COVID-19 Information
Coronovirus/COVID-19 Information and Tips for renters: Prevention
The novel coronavirus is a new respiratory virus. Symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath and may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure. A vaccine is not available.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that there is likely to be widespread transmission of COVID-19 in the United States at some point, though there is currently not widespread circulation in most U.S. communities. The World Health Organization (WHO) is now characterizing COVID-19 as a pandemic. That term does not change the assessment of the severity of the disease, but rather its spread in significant levels in a significant number of countries.
We are not public health experts. We are providing these resources to give you access to trusted sources in one convenient location. We recommend that you look to the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Texas Department of State Health Services and your local public health authorities for information and tips on minimizing your risk, recognizing symptoms and suggested treatments for COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus.
Prevention
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers these suggestions for basic protective measures:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- 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 cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue away
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
Look to these public health organizations for the latest information on coronavirus, how to minimize risks, how to mitigate the spread of the virus, resources, FAQs and more to assist you.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
About Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) (CDC resource page)
Texas Department of State Health Services
Texas Local Public Health Organizations (local health departments, public health districts and local health units)
Coronavirus/COVID-19 Impacts: Unemployment benefits and job resources
Unemployment benefits: Register online for unemployment benefits at the Texas Workforce Commission or call 800/939-6631.
Due to the state of emergency declared by Gov. Greg Abbott, the state has suspended the requirement that unemployed individuals must register with the state jobs site and show they are actively applying for new jobs. The state also has waived the “waiting week” provision that previously held back one week of benefits until after job seekers found a new job or hit their benefits maximum.
Job resources: There are a number of online job search boards, and some industries need additional workers now to respond to increased demands for their services.
- Texas Workforce Commission job search for (employers & candidates) and Texas Workforce Commission jobs initiative
Small business loans:
- Texas business owners are expected to be eligible for disaster injury loans from the Small Business Administration as a result of the COVID-19/coronavirus declaration of a state emergency.
- Small business programs at the governor’s office may also offer assistance. This page also includes links to federal resources.
City of Waco Information
As of 3/22/20:
17 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Waco & McLennan County
Local COVID-19 Testing Information
Anyone experiencing fever, cough and difficulty breathing should call or visit their healthcare provider’s website first for screening. Ascension, Baylor Scott and White and the Family Health Center have online screening forms for COVID-19 and will accept new patients and people without insurance. Testing must be ordered by a physician and is not performed at the Public Health District.
(254) 750-1890
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For any questions about COVID-19 answered at the Waco-McLennan County Public Health District. General questions only and not diagnostic related. If you are feeling ill, please see a healthcare provider.
(254) 750-5970
For any questions about your business operations during the City of Waco Declaration of Disaster and Public Health Emergency.
Information & Updates on the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
As the concern over the COVID-19 virus develops, we understand there will continue to be questions about how City services could be affected. The City’s most important responsibility is to protect the public and to that end preparedness plays a key role.
Our City has taken measures to ensure that we will continue to:
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Provide sewer, solid waste services, and clean, safe water to our residents.
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Ensure that public safety officers have the resources that they need to respond to emergencies.
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Provide transit services.
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Facilitate the preservation of our infrastructure and facilities.
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Maintain the functionality of our airport.
The Waco-McLennan County Public Health District is working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Texas Department of State Health Services (TX DSHS), as well as other health partners in monitoring the developing outbreak.
The City and the Waco-McLennan County Public Health District are communicating daily with area hospitals and healthcare providers to share information.
What is the City of Waco doing?
On March 19, 2020 the Mayor of Waco Kyle Deaver proclaimed a local state of disaster and public health emergency for the City of Waco. Please see links below for more information.
View City of Waco Order Issued March 23, 2020
View City of Waco Order Issued March 19, 2020
FAQs – Relating to Declaration (updated)
Additionally, the City and Waco-McLennan County Public Health District strongly recommend referring to the President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America and avoid social gatherings in groups of more than 10 people.
The following City facilities are closed to the public through at least March 29, 2020. You can click on any to receive more specific information about that location.
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Municipal Court (drop box available)
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Waco Tourist Information Center
All other City facilities remain open at this time. We encourage residents to conduct as much city business online or by phone as is possible.
Mayor Kyle Deaver
Video message from Mayor Kyle Deaver
Recorded Friday morning, March 20, 2020
Council Member, Hector Sabido
Video message from Council Member Hector Sabido
Recorded March 20, 2020
Federal, State, and Local updates
CDC Website – Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) (English / Español)
CDC Website – Covid-19 US Cases Map
Sign Up for CDC Email Updates
Texas Health and Human Services – Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information for People Receiving Services
McLennan County Leadership Response Team March 4, 2020 Update
Waco ISD COVID-19 Updates
Education Service Center Region 12 COVID-19 Updates
Important Information:
PREPARE YOUR BUSINESS FOR A POTENTIAL COVID-19 OUTBREAK
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Tell sick employees to stay home
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Stress the importance of healthy behaviors
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Perform routine cleaning
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Support “social distancing”
Resources
