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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

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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).