“Stay home if you can, but take care of business when you need to,” said City Manager Tink Jackson. “There’s no need to run out and panic buy – stores are restocked and groceries are available." Read more at news.cityoflamarque.org.
Galveston County Judge Issues ORDER TO STAY HOME March 23, 2020
Galveston County Judge Mark Henry enacted an ORDER TO STAY HOME on Monday, March 23, 2020. The Order echoes the sentiment in earlier orders issued by La Marque Mayor Bobby Hocking and Texas Governor Greg Abbott but adds additional control measures and mitigation strategies designed to slow the progression of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Citizens are permitted to take care of essential activities, such as going to the grocery store, taking care of family members, feeding livestock, visiting the pharmacy, etc., but should maintain social distancing of at least six feet.
According to La Marque City Manager Tink Jackson, the order essentially says ‘if you don’t need to be out, stay home’.
“Stay home if you can, but take care of business when you need to,” said City Manager Tink Jackson. “There’s no need to run out and panic buy – stores are restocked and groceries are available. Shop and dine local to support our La Marque businesses, wash your hands and practice social distancing. Stay tuned to reliable news sources for updates and information. Together, we’ll make it through this.”
The ORDER TO STAY HOME did change a few things. Effective as of 11:59 p.m. on March 24, 2020, and continuing until 11:59 p.m. on April 3, 2020:
- Business other than healthcare operations, government functions, critical infrastructure, essential retail and foodservice, basic necessities, news and childcare should be conducted from home.
- Social gatherings outside the home are permitted.
- Religious and worship services must be by video or teleconference.
- All elective medical, surgical, and dental procedures are prohibited in Galveston County.
Galveston County’s local health authority Philip Keiser recommended the Order, which is very similar to the order issued by Dallas County earlier today. At the time of this news release, Galveston County Health District has 18 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Galveston County. The latest was a girl younger than age 10.
Mayor Hocking, along with every other Mayor in Galveston County will sign this order, showing support and joining in the effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. City leadership agrees that these measures are in the best interest of our community.
The City of La Marque will continue to publish updates as they become available. Please register for News Flash e-notifications and Connect CTY Emergency Alerts at connect.cityoflamarque.org and follow @cityoflamarque on social media.
To read the complete order, or for COVID resources, visit COVID.cityoflamarque.org.
La Marque Economic Development Gathering Resources for Small Business Owners
8:00 p.m. 3/19/2020
The City of La Marque and La Marque Economic Development Corporation are gathering resources for small business owners impacted by COVID-19. The information is being updated daily at COVIDbusinessrelief.cityoflamarque.org.
Topics include:
- Galveston Economic Development Partnership announced today that three local banks would reinstate a Business Recovery Loan program that proved successful following Hurricanes Ike and Harvey.
- Shop La Marque campaign launched to promote local business, stimulate the pickup and delivery services from local restaurants
- Information for SBA Disaster Assistance Loans
- Tips for retailers
- Resources from creditable sources
“We are working on a plan to get in contact with our La Marque businesses and make sure the owners are aware of available resources,” said La Marque EDC Executive Director Alex Getty. “We understand the sense of uncertainty faced by business owners. You can rely on the information we post on our website, and we’re here to help you navigate these turbulent waters.”
Disaster resources are on the way for citizens, as well. The City of La Marque will continue to publish updates as they become available.
Please register for News Flash e-notifications and Connect CTY Emergency Alerts at connect.cityoflamarque.org and follow @cityoflamarque on social media.
Governor Abbott Issues Executive Orders In Accordance With Federal Guidelines To Mitigate Spread Of COVID-19 In Texas
On March 19, 2020, Governor Greg Abbott announced a series of Executive Orders relating to COVID-19 preparedness and mitigation. The four orders serve to limit public gatherings and help reduce exposure for people across the state. These orders are in accordance with federal guidelines issued by the President and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and will aid in the state’s efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19.
The following orders have been issued by Governor Abbott:
- Order No. 1: In accordance with the Guidelines from the President and the CDC, every person in Texas shall avoid social gatherings in groups of more than 10 people.
- Order No. 2: In accordance with the Guidelines from the President and the CDC, people shall avoid eating or drinking at bars, restaurants, and food courts, or visiting gyms or massage parlors; provided, however, that the use of drive-thru, pickup, or delivery options is allowed and highly encouraged throughout the limited duration of this executive order.
- Order No. 3: In accordance with the Guidelines from the President and the CDC, people shall not visit nursing homes or retirement or long-term care facilities unless to provide critical assistance.
- Order No. 4: In accordance with the Guidelines from the President and the CDC, schools shall temporarily close.
Read more.
La Marque Orders Closure of Bars, Restaurants and Entertainment Venues
Restaurants are still able to offer take out, delivery, or drive-through services. NOON 3/18/2020
The City of La Marque ordered bars, restaurants and entertainment venues operating within the city limits of La Marque to close on Wednesday, March 18, 2020. In accordance with the Texas Disaster Act, bars and restaurants have until 4:00 p.m. to close and entertainment venues have until 11:00 p.m. The order could last up to 30 days, or longer. Restaurants are still able to offer take out, delivery, or drive-through services.
Galveston County Health District confirmed the presence of Coronavirus in our area caused by community spread. Implementation of these control measures is designed to reduce the potential for a continued community spread at entertainment venues, bars and restaurant dining rooms in the City of La Marque.
City leadership believes these measures are in the best interest of our community. For information, visit COVID.cityoflamarque.org.
The City of La Marque will continue to publish updates as they become available. Please register for News Flash e-notifications and Connect CTY Emergency Alerts at connect.cityoflamarque.org and follow @cityoflamarque on social media.
La Marque Municipal Buildings Closed to the Public, Court Postponed
Citizens encouraged to practice social distancing, take care of city business online 11:12 AM 3/17/2020
The City of La Marque leadership and the Office of Emergency Management continues to monitor the impact of COVID-19 and implement policies designed to protect our employees and the citizens of La Marque.
The following measures went into effect on Monday, March 16, 2020:
- In addition to La Marque City Hall and La Marque Public Library, the La Marque Code Compliance, Economic Development Corporation, Development Services, Finance, Fire Administration and Public Works lobbies are closed to the public until further notice.
- All Municipal Court dockets scheduled for March are postponed. Court staff is working diligently to notify all defendants of a new date and time of court hearings by mail, phone and email. If you have any questions, please contact the court at 409-938-9245. We appreciate your cooperation in this matter.
Any business that can be conducted online shall be until further notice. Online resources:
As a reminder, permitting of gatherings utilizing public facilities is suspended. Permits for the use of parks and city buildings for private events will resume after the emergency declaration is lifted.
Following the lead from federal, state and county mandates, city officials recommend citizens of La Marque avoid discretionary travel and limit gatherings to fewer than 10 people.
Practice social distancing. This means avoiding crowded places and maintaining distance from others when possible. Social distancing examples include working from home instead of at the office, pickup and delivery of food instead of dining in restaurants, visiting loved ones by electronic devices instead of in-person and canceling or postponing conferences and large meetings.
The City of La Marque will continue to publish updates as they become available. Please register for News Flash e-notifications and Connect CTY Emergency Alerts at connect.cityoflamarque.org and follow @cityoflamarque on social media.
La Marque COVID-19 Employee Interactions and Safety Policy Enacted
La Marque City Manager Tink Jackson lays out a policy for citizen interaction March 15 10:50 AM 3/16/2020
La Marque, Texas (March 16, 2020) – On March 13, 2020, La Marque Mayor Bobby Hocking signed a Declaration of Local Disaster Due To Public Health Emergency. Subsequently, the La Marque City Council in an Emergency Meeting unanimously passed an Ordinance Declaring a Public Health Emergency and voted to extend the declaration an additional 45 days after the original seven-day period.
The City of La Marque’s paramount priority is the health, safety and welfare of our employees, citizens and those who visit our City. The City has been and will continue to work with public health and emergency management officials throughout the state, region and county to ensure our City remains prepared.
The following measures went into effect on Sunday, March 15, 2020:
- All City Council, City Board, City Commission and City Committee meetings are postponed until further notice.
- The doors to City Hall will remain closed until further notice. Utility bill payments will be accepted at the drive-thru, via online payment, via the drop box or the outdoor kiosk. There are no exceptions to this provision. No utility disconnects will occur during this public health emergency.
- The La Marque Public Library is closed to the public until further notice. The free Wi-Fi at the Library will remain functional for patrons to use from the parking lot.
- Any business that can be conducted online shall be until further notice. If in-person meetings are mandatory, city staff will strive to maintain a six-foot buffer between themselves and customers.
- Permitting of gatherings utilizing public facilities is suspended. Permits for the use of parks and city buildings for private events will resume after the emergency declaration is lifted.
It will take all of us working together, caring for each other, and doing our part to beat this virus. All of these actions are temporary. We are looking forward to returning to the standard operating procedure when appropriate. In the interim, we must do all we can to protect each other.
If you have any questions or would like more information, please call the Galveston County Health District COVID-19 Call Center at 409-938.7221, option 1. For information and resources, please visit:
The City of La Marque will continue to publish updates as they become available. Please register for News Flash e-notifications and Connect CTY Emergency Alerts at connect.cityoflamarque.org and follow @cityoflamarque on social media.
La Marque City Council Unanimously Passed COVID-19 Emergency Declaration Ordinance
Coronavirus update from the La Marque Office of Emergency Management 5:34 PM 3/13/2020
La Marque, Texas (March 13, 2020) – Mayor Bobby Hocking signed a local disaster declaration this afternoon for the City of La Marque. Additionally, at an emergency City Council meeting held this afternoon, the La Marque City Council unanimously passed an emergency declaration ordinance.
The City of La Marque’s paramount priority is the health, safety and welfare of our citizens and those who visit our city. The City has been and will continue to work with public health and emergency management officials throughout the state, region and county to ensure our city remains prepared.
Mayor Bobby Hocking signed a local disaster declaration this afternoon for the City of La Marque. Additionally, at an emergency City Council meeting held this afternoon the La Marque City Council unanimously passed an emergency declaration ordinance. This important first step allows the City of La Marque to implement all measures that further reduce the risk of the COVID-19 virus spreading in our area. These measures may include cancellation or postponement of local community meetings and events either sponsored by the City or scheduled to take place at City parks and facilities. Additional measures may be taken to protect those individuals and groups in our city who are more vulnerable to the virus.
The goal is to proactively work to slow the spread of infection and limit the impact on our citizens.
There are no confirmed cases or persons under investigation for COVID-19 in La Marque at this time. If the City receives notification of a confirmed case in La Marque, residents will be notified via our normal communication methods. The City will continue to provide residents with updated information. Please monitor our website and social media for updates.
We encourage our residents to remain calm and prepared and ask that you continue to follow public health guidance for COVID-19. Please visit the links below for trusted information and resources:
Texas Department of State Health Services: https://dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
If you have general questions about COVID-19, Galveston County Public Health has established a Call Center that may be reached at 409.938.7221, option 1. The call center is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Galveston County Health District is extending its information call center hours to include tomorrow (March 14) 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
La Marque - Declaration of Local Disaster - COVID 19
La Marque - Ordinance - COVID 19
Galveston County Health District confirmed local case of Coronavirus
Coronavirus update from the La Marque Office of Emergency Management 12:06 PM 3/13/2020
La Marque, Texas (March 13, 2020) – Galveston County Health District confirmed its first presumptive positive case of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in a Galveston County resident on the morning of Friday, March 13, 2020.
Galveston County Health District confirmed its first presumptive positive case of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in a Galveston County resident on the morning of Friday, March 13, 2020. Results are pending confirmation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
According to the GCHD, the individual is a woman ranging in age 30-35 years old and is a resident of northern Galveston County. This case is linked to Montgomery County Public Health’s presumptive positive case involving a man in his 40s. The woman was tested by Austin Public Health and is currently self-quarantined in Austin.
The City of La Marque is closely monitoring the situation and assessing potential impacts on our citizens. City officials will take every necessary precaution to protect the people of La Marque.
The La Marque Office of Emergency Management will provide additional information as it becomes available. Monitor cityoflamarque.org and social media for updates. Register for city e-notifications at connect.cityoflamarque.org. Citizens are also encouraged to follow the Galveston County Health District on social media.
Please stay calm but make the necessary preparations. Practice good hygiene and avoid crowds if possible. If you have questions about Coronavirus (COVID-19), please call the GCHD information call center at 409-938-7221, option 1.