A message from La Marque City Manager Tink Jackson 

8:30 p.m. 3/28/2020

The most recent Galveston County Health District report this afternoon stated that there are now 49 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Galveston County as of 4:00 PM today. I am pleased to be able to report to you that there are currently zero confirmed cases in the City of La Marque. All absolute reasons for this are probably unknown, but I would like to take this time to say thank you to all of our citizens for taking this threat seriously and doing your part to help during this time. Many people thought it was “overkill” when our Mayor signed the first disaster declaration within the county related to this pandemic. The same was said when your La Marque City Council was the first city council in the county to adopt the disaster ordinance related to COVID-19 and extended our declaration period to 52 days total. We were the first city in the county to issue orders closing inside service at restaurants, bars and entertainment venues. Our zero confirmed cases at this point provide no argument that those were not the best decisions to make for the protection of our city citizens.

To all of the citizens of the City of La Marque, keep up the good work! You haven’t complained, rather you have dug in and done what we all needed to do to protect each other. Your efforts are making a huge difference in our fight against this virus locally.

To our great La Marque businesses, thank you for your patience during this time, and for your efforts and innovations to keep providing your services to our citizens while keeping them and your employees safe and healthy.

We aren’t out of the proverbial woods yet, and we must stay the course we have started to keep us all safe. As a community, we are doing a great job of making the sacrifices that are needed for the greater good of all of us. Please keep up your efforts. As we watch those numbers continue to increase daily, we must remain ever vigilant in those efforts. Social distancing, sanitizing, and staying home unless it is essential to be out … through those efforts, we ARE winning. Keep it up La Marque!

COVID-19 Housekeeping Updates for City of La Marque 

Trash collection, water bill, flushing request and reminders from City of La Marque   12:12 AM  3/27/2020

Waste Management is fully staffed. Trash and recycling schedules are unchanged, but drivers are experiencing increased volumes, causing delays with more time at each stop and additional trips to the landfill. If your pickup is missed, the drivers will do their best to come back the same day. If the driver has already left your area, they will pick up the following day. Schedules and additional resources can be found at trash.cityoflamarque.org. 

City of La Marque sanitation officials would like to ask that citizens only flush toilet paper. With more people home, systems all over the United States are working in overdrive. Despite what is listed on the packaging, wet wipes are not biodegradable. High volumes of wet wipes, napkins or paper towels can clog the system. Please, only flush toilet paper. 

Water bills can be paid at the City Hall drive-through during business hours, 24/7 at the kiosk or online at UB.cityoflamarque.org. You can also set up automatic bill pay or pay by phone by calling 409-938-9209 during normal business hours. 

Galveston County Health District reported 13 additional positive COVID-19 cases in Galveston County residents yesterday, March 26, 2020. That brings the County’s case total to 40. This marks the largest number of positive COVID-19 cases the health district has reported for Galveston County in one day. 

La Marque City Manager Tink Jackson reminds everyone to stay home.  

“This is a legal order and we are asking the public to comply for your safety and the safety of others,” Jackson. “You are allowed to leave the home to do all essential activities including going to work, the grocery store, picking up food through drive-in or carry out, and seeking medical attention if needed. If you are out of the home to remember to always utilize social distancing, and practice healthy habits like washing your hands frequently, and sanitizing surfaces if possible.” 

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.

Galveston County issued an Executive Order asking the public to stay home effective at 11:59 p.m., Tuesday, March 24, 2020, and ending at 11:59 p.m. on April 3, 2020.

A message from City Manager Tink Jackson  4:34 PM 3/24/2020

This is a legal order and we are asking the public to comply for your safety and the safety of others. You are allowed to leave the home to do all essential activities including going to work, the grocery store, picking up food through drive-in or carry out, and seeking medical attention if needed. If you are out of the home to remember to always utilize social distancing, and practice healthy habits like washing your hands frequently, and sanitizing surfaces if possible.

The City of La Marque continues to work hard for our citizens. We are all in this together and it is incumbent upon each of us to do our part to protect each other. Working together and following the orders and guidance in place is the only way we will defeat this virus. COVID-19 has made us all reassess our lives in many ways. Let’s make protecting our fellow citizens a higher priority by staying at home to reduce the spread of this virus.

To read the complete order, or for COVID resources, 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.

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 prohibited.
• 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.

A message from La Marque City Manager Tink Jackson 3-21-2020

Governor Abbott’s Executive Order went into effect at midnight last night. That Order basically reiterated the Order issued by Mayor Hocking on Wednesday. Guidance related to the Order is included below this statement. 

We continue to monitor this rapidly changing emergency situation closely. Our primary focus remains on the health, safety and welfare of our citizens and staff. 

City leadership has been saying for weeks now that our quickest path to recovery is for us to all work together to take care of each other. That means following the emergency orders issued at the state and local level. That means following the CDC guidelines. That means supporting our local businesses in any way we can. That means putting aside selfish desires to protect everyone around you, even those you don’t know. We are going to defeat this invisible enemy and we are going to have to do it together. 

God Bless each of you, and May He continue to use the City of La Marque as an example for all during these difficult days.

In answer to all questions in regard to Governor Abbott’s Executive Orders to Mitigate Spread of COVID-19 in Texas :

The Executive Orders issued related to COVID-19 mitigation in Texas are effective statewide as of midnight on March 20, 2020, and end at midnight on April 3, 2020, unless extended. 

These orders to aid in the state’s efforts to stop the spread of the coronavirus in Texas — and to save lives — are in accordance with federal guidelines issued by the President and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), which include avoiding social gatherings of 10 or more people, practicing social distancing of 6 feet, and employing frequent, thorough hand washing, and surface disinfecting. 

It is important to note that these orders do not mandate sheltering in place. 

We want and need businesses to continue operating. Offices and workplaces may remain open, but employers should only require essential employees to report to the place of work and should, where feasible, allow and encourage employees to work from home or other remote sites.

Employees who do go to work should also practice good hygiene as well as best health practices to minimize exposure to and transmission of COVID-19.

The more Texans do to reduce their public contact, the sooner COVID-19 will be contained, and the sooner these Executive Orders will expire.

Do the Governor’s Executive Orders apply to churches and houses of worship?

• Churches and houses of worship are not social gatherings. Places of worship are especially important in times of great community and personal need. 
• We rely on all local and community leaders to prioritize the health of those they serve and to protect public health. 
• Churches are capable of engaging in social distancing and the recommended hygiene and sanitizing standards. 
• As long as federal and CDC guidelines are followed, individual churches, congregations and houses of worship may determine their own operating hours and service offerings. Many are already offering services online. 

Do the Governor’s Executive Orders apply to daycare centers?

• Daycare centers are critical to working Texas families, and the State deems them an essential service. 
• We rely on daycare operators to prioritize the health of the children and families they serve and to protect public health. 
• Because peace of mind is critical for parents when it comes to their childcare needs, the Texas Department of Health and Human Services has issued strict standards for daycare operations to protect the health of the children, families and communities served.
• As long as the HHS guidelines are strictly followed, daycare centers and licensed individual providers may continue operating. 
• And the State of Texas has identified expanding daycare options like a high priority, especially for essential workers such as healthcare professionals.  

Do the Governor’s Executive Orders apply to all private businesses?

• We rely on all businesses to prioritize the health of their employees and their customers and to protect public health. 
• We want and need businesses to continue operating. Offices and workplaces may remain open, but employers should only require essential employees to report to the place of work and should, where feasible, allow and encourage employees to work from home or other remote sites.
• Employees who do go to work should also practice good hygiene as well as best health practices to minimize exposure to and transmission of COVID-19.
• As long as federal and CDC guidelines are followed, private businesses may determine their own operating hours and service offerings. 
• For common work areas or lunchrooms, businesses must follow federal guidelines: no groups of 10 or more people, allow social distancing of 6 feet, and ensure frequent, thorough hand washing and surface disinfecting.

Do the Governor’s Executive Orders apply to all public and private schools from PreK through elementary, high school, community college and university? 

• Yes. All schools in Texas are temporarily closed through April 3, 2020, or later if extended by order. 
• STAAR testing requirements have been waived for this school year. 
• However, learning is not suspended. Schools are encouraged to offer online and other distance-learning options.
• The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is providing guidance to public school districts.
• TEA has created a Texas Students MealFinder Map. [need to find direct live link]
• The Higher Education Coordinating Board is providing guidance to public institutions of higher education. 
• Questions should be directed to local school districts, community college districts or university systems. 

Do the Governor’s Executive Orders closing bars and dine-in restaurants apply to walk-in pickups or the drive-through at restaurants?

• No. 
• We rely on all businesses to prioritize the health of their employees and their customers and to protect public health. 
• As long as federal and CDC guidelines are followed — no groups of 10 or more people, allowing social distancing of 6 feet, and ensuring frequent, thorough hand washing and surface disinfecting — restaurants may offer walk-in pickups and drive-through service.
• And we continue to evaluate the best public health practices. 

Do the Governor’s Executive Orders apply to salons, barbers and hairstylists?

• No. 
• We rely on all businesses to prioritize the health of their employees and their customers and to protect public health. 
• As long as federal and CDC guidelines are followed, private businesses may determine their own operating hours and service offerings. 
• While maintaining social distancing of 6 feet is difficult for personal services businesses such as salons, barbers and hairstylists, all other precautions can and should be taken by customers and service professionals.
• We continue to evaluate the best public health practices.  

The Governor’s Executive Orders apply to gyms. Do they also apply to personal trainers? 

• No. 
• We rely on all businesses to prioritize the health of their employees and their customers and to protect public health. 
• As long as federal and CDC guidelines are followed, private businesses may determine their own operating hours and service offerings.
• While maintaining social distancing of 6 feet is difficult for personal services businesses such as personal fitness training, all other precautions can and should be taken by customers and service professionals.
• We continue to evaluate the best public health practices. 

Do the Governor’s Executive Orders apply to weddings and funerals?

• Even in times of emergency, it is important that we mark important milestones and celebrate as a family. 
• As long as federal and CDC guidelines are followed — no groups of 10 or more people, which can be fulfilled through the separation of groups and allowing social distancing of 6 feet, while ensuring frequent, thorough hand washing, and surface disinfecting –— wedding and funerals can be held.
• Sharing services online is also encouraged.

Do the Governor’s Executive Orders apply to dentists or other medical providers?

• No. Medical health services are essential.
• We rely on all medical providers to prioritize the health of their employees and their patients and to protect public health. 
• All federal and CDC guidelines should be followed.
• Dentists and medical providers may determine their own operating hours and service offerings. 

Closing:

Finally, these Executive Orders do not prohibit you from going to the grocery store, gas station or bank. 

All critical infrastructure will remain open and operational. Domestic travel will be unrestricted. Government entities and businesses will continue to provide essential services. And we want and need businesses to continue operating — safely.

Working together, we must defeat COVID-19 so that we can get back to work and enjoy the blessings of this great state. 

No one responds to challenges better than Texans. We are #TexasStrong.

A message from La Marque City Manager Tink Jackson 3-18-2020

As a city, we are facing an unprecedented issue. The COVID-19 virus has forced us to take a hard look at many of our standard practices and traditional social norms. We want to ensure our citizens we are doing everything we can to be proactive both locally and regionally to keep our citizens, employees and visitors safe. Out of an abundance of caution, and in response to coronavirus concerns, all city offices were closed to public interaction on Monday. 

Utility payments are being accepted at the City Hall drive-thru during normal business hours, online, at the payment kiosk, or in the drop box located near the drive-thru. All of these methods will keep citizens current on their payments. ALL essential city services are operating and your city employees are working very hard for you. All normal face-to-face city business can be conducted by calling 409-938-9200. 

We are asking all of our citizens to read and follow guidance being provided by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Information from the CDC is available on our website at http://cityoflamarque.org/600/COVID-19 which is accessible at this link or from our city website homepage. General minimal guidance includes: 

• Wash your hand frequently
• Maintain social distancing (a minimum of 6 feet) 
• Avoid gatherings of 10 or more people 
• Avoid touching your eyes and mouth 
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow 
• If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early
• Stay informed and follow the advice given by your healthcare provider 

We have additionally closed City facilities to public gatherings including the library, provided guidance for interactions between police officers and firefighters with the public, canceled all city public meetings and postponed the municipal court docket. Additional measures may be required in the immediate future. 

Our sister city of Galveston took additional measures today including closing restaurants, bars and amusement venues. Harris County has done the same. This is a very fluid situation and may require the City of La Marque to take additional action in the days and weeks to come. We will continue to constantly monitor information from the nation, region and Galveston County Health District and will make necessary decisions as new information becomes available. 

Many La Marque business owners have already implemented changes to their business models to accommodate CDC guidelines and regional practices. We appreciate their efforts to keep our citizens safe. 

We are sorry for any minor inconvenience these closures may cause and thank you for your patience as we work to help ensure the health of our citizens and employees.

Download: COVID Statement from City Manager Tink Jackson

A message from La Marque Police Chief Kirk Jackson

I would like to take a moment to speak with the citizens of our community. Right now, our Nation is facing unprecedented circumstances with the Coronavirus pandemic. Today and every day, the La Marque Police Department’s foremost responsibility and priority is ensuring the safety of the public. 

The City of La Marque is closely monitoring this fluid event and we are adapting our procedures to better serve the citizens of our community. To mitigate the risk of exposure to citizens and Police Department staff, and promote the continuity of service, the police department is making some temporary changes to our normal operating procedures. 

When a citizen contacts the La Marque Police Department for police assistance, the Telecommunicator will take your information as normal. If the incident that you are reporting does not require evidence collection or if an officer is not immediately needed at your location, the Telecommunicator will ask if you would like to provide the information for the report over the phone. If so, the officer will call you and the preliminary information will be taken, and your report will be filed. 

Please know that the La Marque Police Department is here to serve our community. Together we will weather this storm and, in the end, will emerge stronger than ever before.      

Download: Letter to the citizens from Police Chief Kirk Jackson

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:  

• Development Services Permits – DS.cityoflamarque.org 
• Report a Concern - concern.cityoflamarque.org 
• Utility Billing water and trash bills – UB.cityoflamarque.org 

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:

• CDC – Coronavirus Disease 2019
• DSHS – Coronavirus Disease 2019
• WHO – Coronavirus Disease 2019
• CDC’s Frequently Asked Questions on Coronavirus Disease 2019

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.