residents even if they are asymptomatic. Interested individuals may call, 281.238.2363 or complete the online screening tool via this link: https://bit.ly/2KJu94m to schedule an appointment.

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 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.)

As of today, Thursday, April 30, Missouri City has 163 COVID-19 positive cases with 153 in Fort Bend County and 10 in Harris County. These increasing numbers make it crucial for MCTX residents to follow all social distancing guidelines to ensure proper safety while the community slowly moves forward.

According to the Monday, April 27 executive order from Gov. Greg Abbott, Texas will be opening up in phases beginning Friday, May 1. Per the order:

• In-store retail services, dine-in restaurants, movie theaters, shopping malls, museums, libraries may operate at up to 25 percent of the total listed occupancy of the establishment.
• Golf course operations may open up with social distancing guidelines in place.
• Religious services may conduct services in accordance with the updated guidance issued by the Texas Attorney General.
• All schools shall remain closed until the end of the 2019-2020 school year.

To review Gov. Abbott’s full order, click this link: https://bit.ly/2VMMKTn.

While the community is reopening, it is still important to understand the severity of this pandemic. To continue to keep citizens informed and to assist those in need, staff has compiled a list of resources below:

HELP LINE NUMBERS:

For Coronavirus questions and assistance, citizens may call:

• Fort Bend County Health & Human Services: 281.633.7795; Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. & Saturday-Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | www.fbchealth.org/ncov
• Harris County Public Health (HCPH): 832.927.7575 or 713.634.1110; 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. | www.hcphtx.org\COVID-19 | www.ReadyHarris.org

MENTAL HEALTH CALL LINES:

During these times of uncertainty, it is likely that individuals are experiencing excessive anxiety/worry and other mental wellbeing concerns. For questions about mental health resources, please call the support lines below:

• Fort Bend County: 832.363.7094 | Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. & Saturday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Harris County: 211 | Available 24 hours a day
• Statewide Line: 833.986.1919 | Available 24 hours a day

LOCAL TESTING CENTERS:

Below are the information on the current testing options available for both Fort Bend and Harris County residents.

• Fort Bend County: Testing is now available for all Fort Bend County residents whether they are symptomatic or not. Interested individuals may call, 281.238.2363 or complete the online screening tool via this link: https://bit.ly/2KJu94m to schedule an appointment. Once the online assessment is complete or after talking to a representative, an access code will be given along with appointment time and testing location. There should not be any costs associated with this testing. For additional details, visit www.fbchealth.org/ncov. 
• Harris County: Harris County Public Health encourages residents to get tested for COVID-19, only if they are symptomatic or have been in contact with someone who tested positive. Testing is prioritized for people with underlying health conditions, people aged 60 or older, first responders and healthcare professionals who work at hospitals or nursing homes. Residents may call 832.927.7575 or complete the online self-assessment tool via this link: https://bit.ly/3cTEFCe to schedule an appointment. Once you complete the online assessment or talk to a representative, an access code will be given along with appointment time and testing location. There should not be any costs associated with this testing. For more details, visit publichealth.harriscountytx.gov.
• Other State Approved Testing Centers: 
  • Location in Missouri City – UT Physicians Sienna Drive-Thru
  • 8810 Highway 6, Suite 100, Missouri City, TX, 77459
  • Call 713.486.2619 to schedule an appointment. Available to anyone who has an order from a health care provider (physician, nurse practitioner, etc.). For more details, visit https://www.utphysicians.com/covid19testing.  

To further assist residents, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), has put together a comprehensive list of all drive through testing locations across the state of Texas including the county sites. To access the map and to find a testing facility near you, click this link: https://bit.ly/3bMuTBF.

Citizens may enter their zip code in the box on left corner of the map, to shortlist all nearby locations. There might be special requirements and additional costs at some of these testing centers.

ASSISTANCE FOR BUSINESSES 

The Small Business Administration (SBA) is continuing to provide resources for businesses that are in need. Those interested may apply for funding sources, including the Paycheck Protection Program, Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Emergency Grants, and Small Business Debt Relief. For more information and to apply, visit www.sba.gov or call 1-800-659-2955. For more details, watch this PowerPoint via this link: https://bit.ly/3cXYGaJ or visit the SBA Houston Website here: www.sba.gov/offices/district/tx/houston.

UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE

Individuals who are looking for unemployment assistance, may visit www.twc.texas.gov or call 800.628.5115 to get additional details on unemployment claims, insurance and more.

FREE MEAL SITES LOCATOR

Fort Bend County has compiled a database that includes all free meal sites in the area. To see a list of locations, enter your zip code on top right side on this website: https://bit.ly/2W7grhe.

Harris County also has a list of resources for families and businesses including meal sources, loan assistance and more via this link: https://www.readyharris.org/Incidents/COVID-19-Resources-Recovery.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Fort Bend Social Services continues to provide several services including rental, utility, medication, food vouchers, emergency shelter, transitional supportive housing, and other unmet essentials for those in need. Veteran specific services are also available. For more information, call 281.403.8050 or fill this form via this link: https://www.fbchhs.org/social-services/request-services.

Residents may also get details on financial assistance for utilities/rent, food pantries, housing assistance, crisis counseling, utility payment assistance, and senior services from the Texas Health & Human Services by dialing 211 or visiting https://www.211texas.org/.

Fort Bend Family Promise located at 4645 Cartwright Road, is also available for those individuals that need immediate help, shelter, food or other assistance. For more details, call 281.403.3923.  

SPECIAL STORE HOURS & SERVICES

During this crisis, several local stores have made special accommodations for those at higher risk, including senior citizens. For a list of stores with details on services and unique hours, click link: https://bit.ly/33X6iXH.

MCTX UPDATES AND NEWS

For latest updates on COVID-19, office closures and more, 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.

Residents may call 281.403.8500 for other inquiries and questions related to City operations. And, for City updates, 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).

COVID-19 has spread throughout the southeast part of Texas, with Missouri City being considered a hotspot. As of Saturday, April 25, there have been 147 confirmed cases in Missouri City, including additional new cases at the Park Manor Nursing Home, located at 2350 FM 1092.

“This is a very fluid situation, but we are doing everything we can to address the pandemic in our community,” said Mayor Yolanda Ford. “We are remaining in touch with County and State officials, and receiving these updates, which allows us to effectively communicate with our community to ensure we flatten the curve.”

With growing concern of possible community spread, staff has compiled frequently asked questions regarding this Park Manor facility.

Are people still residing at the nursing facility?

Yes.

Has the State of Texas sent investigators to inspect the property?

Yes; County officials stated that Park Manor officials are working with the State to comply with guidelines that are in place for these types of facilities.

Does Missouri City have the authority to close the facility?

No, in this specific case, Fort Bend County and the State of Texas have jurisdiction.

How has Missouri City assisted these types of facilities in containing COVID-19?

City officials have remained in contact with all nursing homes within City limits to provide education on public health and social distancing guidelines and have proactively distributed educational materials to facility staff members. The packets include the following: CDC fliers in English and Spanish; PPE donning and Doffing Guidance; CDC N95 Mask guidance and contact information for emergencies.

How can individuals report a health issue or a potential violation at a nursing home within City limits? 

If individuals need to report a health issue or a potential violation, they should call 888-973-0022 or email: hfc.complaints@hhsc.state.tx.us. County officials are handling mitigation of local COVID-19 cases and may be contacted for more information at 281.633.7795.

How can I stay informed on the latest COVID-19 developments?

Residents are encouraged to visit the City’s official Emergency Management website, www.missouricityready.com, the City’s main website: www.missouricitytx.gov and to also visit the City’s official Emergency Management Twitter account, @MissouriCityEM. In the meantime, the City encourages all residents to practice social distancing, to wash their hands, to wear masks/face coverings in public, to know the coronavirus symptoms, to closely monitor the health of loved ones and to stay home whenever possible.

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 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.)

As of today (Tuesday, April 14), Missouri City has the most confirmed COVID-19 cases in Fort Bend County with 90 confirmations, according to the Fort Bend County Health & Human Services Department. The City also has seven confirmed cases in the Harris County portion of the community, according to the Harris County Public Health Department.

This serious development symbolizes the importance to residents of staying home whenever possible and practicing social distancing guidelines when out in public areas or in work spaces. “Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and medical experts shows that social distancing, quarantining and public health recommendations have helped contain the spread of the virus and are essential to saving lives at this critical time,” said Mayor Yolanda Ford. “However, our community must become more vigilant, remain steadfast and continue observing safety measures to ensure we flatten the curve.”

Another news development in the City is staff’s decision to close the Quail Valley Golf Course for the duration of the stay home order—April 30—based on recommendations from State of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s Office, which clarified that certain elements of a Golf Course do not fall under the essential category of the Governor’s Executive Order. Specifically, the guidance states that:

• Some elements of golf course businesses may provide “essential services” under [Governor’s Executive Order GA-14] and the federal CISA Guidance it adopts. For example, restaurants at golf courses provide an essential service and may continue to provide take-out or delivery options. Landscapers and other workers who are necessary to maintain the safety and sanitation of the businesses are likewise essential. Such services may continue to operate and employees performing those services may go to work at the golf course.
• Other elements of golf course operations that do not involve services identified under GA-14 or the CISA guidance are not essential services. For example, golf course personnel, such as starters, marshals, and pro-shop staff, who do not provide essential services, must follow GA-14’s general rule” “minimize social gatherings and minimize in-person contact with people who are not in the same household.” These personnel may work remotely from home if possible, performing functions like taking tee times, monitoring the course, or posting instructions or updates on a website. Thus, ongoing non-essential services of golf courses should be conducted remotely.

Given the inability at this time to remotely operate QVGC operations, staff closed the course, noting that: “all tee times will be canceled and any prepaid times will be refunded. If you are an annual pass holder, you will be receiving a separate communication with how these fees will be handled.”

The closure also includes the Bluebonnet Grille, which was previously opened for carryout only. Gov. Greg Abbott’s full March 31 order may be viewed here: https://bit.ly/34DmxcJ and the April 11 golf course protocol guidelines from the attorney general’s office may be viewed here: https://bit.ly/2ydgtvx.

Additionally, in an effort to minimize large public gatherings, all City parks and trails were closed over Easter weekend. However, parks and trails, including the authorized trails along the Quail Valley Golf Course, are now open to the public, but officials ask that residents practice social distancing when getting fresh air and exercise. Also, as playground equipment, benches and pavilion areas are not being sanitized, the public is asked to avoid these areas; signage to this effect is posted. Restrooms are closed at this time.

Both Harris County and Fort Bend County have resources available for their residents, which include specific case numbers by city and zip code, maps of where residents may receive meals for their households, and community resources such as mental health assistance. “I urge all citizens to visit their respective County’s websites so they may receive the resources they may need to assist them during this crisis,” Mayor Ford said. See details below:

• Fort Bend County: https://bit.ly/3awt5MH
• Harris County: https://bit.ly/347NPrP

“We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available. In the meantime, we encourage all residents to practice social distancing, to wash their hands, to wear masks/face coverings in public, to know the symptoms of COVID-19, to closely monitor the health of loved ones, especially those who are at greater risk, and to stay home whenever possible,” Mayor Ford said.

The City continues to work closely with COVID-19 experts and staff are following recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to help stop the spread. Efforts include the closure of City facilities to the public through April 30 and other measures. For questions and assistance, residents and businesses may call 281.403.8500.

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 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.)