226 new cases today. Stay home when you can! Social distance always! Mask up, everyone!
7:15 p.m. 6/24/2020 Evening Update from La Marque City Manager Tink Jackson.
Today’s Galveston County Health District (GCHD) report shows that there are now 2266 confirmed (226 new today) cases of COVID-19 in Galveston County. La Marque had seventeen (17) additional confirmed cases reported today, raising our total number to 168. No additional deaths were reported in the county today. The Galveston County death toll stands at 40.
The GCHD is also reporting that 736 of our confirmed cases across Galveston County are now recovered. The recovered total for the City of La Marque is 54 (an increase of 4). There are currently 1490 active cases in Galveston County, with 34 (no increase) hospitalized.
Folks, this is not only a new single-day highest number, but it is almost double the previous high number. You can find one two day total that eclipses our new single-day record. A new report this morning shows San Antonio (#3) and Austin (#5) as the highest new infection numbers for major cities per day across the entire country. Texas Medical Center is reporting that 97% of their ICU beds are occupied. The list of bad news goes on and on.
Here is the reality… if everyone stayed home when they didn’t need to be out, if everyone practiced social distancing and wore a mask when they did need to be out, these numbers would be nowhere near where they are now. We have seen and heard every excuse from “the flu kills more people annually than is projected from this virus” to ”masks don’t work and can make things worse.” First, I’ll say this. I won’t argue any of those arguments with anyone. I do not formulate my opinions from banter on social media, from personal beliefs or political affiliations. I utilize facts as they are presented. I get those facts from medical experts. I watch ICU capacities. I monitor positivity rates and what has happened in other areas that have been hit hard by this virus. None of the arguments against the big three things that fight this virus (staying home, social distancing and wearing a mask) are valid, NONE. If they were, the CDC would not recommend them and medical experts would not support them.
If you think your participation in any event among a crowd, a house party, a back yard filled cookout or anything else that does not utilize the big three safety measures will keep you safe from this virus, call your doctor and ask their opinion. I promise you; they won’t agree with the social media “experts” either.
If we don’t change our course as a community, as a state and as a nation soon, we are going to look back at this time in history with much sadness in our hearts for what we could have done differently. Stay home when you can! Social distance always! Mask up, everyone! Choose to stay healthy!
With 101 new COVID-19 cases, that puts the testing positivity rate at 12% for today’s report
8:00 p.m. 6/22/2020 Evening Update from La Marque City Manager Tink Jackson.
Today Galveston County Health District is reporting:
👉 101 new positive #COVID19 cases, county total at 1,968
👉 21 new recoveries, county total at 681
👉 43,829 total Galveston County residents tested
The county has reported nearly 60% of its total case count since June 1. Today’s report includes a testing increase of 824. With 101 new cases, that puts the testing positivity rate at 12% for today’s report.
Do your part to stop the spread of COVID-19:
😷Wear a face covering in public spaces
↔️ Stay at least 6 feet from other people
🖐 Frequently wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
You can find more case information in today’s news release: https://www.gchd.org/Home/Components/News/News/3636/65
Interactive charts and graphics: https://www.gchd.org/about-us/news-and-events/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/galveston-county-confirmed-covid-19-cases
Testing information: www.gchd.org/testing GCHD next case update will be Tuesday after 5 p.m.
251 new COVID cases in 2 days, 16.4% positivity rate Saturday
7:45 p.m. 6/20/2020 Evening Update from La Marque City Manager Tink Jackson.
Today’s Galveston County Health District (GCHD) report shows that there are now 1784 confirmed (142 new today) cases of COVID-19 in Galveston County. La Marque had eleven (11) additional confirmed cases reported today, raising our total number to 134. No additional deaths were reported in the county today. The Galveston County death toll stands at 40.
The GCHD reports that 660 (0 new) of our confirmed cases across Galveston County have recovered. The recovered total for the City of La Marque is 50 (no increase). There are currently 1084 (an increase of 142 today) active cases in Galveston County, with 34 (no increase) hospitalized.
Folks, that’s 251 new cases in 2 days, and we had a 16.4% positivity rate today. Both the positivity rate and the number of cases are the highest for a single day in Galveston County.
Our Code Enforcement officers met with 349 of our local businesses today and provided them with a copy of the mask proclamation. Our businesses have been very responsive and very helpful in this process, and we appreciate them taking an active role in keeping our citizens safe. We will continue working with all of our local businesses to get everyone masked up while out in public within the corporate boundaries of the City of La Marque. Again, if you’re a citizen and you need a mask, pull through the drive-thru at City Hall during normal business hours, and we will provide you up to four per household. We all need to work together. Stay aware and stay safe.
Mask up, everyone!
Masks on, La Marque. Mayor Hocking signs proclamation requiring masks in the City of La Marque.
7:00 p.m. 6/20/2020 Get mask news plus COVID-19 numbers from Friday in Tink’s Evening Update.
Friday’s Galveston County Health District (GCHD) report showed 1642 confirmed (107 new Friday) cases of COVID-19 in Galveston County. La Marque had nine (9) additional confirmed cases reported Friday, raising our total number to 123. No additional deaths were reported in the county today. The Galveston County death toll stands at 40.
The GCHD also reported 660 (34 new) of our confirmed cases across Galveston County had recovered Friday. The recovered total for the City of La Marque is 50 (an increase of 4). There are currently 942 (an increase of 73 today) active cases in Galveston County, with 34 (no increase) hospitalized.
On Friday, June 19, 2020, the Mayor signed a proclamation stating in part that "all citizens will wear masks and social distance in public within the corporate limits of the City of La Marque." This includes in businesses, in parks, or on the street. If you are outside of your home or your vehicle, you need to wear a mask. It is the slightest of inconveniences in exchange for your safety, the safety of your family and the safety of our city. We still have masks available at city hall for our citizens. All you have to do is drive through the utility payment windows and show your ID with a La Marque address or a La Marque utility bill, and we will give you up to four per household.
A copy of the proclamation is attached. Mask up, everyone!
Today’s Galveston County Health District (GCHD) report shows 1535 confirmed COVID-19 cases
7:45 p.m. 6/18/2020 Evening Update from La Marque City Manager Tink Jackson.
Today’s Galveston County Health District (GCHD) report shows that there are now 1535 confirmed (49 new today) cases of COVID-19 in Galveston County. La Marque had seven (7) additional confirmed cases reported today, raising our total number to 114. No additional deaths were reported in the county today. The Galveston County death toll stands at 40.
The GCHD reports that 626 (8 new) of our confirmed cases across Galveston County recovered. The recovered total for the City of La Marque is 46 (an increase of 1). There are currently 869 (an increase of 39 today) active cases in Galveston County, with 34 (no increase) hospitalized.
As mentioned yesterday, we saw the 21-30-year-old age group jump to the highest number of confirmed cases (284), followed closely by the 31-40-year-old age (249) cases. We have also seen the gap between women (905 cases) and men (630 cases) grow farther apart. The bottom line is that this virus does not discriminate based on age, gender or anything else. It affects everyone. If anyone thought the reopening of Texas meant we had beat this virus, they need to look at the numbers and understand it didn’t.
We have seen businesses in other parts of Galveston County have to shut their doors because they had employees who tested positive. The reopening of Texas was never intended to be a free for all, live-like-before event. The intent was for everyone regardless of age, gender or anything else to be an active participant in keeping everyone else safe.
As a city, we will be looking at implementing some additional requirements related to masks similar to what other cities across Texas are doing. We shouldn’t have to do this, but we will to keep our citizens safe and our businesses open. Everyone must take personal responsibility for their health and have the compassion to care about the health of their co-workers, family, friends and neighbors. We still have masks available at City Hall if any of our citizens need them.
Triple-digit day of new COVID cases plus a significant increase in the number of people hospitalized in Tink’s Evening Update
6:20 p.m. 6/17/2020 Evening Update from La Marque City Manager Tink Jackson.
Today’s Galveston County Health District (GCHD) report shows that there are now 1486 confirmed (108 new today) cases of COVID-19 in Galveston County. La Marque had four (4) additional confirmed cases reported today, raising our total number to 108. No additional deaths were reported in the county today. The Galveston County death toll stands at 40.
The GCHD reports that 618 (24 new) of our confirmed cases across Galveston County recovered. The recovered total for the City of La Marque is 45 (no increase). There are currently 830 (an increase of 84 today) active cases in Galveston County, with 34 (an increase of 7) hospitalized.
The Galveston County Health District held a press conference this afternoon to discuss the significant increase in confirmed cases. Even more alarming than our first triple-digit day of new cases is the significant increase in the number of people hospitalized. The increase of seven hospitalizations in a single day causes great pause as to what we will see in the next few days and coming weeks.
Thirty-three percent of our total cases in Galveston County since the middle of March have occurred since June 1, 2020. Twenty-five percent of our total cases have occurred in just the last week. That should be enough to make everyone take notice.
One other notable statistic from today was the age averages. The average age of people tested today was 49; however, the average age of people who tested positive was 30. This clearly shows that the overwhelming majority of those testing positive is in the 20-to-30-year-old age group. Numerous instances of the people in this age group not following social distancing guidelines have been documented, from activities in bars to house parties to other gatherings all across the country. While they are currently the least likely to face death from this virus, the people they transport it to may not be. The majority of the younger generation must make a choice to put self-serving motives aside and do what is best for their fellow American citizens if we are going to get this virus under control.
The CDC recommended guidance is still the best we have. Washing your hands, disinfecting surfaces and wearing masks. Mask may not be fashionable, they may be a little inconvenient, or you may feel it is your right not to wear one … but facts are facts and they are still one of the best ways to stop the spread. Mask up, everyone!
Mask up everyone! There were 66 new cases of COVID-19 in Galveston County reported today.
7:20 p.m. 6/16/2020 Evening Update from La Marque City Manager Tink Jackson.
Today’s Galveston County Health District (GCHD) report shows that there are now 1378 confirmed (66 new today) cases of COVID-19 in Galveston County. La Marque had seven (7) additional confirmed cases reported today, raising our total number to 104. No additional deaths were reported in the county today. The Galveston County death toll stands at 40.
The GCHD also reported 592 (35 new) of our confirmed cases across Galveston County recovered. The recovered total for the City of La Marque is 46 (an increase of 6). There are currently 746 (an increase of 31 today) active cases in Galveston County, with 27 (no increase) hospitalized.
The Governor held a press conference today discussing rising numbers of COVID-19 cases and hospital capacity across Texas. The GCHD reported today that we are in good shape with hospital bed capacity at this point. I also want to point out that our positivity rate for the last couple of days has been over 13%. That is significantly higher than we have been recording. We need to do all we can to slow this virus back down.
We finalized the planning today for free drive-thru testing opportunity here in La Marque on Monday, June 22, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. This testing will be conducted at the Queen of Peace Church parking lot, 1224 Cedar (parking lot entrance on Laurel). You must be pre-registered. Additional details are available in the attached flyer.
We also confirmed a second testing day on July 1 at Abundant Life. More details on that will follow in the next few days. This will be drive-thru testing only also.
Mask up everyone!
La Marque had 21 additional confirmed COVID cases reported since Thursday, raising our total to 97
6:30 p.m. 6/15/2020 Evening Update from La Marque City Manager Tink Jackson.
Today’s Galveston County Health District report shows that there are now 1312 confirmed (198 new since Thursday) cases of COVID-19 in Galveston County. La Marque had twenty-one (21) additional confirmed cases reported since Thursday, raising our total number to 97. Also, two additional deaths were reported in the county during the same time period. The Galveston County death toll stands at 40. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the affected families.
The GCHD reports that 557 (4 new) of our confirmed cases across Galveston County have recovered. The recovered total for the City of La Marque is 40 (no increase). There are currently 715 (an increase of 194 since Thursday) active cases in Galveston County, with 27 (an increase of 2) hospitalized.
I wish I had better news to report. The concern is not merely a significant increase in the number of new cases each day, but also the percentage of tests that are coming back positive. Two months ago our daily rates were under 2 percent. In the last week, we have seen days over 11 percent. As a city, we continue to do all we can to keep our citizens, our elected and appointed officials, and our staff members safe and healthy. We are committed to staying that course for everyone’s benefit.
We are working on setting up a couple of testing dates for drive-thru testing here in the City of La Marque. Our first testing site was confirmed today. More details are coming tomorrow. The information we have at this point is as follows:
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Date: Monday, June 22, 2020
Location: Queen of Peace Church parking lot, 1224 Cedar (parking lot entrance on Laurel)
This will be a drive-through testing site only and will require pre-registration. We will provide additional details on how to register on the city website and social media outlets in the next couple of days.
We are also working to confirm a second testing day on July 1, 2020, at Abundant Life in La Marque. Details on that will follow in the next few days as well. This will also be drive-through testing and will require pre-registration.
Stay safe, everyone!
La Marque had two additional confirmed COVID-19 cases reported today, raising our total number to 76
6:35 p.m. 6/11/2020 Evening Update from La Marque City Manager Tink Jackson
Today’s Galveston County Health District report shows that there are now 1114 confirmed (30 new) cases of COVID-19 in Galveston County. La Marque had two (2) additional confirmed cases reported today, raising our total number to 76. Also, two additional deaths were reported in the county today. The Galveston County death toll stands at 38. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the affected families.
The GCHD is also reporting that 553 (15 new) of our confirmed cases across Galveston County are now recovered. The recovered total for the City of La Marque is 40 (an increase of 3). There are currently 521 (an increase of 13) active cases in Galveston County, with 25 (an increase of 3) hospitalized.
I wish I had better news to report. The number of new cases each day stays between the 25-30 range, and the positive testing rate remains significantly higher than it was prior to reopening our state. This is extra alarming, especially with the knowledge that we have seen some significant mass gatherings in our region over the last 10 days and have yet to see the impact of those. If things continue down the road they have been on, it sure appears this may get worse before it gets better.
As a city, we continue to do all we can to keep our citizens, our elected and appointed officials, and our staff members safe and healthy. We are committed to staying that course for everyone’s benefit. To all of you who are doing your part to help, we say thank you!
Get Caught Up with Tink’s Evening Update
7:25 p.m. 6/10/2020 Evening Update from La Marque City Manager Tink Jackson
Sorry that we have not had an update for the last two nights. The City Council had meetings both nights that began at the same time the updated numbers are released each day, so the postings would have been very late. We will get everyone caught up tonight.
Today’s Galveston County Health District report shows that there are now 1084 confirmed (138 new in the last five days) cases of COVID-19 in Galveston County. La Marque had fourteen (14) additional confirmed cases reported in the last five days, raising our total number to 74. The Galveston County death toll stands at 38.
The GCHD is also reporting that 538 (36 new in the last five days) of our confirmed cases across Galveston County are now recovered. The recovered total for the City of La Marque is 37 (an increase of 3 in the last five days). There are currently 508 (an increase of 102 in the last five days) active cases in Galveston County, with 22 hospitalized.
The numbers stated above over the last five days can leave no doubt that the virus is being spread far more rapidly than it ever has been previously in Galveston County. The focus must get back to flattening the curve. The one statistic that provides hope in this is that our death toll has not risen. I pray that this trend continues. This is something we will keep an eye on as this latest wave of people testing positive progresses through the virus cycle.
It is hard for me to imagine the rhetoric that has surrounded dealing with this virus, from the stay at home orders to limitations on group gatherings to masks. It is becoming glaringly obvious that the guidance provided by the CDC and the measures taken early on worked. Every time we relax another restriction, the number of new daily cases and the positive testing rate go up. The reality is clear. Fewer restrictions mean a higher infection rate. Regardless of whether or not you view the restriction as a constitutional issue, a moral issue or anything else, maybe what we should all do is consider our ability to do a few simple things to stop the spread from a humanity standpoint, even if that might feel like limiting of our personal freedoms.
Tropical Storm Cristobal stayed east of Texas, even though we did see a few hours of showers in some parts of our city from that storm. We have one blip in the Atlantic right now that we are keeping an eye on; however, now our weather looks sunny for the foreseeable future.
La Marque has seen an increase of 10% in our total number of COVID cases in a mere three days.
7:45 p.m. 6/5/2020 Evening Update from La Marque City Manager Tink Jackson
Today’s Galveston County Health District report shows that there are now 946 confirmed (40 new) cases of COVID-19 in Galveston County. La Marque had three (3) additional confirmed cases reported, raising our total number to 60. The Galveston County death toll stands at 38.
The GCHD is also reporting that 502 (9 new) of our confirmed cases across Galveston County are now recovered. The recovered total for the City of La Marque is 35 (an increase of 0). There are currently 406 (an increase of 31) active cases in Galveston County, with 24 hospitalized.
The 40 new cases today is a numbing number. Combining that with the 49 from the previous two days means we have seen an increase of 10% in our total number of cases in a mere three days. Remember folks, this pandemic and our testing and tracking goes all the way back to the middle of March. Three months of testing and tracking total so far. Now, we have seen 10% of our total confirmed cases in just three days. If those numbers don’t get people’s attention, I do not know what will. The conversation must get back to flattening the curve before our hospitals are overrun and we become the next New York.
I was interviewed late last week by one of our citizens who is a graduate student in nursing. We spoke about COVID-19, about the situation in our hospitals and about the general overall mental health of our medical providers. This has been a tough road for them. Three months of trying to find treatments that work, doing their best to care for their patients and stay positive. It has taken a toll on our medical system, top to bottom. I pray that they have enough left in them to withstand the coming flood of patients that appears to be headed their way. Now more than ever in this we need to be diligent in our efforts to control this virus.
Tropical Storm Cristobal continues to head into the Gulf. We are keeping an eye on the storm as it develops and preparing our city in case it heads our way. At this point, the models show a daily shift to the east which is very good for us. Hopefully it maintains that projected course. Stay safe everyone!
The 30 new COVID-19 cases today are alarming.
6:45 p.m. 6/4/2020 Evening Update from La Marque City Manager Tink Jackson.
Today’s Galveston County Health District report shows that there are now 906 confirmed cases (30 new) of COVID-19 in Galveston County. La Marque had one (1) additional confirmed case reported, raising our total number to 57. The Galveston County death toll stands at 38.
The GCHD is also reporting that 493 (7 new) of our confirmed cases across Galveston County are now recovered. The recovered total for the City of La Marque is 35 (an increase of 0). There are currently 375 (an increase of 23) active cases in Galveston County, with 23 hospitalized.
The 30 new cases today is very alarming. Adding that to the 19 from yesterday means we have seen an increase of 5% in the total number of cases in just two days. If this pace continues, we will lose every bit of momentum we made against this virus at the end of the stay at home orders. We MUST refocus on the things that worked to contain the spread of the virus originally. Social distancing, staying in small groups, sanitation, and all other CDC guidelines are more important than ever before.
Tropical Storm Cristobal continues to head into the Gulf. We are keeping an eye on the storm as it develops and preparing our city just incase it heads our way. Stay safe, everyone!
We should all take note of the 19 new cases of COVID-19 today. We are keeping a watchful eye on Tropical Storm Cristobal.
8:45 p.m. 6/3/2020 Evening Update from La Marque City Manager Tink Jackson.
Today’s Galveston County Health District report shows that there are now 876 confirmed cases (19 new) of COVID-19 in Galveston County. La Marque had two (2) additional confirmed cases reported in the last week, raising our total number to 56. The Galveston County death toll is at 38, with one additional death reported today. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the affected families.
The GCHD is also reporting that 486 (15 new) of our confirmed cases across Galveston County are now recovered. The recovered total for the City of La Marque is 35 (an increase of 0). There are currently 352 active cases in Galveston County, with 24 hospitalized.
We should all take note of the 19 new cases today. With all of the turmoil across our nation, the focus has shifted from COVID-19 to other issues. We dare not relax in our efforts to protect ourselves against this virus. To do so may have devastating consequences. We here in the City of La Marque challenge everyone to re-evaluate all of the things you are doing in your daily life and work diligently to stay healthy and keep those around you healthy as well.
We are keeping a watchful eye on Tropical Storm Cristobal. Current projections show a potential landfall sometime Sunday and anywhere from the central Texas Coast to Louisiana. We should know more about potential impacts later in the week, however, it is best for everyone to work on their family storm plans now and have them ready, just in case. All of the experts are in agreement that we will have a very active hurricane season this year. Prior preparation is the key to success in storm events.
La Marque City Manager and the late Mr. George Floyd
9:00 p.m. 6/2/2020 Evening Update from La Marque City Manager Tink Jackson.
The reprehensible actions of Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin and the three other officers in the sickening death of George Floyd are unconscionable. As City Manager of the City of La Marque, any action that puts the members of the La Marque Police Department and our citizens in harm’s way is of paramount concern for me. Those four individuals destroyed the lives of numerous Floyd family members. They also created unfair doubt about the reputation of the tens of thousands of selfless law enforcement officers who place themselves between our citizens and harm every day.
As a nation, we must be able to have faith and trust in our law enforcement institutions. The charge of protecting the lives of our citizens is sacred. The senseless killing of George Floyd at the hands of those charged with protecting his life has sent shockwaves across all aspects of our society. Those that are responsible for this must be held accountable. Any attempt to rebuild that trust can only come after justice is provided to the Floyd family. I do not believe you will find anyone across America that does not agree with this, including the thousands and thousands of dedicated police officers who uphold that sacred trust every day. I pray that the family of George Floyd finds justice and that somewhere in that justice, they also find the peace they need to begin to heal.
Over the last few days, we have seen multitudes of American citizens express their hurts, fears, opinions, and concerns by peacefully gathering and protesting across this nation. I applaud them for exercising their constitutional right to do so. During this time, we have also seen scores of bad actors loot businesses, destroy property, and injure and kill law enforcement officers. This criminal activity is also wrong and must be enforced under our laws.
As citizens of the City of La Marque, we are blessed to have police officers that exemplify the traits we all want to see in our law enforcement officers. Chief Kirk Jackson and his team of officers are community-oriented, respectful, knowledgeable and diligent. The interactions of our department with the community are professional, personal and consistent. They are the wall between our peaceful, law-abiding citizens and the evil in this world. They also are continually striving to be better, as we all are.
Just like any other family, the City of La Marque and her children have had their share of issues in the past. I do not believe anyone can honestly say that this family has not continued to learn, grow and improve. We are better today than we were a year ago, and we will be better another year down the road. We will continue to get better through open and honest communication, by listening as intently as we all want to be heard, and by working together to seek that constant improvement. I look forward to being part of that positive improvement and growth.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Mr. Floyd. The death of George Floyd must be mourned. Only after the mourning has happened can the healing begin.
June 1 Evening Update: Hurricanes, COVID and prayers for peace
7:15 p.m. 6/1/2020 Evening Update from La Marque City Manager Tink Jackson.
Today’s Galveston County Health District report shows that there are now 847 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Galveston County. La Marque had six (6) additional confirmed cases reported in the last week, raising our total number to 53. The Galveston County death toll is at 37.
We were unable to provide updates at the end of last week due to the round of storms we have that passed through the area, causing power outages all across the region. The storm on Wednesday also caused some equipment damage in City Hall, knocking out our access to our servers. Overall we fared better than our sister cities through those storms, with less reported damage. Both storms were stern reminders of just how volatile nature can be. Speaking of which …
As we all know, June 1 is the traditional start of hurricane season. The 2020 season is active early this year, with two storms already coming out of the Atlantic and a new potential storm predicted for the Gulf in the next few days. We all need to have our plans in place, just in case. For more hurricane planning information, see
strom.cityoflamarque.org.
May 2020 was a tough month for everyone. Between COVID-19, the attempts to restart the economy and the civil unrest around the country, numerous forces are pulling at the very fabric that defines this country and separates it from most others. I pray that June provides relief to all of us, peace for those who are hurting, justice to all who deserve it, and civility in our daily interactions.
Free face masks for La Marque residents through the utility billing window at City Hall
7:35 p.m. 5/26/2020 Evening Update from La Marque City Manager Tink Jackson.
Today’s Galveston County Health District report shows that there are now 763 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Galveston County. La Marque had two (2) additional confirmed cases reported, raising our total number to 47. There were no additional deaths reported in the county today as well, holding the death toll at 32.
The GCHD is also reporting that 458 (an increase of 10 since last Friday) of our confirmed cases across Galveston County are now recovered. The recovered total for the City of La Marque is 36 (no increase). There are currently 273 (an increase of 20 since last Friday) active cases in Galveston County, with 19 (an increase of 3 since last Friday) hospitalized.
We still have free face masks available at City Hall for our La Marque residents. All you have to do is drive through the utility payment window, show your driver’s license or a copy of your city utility bill, and give you four (4) per household.
Today was the deadline for applications for round two of the COVID Business Grants. At last count, we had around 60 applications for this additional batch. The committee will be meeting very soon to review the new applications and finalize the recipient list. We are doing all we can to help our local businesses.
Finally, this weekend marked the traditional start of the summer season in a very untraditional year. I heard numerous reports from our city elected officials and staff stating that our parks were heavily used and that folks did a great job of maintaining distancing and group size. We appreciate everyone’s efforts to keep each other safe. Everyone following the rules will help us keep those facilities open for all to enjoy.
Free face masks for La Marque residents through the utility billing window at City Hall
6:45 p.m. 5/21/2020 Evening Update from La Marque City Manager Tink Jackson.
Today’s Galveston County Health District report shows that there are now 73 confirmed (11 new) cases of COVID-19 in Galveston County. La Marque had no additional confirmed case reported, holding our total number to 45. There were no additional deaths reported in the county today as well, holding the death toll at 30.
The GCHD is also reporting that 448 (an increase of 2) of our confirmed cases across Galveston County are now recovered. The recovered total for the City of La Marque is 36 (an increase of 0). There are currently 253 (an increase of 9) active cases in Galveston County, with 16 (an increase of 0) hospitalized.
Today at noon, we began distributing free face masks for La Marque residents through the utility billing window at City Hall. We will continue this practice while supplies last. We received approximately 15,000 masks for mass distribution, and La Marque residents will be allowed to request up to 4 masks by presenting either a utility bill or driver’s license with a La Marque address. If you need a mask, please stop by. The safety of our citizens remains the primary concern of your City Council and City Staff.
Speaking of which, tomorrow begins the next phase of reopenings of businesses across Texas. I trust our local businesses to do the right thing to keep everyone safe. Their track record since the start of this pandemic has been great. As a City, we have done all we can to keep everyone safe. As a community, everyone has done their part, followed the rules and worked hard to keep their families, friends and neighbors safe. For your efforts, we are all grateful. Keep up the great work!
We received a shipment of disposable masks for public distribution late today.
7:45 p.m. 5/20/2020 Evening Update from La Marque City Manager Tink Jackson.
Today’s Galveston County Health District report shows that there are now 721 confirmed (6 new) cases of COVID-19 in Galveston County. La Marque had no additional confirmed case reported, holding our total number to 45. There were no additional deaths reported in the county today as well, holding the death toll at 30.
The GCHD is also reporting that 446 (increase of 7) of our confirmed cases across Galveston County are now recovered. The recovered total for the City of La Marque is 36 (increase of 1). There are currently 244 (decrease of 1) active cases in Galveston County, with 16 (increase of 1) hospitalized.
We received a shipment of disposable masks for public distribution late today. We will begin distributing them through the utility billing window at City Hall at 12:00PM tomorrow. La Marque residents will be allowed to request up to 4 masks by presenting either a utility bill or driver’s license with a La Marque address. If you are in need of a mask, please stop by.
Eat local … shop local … think local. Our businesses put community before themselves. We owe them for that.
7:30 p.m. 5/19/2020 Evening Update from La Marque City Manager Tink Jackson.
Today’s Galveston County Health District report shows that there are now 715 confirmed (9 new) cases of COVID-19 in Galveston County. La Marque had no additional confirmed case reported, holding our total number to 45. There were no additional deaths reported in the county today as well, holding the death toll at 30.
The GCHD is also reporting that 439 (an increase of 4) of our confirmed cases across Galveston County are now recovered. The recovered total for the City of La Marque is 35. There are currently 245 active cases in Galveston County, with 14 (decrease of 1) hospitalized.
We continue to work on securing disposable masks for public distribution. I believe we have secured approximately 10,000. Once they are received, we will be distributing them through the utility billing window. La Marque residents will be allowed to request up to 4 masks by presenting either a utility bill or driver’s license with a La Marque address on it as soon as they become available. We will let all of you know just as soon as we have them in stock.
One final thought for today. I spent a significant amount of time talking to businesses that will be reopening beginning Friday. I am very proud of the way our La Marque businesses have handled this uncertain time. Facing the adversity that has come with this pandemic, our local businesses have gone above and beyond to protect their employees and their customers. Many self-imposed additional restrictions on themselves to promote the safest environment they can for their customers. All have been gracious and willing to do their part.
We have done much better than many cities BECAUSE our businesses put the community before themselves. We owe them for that. They will need all of our help for some time to recover from the lost business. Answer their call … eat local … shop local … think local.
Make personal choices related to reopenings in Texas
7:00 p.m. 5/18/2020 Evening Update from La Marque City Manager Tink Jackson.
Today’s Galveston County Health District report shows that there are now 706 confirmed (4 new) cases of COVID-19 in Galveston County. La Marque had no additional confirmed case reported, holding our total number to 45. There were no additional deaths reported in the county today as well, holding the death toll at 31.
The GCHD is also reporting that 435 (increase of 5 since Friday) of our confirmed cases across Galveston County are now recovered. The recovered total for the City of La Marque is 35. There are currently 240 (increase of 7 since Friday) active cases in Galveston County, with 16 (increase of 1) hospitalized.
During the Governor’s press conference today additional allowances were made for currently open businesses and timelines were established for new openings. Today’s press conference comes on the heels of Saturday’s statewide numbers which were the single largest one day increase in new cases since the beginning of the pandemic. Everyone needs to keep that in mind as they make their personal choices related to these reopenings.
By Executive Order, the following services and activities may open under Phase II.
o Child Care Centers (May 18)
o Massage and Personal-Care Centers (May 18)
o Youth Clubs (May 18)
o Rodeo and Equestrian Events (May 22)
o Bowling Alleys, Bingo Halls, Simulcast Racing, and Skating Rinks (May 22)
o Bars (May 22)
o Aquariums and Natural Caverns (May 22)
o Zoos (May 29)
o Day Youth Camps (May 31)
o Overnight Youth Camps (May 31)
o Youth Sports (May 31)
o Certain professional sports without in-person spectators (May 31)
All sporting and camp activities are required to adhere by special safety standards, and minimum standard health protocols have been established for all newly-announced open services and activities. Businesses located in office buildings may also open but must limit their occupancy to the greater of 10 employees or 25% of their workforce.
Additionally, restaurants may expand their occupancy to 50% beginning May 22. Bars—including wine tasting rooms, craft breweries, and similar businesses—may open at 25% occupancy but like restaurants, these occupancy limits do not apply to outdoor areas that maintain safe distancing among parties.
Opened services and activities under Phase II are subject to certain occupancy limits and health and safety protocols. For details and a full list of guidelines, openings, and relevant dates, visit www.gov.texas.gov/opentexas.
Limited Supply of Face Masks is on the Way for Citizens of La Marque
7:30 p.m. 5/14/2020 Evening Update from La Marque City Manager Tink Jackson.
Today’s Galveston County Health District report shows that there are now 693 confirmed (2 new) cases of COVID-19 in Galveston County. La Marque had no additional confirmed case reported, holding our total number to 45. There were no additional deaths reported in the county today as well, holding the death toll at 30.
The GCHD is also reporting that 430 (increase of 6) of our confirmed cases across Galveston County are now recovered. The recovered total for the City of La Marque is 35. There are currently 233 (decrease of 4) active cases in Galveston County, with 15 (increase of 1) hospitalized. We posted the guidance related to face masks at the following link
COVID.cityoflamarque.org as promised.
I believe we have found a supply of disposable face masks that we will be able to make available on a first come first serve basis beginning next week. We will be providing additional information related to this at the start of next week.
For those that prefer a sturdier more fashionable mask, there are a number of folks that are making and selling them at a reasonable cost. We are happy to see our folks stepping up to provide the service of making masks during this unprecedented time! Keep up the good work.
Guidance on how to effectively reuse masks for COVID-19
5/13/2020 Evening Update from La Marque City Manager Tink Jackson.
Today’s Galveston County Health District report shows that there are now 691 confirmed (3 new) cases of COVID-19 in Galveston County. La Marque had no additional confirmed case reported, holding our total number to 45. One (1) additional death was reported in the county yesterday as well, raising the death toll to 30. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all affected families.
The GCHD is also reporting that 424 (an increase of 8) of our confirmed cases across Galveston County are now recovered. The recovered total for the City of La Marque is 35. There are currently 237 (decrease of 6) active cases in Galveston County, with 14 (decrease of 0) hospitalized.
There has been a lot of discussion throughout this pandemic about face masks, including back and forth about the need for them, whether it is constitutional to require them, and their effectiveness with this virus. We will not open up a conversation related to any of those topics. However, I do want to make sure we are providing anyone who wants it with safety information on how to use masks properly and the guidance that exists on how to most effectively reuse them.
N-95 masks are not specifically designed for reuse, however, based on the supply of masks that exist today, even the CDC has issued guidelines for effective decontamination and reuse of masks. We will be posting the available guidance tomorrow at COVID.cityoflamarque.org.
We realize that many people are having problems finding a mask. We are too. City staff members are reaching out to every source we can find attempting to purchase a significant quantity so that we can make some available to our citizens. We will keep everyone informed if we are successful in this endeavor.
Your City Council voted on a number of important items last night.
9:00 p.m. 5/12/2020 Evening Update from La Marque City Manager Tink Jackson.
Today’s Galveston County Health District report shows that there are now 688 confirmed (2 new) cases of COVID-19 in Galveston County. La Marque had no additional confirmed case reported, holding our total number to 45. One (1) additional death was reported in the county yesterday as well, raising the death toll to 29. The previously reported number of 29 deaths was reduced by one yesterday when one of the deaths reported for Galveston County was corrected to another county. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all affected families.
The GCHD is also reporting that 416 of our confirmed cases across Galveston County are now recovered. Recovery statistics for individual cities were not reported. There are currently 243 (decrease of 7) active cases in Galveston County, with 14 (decrease of 3) hospitalized.
Sorry we missed last night’s daily update. We had a regular city council meeting and the numbers were not released prior to the start of the meeting.
Speaking of the City Council meeting, your City Council voted on a number of important items last night.
First and foremost, the Council voted unanimously to request the La Marque Economic Development Commission (LMEDC) to consider a second round of Emergency Business Retention Program grants for businesses located within the City of La Marque. Staff began working on a proposal for a second round of funding opportunities to be presented to the LMEDC at their next regular meeting. We should have additional details if approved in the near future.
The City Council also voted unanimously to send a letter from the City to the Governor and the Galveston County Appraisal District requesting that property tax valuations for 2020 be held at 2019 rates in response to the Emergency Declaration issued by the State of Texas related to COVID-19. Those letters will be mailed out this week.
Today was the first day for the re-opening of barbershops and salons.
7:00 p.m. 5/8/2020 Evening Update from La Marque City Manager Tink Jackson.
Today’s Galveston County Health District report shows that there are now 676 confirmed (4 new) cases of COVID-19 in Galveston County. La Marque had one (1 new) additional confirmed case reported, increasing our total number to 45. One (1) additional death was reported in the county today as well, raising the death toll to 29. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all affected families.
The GCHD is also reporting that 397 of our confirmed cases across Galveston County are now recovered, including thirty (30) in the City of La Marque (no new). There are currently 250 (no change) active cases in Galveston County, with 17 (decrease of 2) hospitalized.
Today was the first day for the re-opening of barbershops and hair and nail salons. Some of us will be happy to exchange our shaggy, cave-man style hair for something a little more professional and a whole lot less home-cut. There are limitations on the number of people allowed inside your favorite barber/stylist’s location, waiting requirements, etc. Please check in with your favorite hair care or nail business to verify how they are operating under the requirements set by the state prior to going in.
The Galveston County Health District announced that they were concluding their mass testing program today. The reasons stated included an increase in the number of other testing locations available to Galveston County residents and a decreased demand for testing. If you need to be tested, please refer to the Galveston County Health District website at
www.gchd.org/testing for a location or talk to your doctor.
And finally, Happy Mother’s Day to all of the wonderful mothers reading this. Your dedication to families, tireless unselfish effort and absolute unconditional love is what makes the world go round!
Tink Talks Property Taxes in the Evening Update
7:00 p.m. 5/7/2020 Evening Update from La Marque City Manager Tink Jackson
Today’s Galveston County Health District report shows that there are now 672 confirmed (3 new) cases of COVID-19 in Galveston County. La Marque had zero (0 new) additional confirmed cases reported, holding our total number to 44. No additional death was reported in the county today.
The GCHD is also reporting that 394 of our confirmed cases across Galveston County are now recovered, including thirty (30) in the City of La Marque (1 new). There are currently 250 (decrease of 9) active cases in Galveston County, with 19 (decrease of 0) hospitalized.
At next Monday’s regular City Council meeting, the Mayor and City Council will be considering a letter to be sent to one or more relevant parties related to the current tax assessments for citizens within the City of La Marque. We have all seen our valuations for the 2021 tax year, and as a city, we have received the tax rolls for next year. Based on my calculations for existing properties, the average appraised value increased by 14.7 percent. I have no doubt your La Marque elected officials will approve some version of an official request asking for appraised value relief.
Each of us also has avenues we can utilize related to our property taxes. If you feel your appraised value is too high, you have the right to appeal your valuation to the Appraisal District. Time is of the essence and you need to get those appeals filed with the Appraisal District ASAP.
Under Texas State Law there are also statutory exemptions that many qualify for including the Homestead exemption, disability exemptions, and age exemptions. They are not automatic and you must apply if you qualify to receive them. If you are eligible for one or more of these exemptions, make sure you apply for them. They can help provide property tax relief as well.
I-45 will remain open for the weekend.
7:00 p.m. 5/6/2020 Evening Update from La Marque City Manager Tink Jackson
Today’s Galveston County Health District report shows that there are now 669 confirmed (10 new) cases of COVID-19 in Galveston County. La Marque had one (1 new) additional confirmed case reported, increasing our total number to 44. No additional death were reported in the county today.
The GCHD is also reporting that 382 of our confirmed cases across Galveston County are now recovered, including twenty-seven (27) in the City of La Marque (1 new). There are currently 259 (decrease of 2) active cases in Galveston County, with 19 (decrease of 2) hospitalized.
The planned closure of I-45 for demolition of the Vauthier overpass originally set to begin this Friday night and last through Monday morning was canceled today. Instead, TxDOT will be closing I-45 nightly from 6:30 PM to 7:00 AM beginning Monday, May 11th until completed. I-45 will remain open for the weekend. Once the closures begin Monday night, expect all lanes of I-45 and the frontage roads in the vicinity of Vauthier to be completely closed. Alternative routes are posted on the City of La Marque website, our social media pages and on TxDOT resources.
The first City of La Marque Council Meeting was conducted via the Zoom application last night. It worked very well and we had no issues. We will continue to host our public meetings via this format for the foreseeable future. If you have any questions related to accessing the meetings via the application, just comment below and we will help you figure it out. You can still watch the meetings on Channel 16 as well.
The Governor held a press conference today announcing additional changes to business openings
5:45 p.m. 5/5/2020 Evening Update from La Marque City Manager Tink Jackson.
Today’s Galveston County Health District report shows that there are now 659 confirmed (11 new) cases of COVID-19 in Galveston County. La Marque had no (0 new) additional confirmed case reported, and one case previously reported as in La Marque that was not was changed decreasing our total number to 43. No additional death were reported in the county today.
The GCHD is also reporting that 370 of our confirmed cases across Galveston County are now recovered, including twenty-six (26) in the City of La Marque (1 new). There are currently 261 (decrease of 5) active cases in Galveston County, with 21 (increase of 2) hospitalized.
The Governor held another press conference today announcing additional changes to businesses that can reopen. Unfortunately, the Galveston County daily call was at the same time so we missed the first part of it. What I did catch was announcements related to barber shops, hair and nail salons and tanning salons being allowed to reopen, with restrictions, beginning this Friday, May 8th.
Gyms will be allowed to reopen, with restrictions, on May 18th. Additional guidance for all businesses is available on the COVID-19 page on our city website at http://cityoflamarque.org/600/COVID-19 .
There was also some limited discussion related to bars. No date has been established for the reopening of bars at this time. I will have the full details of his remarks posted tomorrow night.
These announcements come on the heels of Texas reporting the highest new counts of positive tests in a 2-day period so far. I hope everyone keeps this in mind as we continue to move forward. There will be a tremendous cost associated with restoring these freedoms paid by Texans who contract this virus. We all have a responsibility to protect each other through this.
Tomorrow evening we will be holding our first virtual meeting of the La Marque City Council
6:15 p.m. 5/4/2020 Evening Update from La Marque City Manager Tink Jackson.
Today’s Galveston County Health District report shows that there are now 648 confirmed (34 new since Friday) cases of COVID-19 in Galveston County. La Marque had three (3 new since Friday) additional confirmed cases reported, increasing our total number to 44. One additional death was also reported in the county over the weekend, increasing the total to 28. Our thoughts and prayers to all the affected families.
The GCHD is also reporting that 354 of our confirmed cases across Galveston County are now recovered, including twenty-five (25) in the City of La Marque (1 new). There are currently 266 (an increase of 19 since Friday) active cases in Galveston County, with 19 (an increase of 2) hospitalized.
Tomorrow evening we will be holding our first virtual meeting of the La Marque City Council via the Zoom application. The City Council will be holding a Special Meeting to consider two items. The first will be extending the deadline for issuance of bonds that are necessary to begin the complete the work under the contract with the citizens we entered into this year for the expansion of the wastewater treatment plant, refurbishing of the Gulf Greyhound water tower, renovation of numerous lift stations and other various items. We had begun the process of issuing the bonds prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and established guidelines for the issuance of the bonds. Based on closures we are now off on those timelines and need to extend them to make sure we meet all SEC requirements for the issuance of those bonds.
Additionally, the Council will consider an extension to the existing local disaster declaration. This is necessary to ensure that all unforeseen expenditures we have that arise that are related to the current pandemic are eligible for at least partial reimbursement by the federal government.
The meeting will be a learning experience for many. The meeting will still be broadcast on Channel 16 for those that watch it that way. The agenda is posted on the city website, and it includes instructions for all who wish to watch utilizing Zoom. We will also have instructions provided via the City of La Marque Facebook page. Utilizing this platform, we can do the people’s business while keeping everyone safe. That must continue to be our priority right now.
When you make the choice to put others before yourself, you show this world a better way.
7:30 p.m. 5/1/2020 Evening Update from La Marque City Manager Tink Jackson.
Today’s Galveston County Health District report shows that there are now 614 confirmed (19 new) cases of COVID-19 in Galveston County. La Marque had one (1) additional confirmed case reported, increasing our total number to 41. One additional death was also reported in the county today, increasing the total to 27. Our thoughts and prayers to all the affected families.
The GCHD is also reporting that 340 of our confirmed cases across Galveston County are now recovered, including twenty-four (24) in the City of La Marque (no new). There are currently 247 (an increase of 6) active cases in Galveston County, with 17 (decrease of 2) hospitalized.
I mentioned yesterday that we had been notified that we would be receiving some additional guidance related to tomorrow’s “re-opening” requirements. To this point, the city has received nothing extra. We were verbally informed today that the General Land Office has rescinded local authority over the closure of beaches during a disaster and that the Governor has stated that all beaches are to be opened on Friday with the other openings he had previously ordered.
Today was the first day of the re-opening of certain businesses in Texas. We have debated the pros and cons of this day for a while, so I won’t revisit that in this update.
Rather, I would like to take this opportunity to pass out some “pats on the back”. We had more than one restaurant here in La Marque today that made the choice to continue operations as they were, rather than reopen there indoor seating to the public. The ones I know of stated that they were more concerned with ensuring the safety of their family, staff and customers than anything else. For putting safety before sales, every business owner everywhere today that did this deserves a huge pat on the back.
I will specifically mention Mama Frances Soul Food Kitchen, Benito’s and Kelley’s as I know they made this choice today. I am sure there are others and I do not want to leave them out, so I hope you all will mention them in the comments tonight, and continue to support them through this unprecedented time. I guarantee I will.
What these business owners did today takes commitment and courage. When the success of something you have worked your whole life to build hangs in the balance, and you still make the choice to put others before yourself, you show this world a better way. I hope in the days and weeks to come that we all display the same type of commitment and courage that these business owners showed today.
La Marque will be maintaining city operations exactly as we have been since day one of this pandemic
6:30 p.m. 4/30/2020 Evening Update from La Marque City Manager Tink Jackson.
Today’s Galveston County Health District report shows that there are now 595 confirmed (23 new) cases of COVID-19 in Galveston County. La Marque had four (4) additional confirmed cases reported, increasing our total number to 40. Two additional deaths were also reported in the county today, increasing the total to 26. Our thoughts and prayers to all the affected families.
The GCHD is also reporting that 328 of our confirmed cases across Galveston County are now recovered, including twenty (24) in the City of La Marque (2 new). There are currently 241 (an increase of 10) active cases in Galveston County, with 19 (decrease of 3) hospitalized.
I mentioned yesterday that we had been notified that we would be receiving some additional guidance related to tomorrow’s “re-opening” requirements. To this point, the city has received nothing extra. We were verbally informed today that the General Land Office has rescinded local authority over the closure of beaches during a disaster and that the Governor has stated that all beaches are to be opened on Friday with the other openings he had previously ordered.
Tomorrow, we begin the 25% rule. Each city within Galveston County will be looking at how to best operate for its citizens during this time. I am sure we will each come up with something a little different, as we should. Every city is unique and a cookie-cutter plan never meets the needs of everyone. We here in La Marque will be maintaining city operations exactly as we have been since day one of this pandemic, with absolute care and concern for our citizens and exercising an abundance of caution.
Your Police and Fire departments will continue to provide public safety with enhanced awareness and safety measures in place. Your Public Works department will still be repairing infrastructure and maintaining your city. City buildings including the Library will remain closed to the general public. Utility bills may still be paid via the drive-up window, through the mail, online, or at the outside kiosk or drop box at City Hall. We have provided all customary and necessary services without issue during this unprecedented time while protecting both you and your city employees. We will stick to that path for a while.
One thing we will be doing differently starting next week is resuming meetings of the City Council, boards, and commissions. They will be done in a different way now though. All meetings for the foreseeable future will be conducted utilizing the Zoom application. All citizens will be able to watch the meetings and will also be able to participate in public comment utilizing that application. Each posted agenda will have instructions on how to access the meetings. Other cities around us are using this platform and it is working well. As with everything else, we will all work together to make Zoom work for our city too.
We all have a choice to make.
7:15 p.m. 4/29/2020 Evening Update from La Marque City Manager Tink Jackson.
Today’s Galveston County Health District report shows that there are now 572 confirmed (18 new) cases of COVID-19 in Galveston County. La Marque had two (2) additional confirmed cases reported, increasing our total number to 36. No additional deaths were reported in the county today, keeping the total to 24.
The GCHD is also reporting that 317 of our confirmed cases across Galveston County are now recovered, including twenty (22) in La Marque (2 new). There are currently 231 (an increase of 4) active cases in Galveston County, with 22 (decrease of 12) hospitalized.
We were informed today that there might be some additional guidance coming out tomorrow related to the Governor’s new order. From what was stated, it appears there are still a lot of questions related to the guidance, and he feels he needs to provide clarification. We will get that information out to you just as soon as we get it.
Friday is quickly approaching, and each of us has an opinion about what is in store for Texas as we start to open things back up. Those that think this is too soon are very nervous. Those that believe we are OK to reopen are optimistic. Many are simply unsure. Regardless, we will all have to live with the choices that are made by everyone else, and that needs to be at the forefront of our thought processes right now.
A wise man once told me a story about the Christian faith. He said you have two choices in this life. You can choose to have faith and live your life accordingly, or you can choose not to believe and live your life accordingly. The results will be simple. At the end of your days on this earth, when you take your final breath, you will either see the Pearly Gates or nothing will happen. If you chose to live by faith, and at the end of your physical life, there is no afterlife, what have you really lost? However, consider the alternative very carefully. If you chose to live without faith, and at the end you do see those Pearly Gates, then brother, eternity is forever!
I mention this story now because we are in a similar situation with this virus. We can choose to live our lives according to the guidance that has been provided, best practices we know work, and an abundance of caution. Sure, we might miss a few things we enjoy doing, a few things we are sure we have worked for and earned through our hard work. We have all been missing things we like to do for the past few weeks. At the end of this pandemic, and yes it will end at some point, we can all look back and know that we not only protected ourselves and our families, we also protected the people around us. Our neighbors, friends, and even those strangers we did not meet while we keep our distance.
Or, we can live our lives right now, seeking the things we want no matter what the guidance says. Just thinking about that, I can hear that wise man saying, “brother, there is a darkness at the end of that road too.”
Stay safe and very cautious folks; there is no bad choice in that decision.
Get a breakdown of the new state guidelines for individuals, businesses and care facilities in Texas
7:00 p.m. 4/28/2020 Evening Update from La Marque City Manager Tink Jackson.
Today’s Galveston County Health District report shows that there are now 554 confirmed (6 new) cases of COVID-19 in Galveston County. La Marque had no additional confirmed case reported, holding our total number to 34. No additional deaths were reported in the county today, keeping the total to 24.
The GCHD is also reporting that 303 of our confirmed cases across Galveston County are now recovered, including twenty (20) in the City of La Marque. There are currently 227 (decrease of 10) active cases in Galveston County, with 34 (increase of 7) hospitalized.
In an effort to assist everyone with the guidance that was provided by the Governor’s office yesterday, we have broken the report down by sections to make it easier to find what is important to you. You can find those individual sections on our city website COVID-19 page,
COVID.cityoflamarque.org.
The checklists include the following:
We hope that these links will help each of you in your businesses and as consumers do your part to protect each other and keep all of us safe.
State-wide stay-at-home order expires April 30. Phase One of reopening starts May 1. Bottom line … it’s on each of us to make this work.
6:00 p.m. 4/27/2020 Evening update with La Marque City Manager Tink Jackson.
Today’s Galveston County Health District report shows that there are now 548 confirmed (26 new since Friday) cases of COVID-19 in Galveston County. La Marque had One (1) additional confirmed case reported since Friday, raising our total number to 34. Two (2) additional deaths were reported in the county today, raising the total to 24.
The GCHD is also reporting that 287 of our confirmed cases across Galveston County are now recovered, including nineteen (19) in the City of La Marque. There are currently 237 (decrease of 2) active cases in Galveston County, with 41 (increase of 5) hospitalized.
Governor Abbott held a press conference today laying out the guidelines for the expanded reopening of businesses in Texas. There was a lot of information provided. I am going to cut it down to the bare essentials to make it as easy as possible to understand what he stated today.
The current state-wide stay at home order will be allowed to expire April 30th, 2020 at midnight.
Texas will enter Phase One of reopening on May 1st, allowing certain businesses to reopen. Those businesses include:
a. Retail stores, restaurants, malls and movie theaters, however, they will be limited to 25% of their allowed capacity.
b. Libraries and museums, limited to 25% of their allowed capacity, however, all interactive exhibitions must remain closed.
c. Sole proprietorship businesses may reopen.
d. Churches may expand their capacity so long as safe social distancing measures are enacted and followed.
e. All licensed health care people can go back to work and/or reopen their business, including dentists, family doctor offices, small clinics, etc.
f. Outdoor sports may resume, so long as no more than four (4) people are participating at one time (golf, tennis).
g. All essential businesses allowed to remain open during the stay at home orders may continue to operate.
Businesses that were NOT included in the reopening provisions included:
Bars
Barber shops, hair salons and nail salons
Game rooms
Entertainment venues (bingo halls, race tracks, etc.)
Now comes the catch. The next phase of potential openings is May 18th. For Texas to be able to continue moving forward, to expand operations of the businesses being allowed to reopen May 1st, and to be able to open up more of our businesses, the number of cases of COVID-19 MUST decrease statewide. Should we see an increase over that timeframe, we will be forced to go backwards, implement closures again, and possibly for a longer time. We will bounce back from the closures we have had. Being forced to close down again could be far more catastrophic.
Bottom line … it’s on each of us to make this work.
We are still under State stay at home orders, as well as City orders issued last month
7:30 p.m. 4/24/2020 Evening Update from La Marque City Manager Tink Jackson.
Today’s Galveston County Health District report shows that there are now 522 confirmed (15 new) cases of COVID-19 in Galveston County. La Marque had no additional confirmed case reported, holding our total number at 33. No additional deaths were reported in the county today.
The GCHD is also reporting that 262 of our confirmed cases across Galveston County are now recovered, including nineteen (19) in the City of La Marque. There are currently 239 (decrease of 4) active cases in Galveston County, with 36 (increase of 2) hospitalized.
Galveston County released a document today entitled “Societal Restoration Recommendations” that is being circulated by a number of entities and was also provided to the press. I want to make a few things clear as you start to see this document and look over what is in it.
We are still under the city orders that were issued last month. The county document does not change that. The state is still under a stay at home order with the limited exceptions that have been provided by the governor in recent days (elective surgeries, curb side retail). The county document does not change that. There has been no announcement, yet, about additional changes that may be incorporated into the governor’s order on Monday.
What does this mean? Until the order comes out from the governor Monday, just because the document the county sent out provides their recommendations for how to operate a business that is closed by order right now, they are not allowed to reopen by simply following the county document. You still cannot be inside a retail store that was previously closed by order, nor a bar or an entertainment venue. Only a change to the governor’s order can reopen those other businesses.
Monday is right around the corner folks. We should have a lot more answers then.
Tomorrow will be the next step in the gradual process to reopen Texas.
8:00 p.m. 4/23/2020 Evening Update from La Marque City Manager Tink Jackson.
Today’s Galveston County Health District report shows that there are now 507 confirmed (16 new) cases of COVID-19 in Galveston County. La Marque had three (3) additional confirmed case reported, raising our total number to 33. No additional deaths were reported in the county today.
The GCHD is also reporting that 243 of our confirmed cases across Galveston County are now recovered, including nineteen (19) in the City of La Marque. There are currently 243 (unchanged) active cases in Galveston County, with 34 (increase of 3) hospitalized.
Tomorrow will be the next step in the gradual process to reopen Texas. Beginning tomorrow, curbside retail will be allowed to start. I have already seen some pretty dedicated business owners coming up with ways to make this work. From “fashion shows” via Facebook Live to Etsy / eBay stores, and everything in between. We are seeing a virus fueled transition to the use of technology in the small retail business sector like we may have never seen before. I am sure this has been difficult for some, nerve-racking for others and cumbersome to most, however, at the end of the day, as Texas gets back to some kind of normal, the businesses that have adapted and taken the time to utilize these tools will be better off and will reach a much larger audience than they did before. With great effort comes great reward.
The other side of that coin is the consumer. Tomorrow, consumers will not be limited to the stock on Amazon and a potential 30-day wait to get whatever you ordered, that wasn’t what you really wanted to begin with. Tomorrow, you get to hit your favorite shops again (electronically, of course) and get what you really wanted when that box from Amazon showed up a week late.
One final thought for all of us in La Marque. Tomorrow especially, please shop locally for anything that you need. Let’s wear the curbs out in this city. Don’t forget, our local businesses that have been shut down for weeks are our neighbors, or friends, our family. They are the ones who support all of our youth activities in the schools, who buy girl scout cookies, raffle tickets, and everything else that comes in the door. They support La Marque. Tomorrow is our day to pay them back by supporting them!
Service before self. You cannot lose making that choice.
8:00 p.m. 4/22/2020 Evening Update from La Marque City Manager
Tink Jackson.
Today’s
Galveston County Health District report shows that there are now 491 confirmed (12 new) cases of COVID-19 in Galveston County. The
City of La Marque had one (1) additional confirmed case reported, raising our total number to 30. One additional death was reported in the county today also, raising the total number to 21. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the affected families.
The GCHD is also reporting that 227 of our confirmed cases across Galveston County are now recovered, including eighteen (18) in the City of La Marque. There are currently 243 (unchanged) active cases in Galveston County, with 31 (increase of 1) hospitalized.
Speculation continues to mount about what comes next. What will the governors next order include, what additional businesses will be allowed to open back up and when? The answers to all of those questions will come in short order, and worrying over them will not make them happen any sooner. I spent a little time today looking at other counties and cities to see what they were doing and how they were preparing for the next steps. That few minutes showed me that we are still significantly divided on how to handle this pandemic. From mandatory face masks in one county to a “recommendation” to wear a face mask in another, there is not much agreement. If we all don’t get on something close to the same page, our chances of success will diminish tremendously.
As for me, rather than fret about what I cannot control, I am choosing to manage what I can. I am starting that with being thankful for what I have, and not focusing on the things I cannot do. Primarily, I am thankful that neither I nor anyone in my family has been affected by this virus. Out of that thankfulness, I promise everyone who comes into contact with me that I will maintain the 6 foot distance between you and I. I will do that with recently washed hands and a mask over my face to protect you and your family, even if you still do not believe it is necessary. That mask will be on around your mother and your grandmother too should I cross paths with them somewhere, because I know how it felt to lose mine and cannot stand the thought of being the cause of someone else losing theirs.
Tomorrow we’ll see return of elective medical procedures and in the next few days, curbside retail
7:15 p.m. 4/21/2020 Evening update from La Marque City Manager Tink Jackson.
Today’s Galveston County Health District report shows that there are now 479 confirmed (11 new) cases of COVID-19 in Galveston County. La Marque had one (1) additional confirmed case reported, raising our total number to 29. One additional death was reported in the county today also, raising the total number to 20. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the affected families.
The GCHD is also reporting that 216 of our confirmed cases across Galveston County are now recovered, including eighteen (18) in the City of La Marque. There are currently 243 (increase of 2) active cases in Galveston County, with 30 (increase of 3) hospitalized.
Tomorrow will be the first day of the return of elective medical procedures. This is a positive for those seeking routine diagnostic procedures. Many cancer screening procedures, among other potentially lifesaving tests, were halted during the stay at home orders. As we all know, many of those screenings, if done early enough, can be the difference between treatments working or being ineffective. This step is a positive step forward for the health of many Texans.
In the next few days, we will see curbside retail implemented as well. This will give many of our business owners the opportunity to get their shops open again and start providing goods to folks across Texas. This will also be a positive step forward.
It seems with each step that is implemented a lot of folks want to jump five steps further. I have heard rumblings of everything from wanting to see game rooms reopened to cities looking at reopening bars. I am sure not seeing in the federal guidance for Phase One where those types of businesses are included. I am sure those who own those types of business are not happy they were not included, however, we all need to remember that elected officials are doing all they can to get the economy trending upward without spreading the virus further. Closed off environments that bring people too physically close together are still a major concern, for good reason.
What every business owner can be doing right now is looking at the federal/state guidance to see what they are going to be responsible for when their type of business is allowed to reopen. The safety of our citizens cannot and should not be rushed. The minimum requirements of EVERY employer, for every phase of the reopening are:
- Requiring social distancing and requiring protective equipment
- Conducting temperature checks of staff
- Sanitation
- Limiting use of and maintaining disinfection of common and high traffic areas
- Restricting/limiting business travel
When your business is allowed under federal and state guidance to reopen, you can help yourself out by being prepared and ready.
These guidelines are meant to not only protect your employees, but also to protect your patrons. I know I will not be patronizing any businesses at any point that does not take these guidelines seriously, and I am sure I am far from alone in that belief.
We are all eager to get back to doing many things that we have not been able to do over the past month. That is definitely a double-edged sword.
6:45 p.m. 4/20/2020 Evening update from La Marque City Manager Tink Jackson.
Today’s Galveston County Health District report shows that there are now 468 confirmed (13 new today, 30 since Friday) cases of COVID-19 in Galveston County. La Marque had zero (0) additional confirmed cases reported, holding our total number at 28. Two additional deaths were reported in the county today, raising the total number to 19. Our thoughts and prayers to all of the affected families.
The GCHD is also reporting that 208 of our confirmed cases across Galveston County are now recovered, including fifteen (15) in the City of La Marque. There are currently 241 active cases in Galveston County, with 27 of those hospitalized.
Based on the additions last week to the Governor’s order, we will begin seeing a few changes this week. State Parks are now open with specific restrictions on patrons use, elective medical procedures and curbside retail will also be added this week. We are also expecting additional guidance as the week progresses.
I know we are all eager to get back to doing many things that we have not been able to do over the past month. That is definitely a double-edged sword. One edge allows us to return to taking advantage of some of the freedoms we enjoy as American’s, freedoms we so often take for granted. The other edge provides the possibility that the strides we have made combatting this virus could be lost if the guidelines are not followed. That edge could lead to far more catastrophic damage to our economy, and the freedoms we hold so dear, than what we have seen thus far. That would not be a tragedy for all of us.
We all need to pay attention to the potential consequences of our actions in the days and weeks to come. It’s not really about you as an individual. It’s about all of us as the Great State of Texas.
WE MUST make sure we do our part to not spread the virus.
4/17/2020 Evening update from La Marque City Manager Tink Jackson.
Today’s Galveston County Health District report shows that there are now 438 confirmed (17 new) cases of COVID-19 in Galveston County. La Marque had zero (0) additional confirmed cases reported, holding our total number at 28. No deaths were reported in the county today. The GCHD is also reporting that 191 of our confirmed cases across Galveston County are now recovered, including fourteen (14) in the City of La Marque. There are currently 233 active cases in Galveston County, with 29 of those hospitalized.
The Governor’s press conference today, and accompanying new executive orders, laid out some very basic groundwork for the reopening of Texas. As discussed yesterday in the national framework provided by the President, everything will be driven by medical facts and data related to COVID-19. As a beginning, the following items were specifically addressed.
All public and private schools including all high education will remain closed for the balance of the 2019-2020 school year. The Texas Education Agency will be providing additional guidance to schools and they should be passing that on to students and parents in the coming weeks.
Elective medical procedures may resume beginning on April 22nd. The Governor stressed the importance of these being allowed to start up again as those procedures include cancer screenings and another potentially life-saving testing.
All retail businesses will be able to participate in “retail to go” activities beginning April 24th. Retail businesses that will provide curbside pick-up for their products that are currently closed by the order will be allowed to reopen. Nobody will be allowed inside the reopened stores.
Additional guidance for the operations of other businesses not specifically mentioned (restaurants, theaters, etc.), will be given on April 27th. The potential reopening of additional businesses will occur on May 4th or later, depending on what the Texas Strike Force comes up with.
State Parks will be reopened Monday. Social distancing requirements will be in place and groups of more than 5 people will not be allowed. Also, gatherings of less than 6 people from different households are not allowed. Anyone in a State Park must wear a face mask.
Restrictions related to assisted living centers remain in place.
The Governor has appointed a statewide strike force to develop guidance for additional steps forward that will allow for enhanced business and social activity. Please keep in mind, all of this is based on the presumption that we will see a decrease in the number of active cases of COVID-19 across Texas. There is a possibility of additional regional or statewide restrictions should the confirmed virus case numbers begin to increase as a result of the easing of the restrictions.
Nothing except the items listed above changes. The statewide stay at home order is still effective. County and local orders are still in effect. They will all stay in place until they are rescinded or expire, whichever comes first. They are all still subject to extension or reassurance, as well.
Here is the bottom line. Slowly but surely, Texas is going to try to move forward. If we want to see this work, if we want to see that restaurant seated dining, barbershops, hair salons and nail parlors (among others) are allowed to operate again in the near future, WE MUST make sure we do our part to not spread the virus. If the numbers do not decrease, the businesses won’t get to open. It’s as simple as that.
The President is forming a plan to reopen the country. I am pleased to see that we here in Texas will make our own decision. What that decision will be is still unknown.
4/16/2020 Evening update from La Marque City Manager Tink Jackson
Today’s Galveston County Health District report shows that there are now 421 confirmed (20 new) cases of COVID-19 in Galveston County. La Marque had three (3) additional confirmed case reported, increasing our total number to 28. Unfortunately, the Health District reported one (1) additional death related to COVID-19 today, bringing the total number of deaths in Galveston County to fourteen (14). Our thoughts and prayers are with all the effected families. The GCHD is also reporting that 157 of our confirmed cases across Galveston County are now recovered, including ten (10) in the City of La Marque. There are currently 250 active cases, with 26 of those hospitalized.
I heard from a number of people today related to the President’s plan to reopen the country. There is obviously a lot of additional planning that needs to be done related to the phased plan, and we do not have hardly any tangible details yet. However, what we do know is that the primary decisions on easing restrictions will be left to the individual states. A bipartisan committee of lawmakers in Washington D.C. will work to hammer out the proper guidance. The decisions related to “reopening” Texas however, will be made in Texas. We also know the directive provides for those decisions to be made based on medical data for each state related to the virus.
I am pleased to see that we here in Texas will make our own decision. What that decision will be is still unknown. The Governor has a conference call scheduled for tomorrow with the Mayors and Judges. I am sure we will have a better idea after that call what the plan will be for Texas.
I will try to provide more information in tomorrows update.
Over the course of the next few days, we will be hearing from our elected leaders at the national and state level as they propose plans to “re-open” the nation.
8:00 p.m. 4/15/2020 Evening update from City Manager Tink Jackson.
Today’s Galveston County Health District report shows that there are now 401 confirmed (9 new) cases of COVID-19 in Galveston County. La Marque had one (1) additional confirmed case reported, increasing our total number to 25. Unfortunately, the Health District reported two (2) additional deaths related to COVID-19 today, bringing the total number of deaths in Galveston County to thirteen (13). Our thoughts and prayers are with those families. The GCHD is also reporting that 144 of our confirmed cases across Galveston County are now recovered, including nine (9) in the City of La Marque. There are currently 244 active cases, with 24 of those hospitalized.
Over the course of the next few days, we will be hearing from our elected leaders at the national and state level as they propose plans to “re-open” the nation. We do not know what their timelines will look or what aspects of the country will be addressed.
Presumably, these plans will focus on spurring the economy, getting our businesses running again and getting folks back to work. With the appropriate safety measures in place, hopefully, this can be achieved while still protecting our citizens and keeping them safe. The decisions that are being made right now are not easy ones, for any elected official, anywhere.
Each of us will also have a decision to make as this progresses. I keep hearing people say they can’t wait for things to get “back to normal”. The question then becomes, “what is normal”? If normal is back to the exact way things were in our everyday lives prior to COVID-19, well, I do not believe that will be possible. I am not so sure that we will ever get back to the way it was prior to this pandemic, nor should we. Our new heightened sense of personal hygiene, product packaging safety and social distancing will forever stick with us, as it should. Maybe, in the end, this will all serve as a training precursor for a healthier way of life for all of us. We will each have to decide what our new “normal” is.
I once heard someone say “normal is not an absolute, it is just the middle point of all of the chaos in our lives”. If this is true, then our new normal will surely look different than it did before COVID-19.
Galveston County Health District reporting 130 confirmed COVID-19 cases are now recovered, including eight in La Marque
6:45 p.m. 4/14/2020 Evening update from City of La Marque City Manager Tink Jackson.
Today’s Galveston County Health District report shows that there are now 392 confirmed (15 new) cases of COVID-19 in Galveston County. La Marque had one (1) additional confirmed case reported, increasing our total number to 24. Unfortunately, the Health District reported two (2) additional deaths related to COVID-19 today, bringing the total number of deaths in Galveston County to eleven 11). Our thoughts and prayers are with those families.
The GCHD is also reporting that 130 of our confirmed cases across Galveston County are now recovered, including eight (8) in the City of La Marque. There are currently 251 active cases, with 28 of those hospitalized.
As we approach the mid-point of April, there is still a lot of unknowns when it comes to COVID-19, and to when we may actually reach the peak and start seeing a decrease in reported cases. Obviously, the more people who do not follow the CDC guidelines, the longer that timeframe will be. Everyone has a different opinion about how long this will last, how soon we can get back to “normal” and even what the solutions may be. Almost all of those opinions differ.
One thing doesn’t differ in all of this. The human race is an amazing species. We are resilient, hearty and handle adversity better than any other species. For the first time in a long time, the top minds from all over the planet are working together, united in finding a solution to a common problem that does not honor political boundaries. Their drive to find that common answer is the light at the end of the tunnel. That answer will alleviate all the opinions that are floating around out there. Our best bet is to stick to what we know is working (staying at home, social distancing, sanitizing, etc.), and let the brain trust of this world do their work. The answer will come soon enough. And it will be something we can all agree on.
Your Mayor and Council will make the decisions that are best for the citizens of La Marque
8:00 p.m. 4/13/2020 Evening update from La Marque City Manager Tink Jackson.
Evening update from La Marque City Manager Tink Jackson: Today’s Galveston County Health District report shows that there are now 377 confirmed (22 new) cases of COVID-19 in Galveston County. La Marque had three (3) additional confirmed cases reported, increasing our total number at 23. Unfortunately, the Health District reported one (1) additional death related to COVID-19 today, bringing the total number of deaths in Galveston County to nine (9). Our thoughts and prayers are with those families.
I spent some time on Sunday driving around our city parks. It was very reassuring to see the people utilizing the parks when I drove through were keeping their distance from other families and doing their best to protect each other. I saw a father playing catch with his son, numerous small families fishing at our lake, and many just sitting in their vehicles enjoying the fresh air and the wonderful sunshine. All while staying distanced from everyone else. We appreciate the efforts of those of you that are doing all you can to protect yourself, your loved ones, and those around you. Keep up the good work.
Many rumblings about the Governor potentially relaxing some of the executive order this week while we still see our daily numbers increase in Galveston County. Trust me, as the chief executive officer of the City of La Marque, I fully understand how important it is to get our economy back on track. When there is a safe way to do that, we need to. We also must keep in mind those populations in our city that are the more susceptible to this virus, and make sure their protection is included in that calculation.
Every two years during the Texas legislative session, we have this very discussion. What is good for one city in Texas is not necessarily always good for another. What works in West Texas invariably doesn’t always work here. That’s the purpose of local government – to meet the needs of the citizens where they eat, sleep and work. Your mayor and city council will do just that. They will make the decisions that are best for the citizens of La Marque as we continue to monitor the effects of COVID-19 here in Galveston County. Together, we will all get through this.
Photo by Jasmin Perla Photography
Love your neighbor. Stay home over Easter weekend and do your part to stop the spread.
6:30 p.m. 4/9/2020 Evening update from La Marque City Manager Tink Jackson.
Today’s Galveston County Health District report shows that there are now 308 confirmed (21 new) cases of COVID-19 in Galveston County. La Marque had three (3) additional confirmed cases reported, increasing our total number at 18. Unfortunately, the Health District reported two (2) additional deaths related to COVID-19 today, bringing the total number of deaths in Galveston County to seven (7). Our thoughts and prayers are with those families.
This afternoon, all county Mayors and the County Judge participated in a teleconference to talk about the situation across Galveston and the upcoming holiday weekend. Bolivar Peninsula has been closed for the weekend. Closures of beaches in Galveston and the Texas City Dike remain in effect. This decision to close Bolivar was made not only to prevent people from spreading COVID-19 on the beaches, but also to prevent the spread at all of the locations along the I-45 corridor that the people visiting Bolivar would be stopping at on the way home. Today was the first day of the drive-up testing program and it sounds like it went very smoothly. We hope to see continued expand testing over the next few weeks.
Easter weekend is upon us. For people of faith across the world this is a very special time. Families united in faith choose many different ways to celebrate this special day. Most celebrations include attending church service and some special family outing/gathering after. Attending church this year will be different. Traditional large family gatherings will be missed. Whether you end up “attending” by watching a sermon on TV or the internet doesn’t matter. A phone call or a FaceTime video with those extended family members this year will suffice. The fact that extended families are not together and you are not inside a physical church, while not part of our perfect plan, will not really matter either.
The greatest lesson Jesus taught us was to love our neighbor. Staying home, attending church services virtually with our immediate families, and downscaling our traditional family gatherings to those inside our homes, will prevent the spread of the virus this weekend and ultimately will keep everyone safer. A small sacrifice for the good of those we love and those around us. An act that demonstrates all of us loving our neighbors. I am sure your earthly “sacrifice” of these things will be quite pleasing to Him. Happy Easter everyone!
First free COVID-19 drive-thru testing site in Galveston County will be located in Texas City
6:30 p.m. 4/8/2020
Today’s Galveston County Health District report shows that there are now 287 confirmed (15 new) cases of COVID-19 in Galveston County. La Marque had one (1) additional confirmed case reported, raising our total number to 15. The report from the GCHD incorrectly stated we had two new cases today. We have verified there was only one today.
The Galveston County Health District also announced today that beginning on Thursday, April 9 they will open the first free COVID-19 drive-thru testing site in Galveston County for high-risk people who meet specific screening criteria.
The testing site will be open by appointment only Thursday, April 9-Saturday, April 11 and on Monday, April 13. Testing will take place at the Galveston County Health District, 9850 Emmett F. Lowry Expressway in Texas City.
Testing is open to citizens of the general public who meet the following screening criteria:
- ANY age 65 years old or older
- ANY AGE: 2 signs of: cough, shortness of breath, fever, loss of taste/smell, exposure, fatigued
- 50 years old or older with 2 or more conditions:
- Diabetes
- Lung disease (COPD, etc.)
- Heart disease (hypertension, etc.)
- Immunocompromised
Only those who have completed a pre-screening process and have an appointment will be tested. To make an appointment, call 409-978-4040 to speak with an operator to ensure you meet the testing criteria. Those being tested should bring a form of identification including driver’s license, a bill with their name, etc. The testing site has the current capacity to test 176 people daily.
As with all of you, your city employees are taking everything one day at a time, addressing each problem as it arises, and doing our best to protect all of us. We will continue to do all we can during this difficult time, and together, we will all get through this.
Texas we have sufficient hospital beds and medical equipment to attempt to treat those that are or will become infected with COVID-19
7:45 p.m. 4/7/2020
Evening update from La Marque City Manager Tink Jackson.
Today’s Galveston County Health District report shows that there are now 272 confirmed (16 new) cases of COVID-19 in Galveston County. La Marque had no additional confirmed cases reported, keeping our total number at 14. Unfortunately, the Health District reported four (4) additional deaths related to COVID-19 today also, bringing the total number of deaths in Galveston County to five (5). Our thoughts and prayers are with those families.
Today, Mayors and County Judges from across Texas participated in a teleconference with the Governor to look at the COVID-19 issue from the state level. There was actually some good news. In spite of the fact that we continue to see increased numbers of confirmed cases each day, it appears by taking the measures we did as early as we did, we have flattened out the curve enough to ensure that across Texas we have sufficient hospital beds and medical equipment to attempt to treat those that are or will become infected with COVID-19. This is a significant piece of positive news. The curve was not flattened out in New York and Louisiana fast enough and we are witnessing the results of that. Hearing the projections for adequate hospital beds across Texas was some welcomed news during these tough times. This also reaffirms the absolute need to stay the course of staying at home and following CDC guidelines.
While we have not reached the peak here in Texas, we do know that what we are doing is making a difference for our families, our neighbors and our communities. The old adage “perseverance pays off” has never been truer than it is today. Our continued perseverance will continue to pay dividends. Let us all do our part for our family and friends here in La Marque and beyond.
COVID-19 is something very different than the seasonal flu. An evening update from our City Manager, Tink Jackson.
7:30 p.m. 4/6/2020
Today’s Galveston County Health District report shows that there are now 256 confirmed (16 new) today cases of COVID-19 in Galveston County. We also saw our COVID-19 related death in Galveston County over the weekend. La Marque had four additional confirmed cases reported today, bringing our total number to 14. These numbers come as we still have very limited testing within Galveston County as well. As testing continues to expand, we undoubtedly will continue to see larger numbers each day.
We are watching what is happening in Louisiana very closely. With a possible decrease in daily cases in New York, New Orleans has now taken over as the largest concern. Our Governor has taken extra measures at the state line with Louisiana to help stop the spread.
For those of you that still don’t understand that COVID-19 is something very different than the seasonal flu, I suggest you get online and look at New York City and what they are facing. For those that are not taking the social distancing guidelines seriously, those that are still having friends over for cookout or to have a few beverages, and those that think this is about taking your rights away, one look at the freezers full of bodies should be enough to make you understand.
Our staff members continue to work hard for you and are doing their best to make sure we are meeting all essential needs while protecting both themselves and you from spreading the virus in our interactions. If you see one of our employees and they seem a little “stand-off-ish”, please don’t take it wrong. They are making sure they keep their distance for your protection, and ours.
Don’t forget, the deadline for the Emergency Business Retention Program grant applications is tomorrow at noon. If you qualify and you haven’t submitted an application yet, you still have time. We have had a very good response to the program thus far.
Evening update from La Marque City Manager Tink Jackson.
6:30 p.m. 4/3/2020
Today’s Galveston County Health District report shows that there are now 136 confirmed (6 new) cases of COVID-19 in Galveston County. La Marque had one additional confirmed case reported, bringing our total number to seven (7). Today’s report does not include the 83 new cases from their earlier report related to The Resort at Texas City, which inflates our countywide number to well over 200 confirmed cases. These numbers come as we still have very limited testing within Galveston County as well. As testing continues to expand, we undoubtedly will see larger numbers each day.
Yes, this is a substantial increase in numbers across Galveston County. This is a significant reminder to everyone that following the stay at home style orders is important for ALL OF US. Today’s report about The Resort at Texas City shows exactly how quickly this virus can spread when you are around another person with COVID-19. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those people.
Our staff members continue to address concerns around the city. The La Marque Police Department and the Code Enforcement Department are doing everything they can to make sure non-essential businesses are closed, we are keeping people safe and that people are not publicly violating the spirit of the orders we are currently under. We continue to try to enforce through educating people. Today’s numbers should be educational to all.
On a brighter note, the La Marque Economic Development Corporation Board approved an Emergency Business Retention Program at their special telephonic meeting yesterday. Under this program, La Marque businesses that have a storefront, have less than 50 employees, and can show that their sales have reduced more than 20% because of COVID-19, may be eligible for assistance. More information about this grant program can be found on our city website or on our Facebook page. We are doing all we can to protect our small business owners.
We need your help, La Marque! Waste Management is the City of La Marque’s trash and recycling service provider and they have some important reminders to share.
Hazardous Waste
Waste Management has seen an increase in residential truck fires as a result of customers cleaning out garages and throwing away hazardous items. The WM At Your Door program provides residents with front-porch service to collect the difficult, sometimes hazardous, and hard-to-recycle items that almost every household accumulates.
Waste Management will collect the pesticides, household chemicals, sharps, electronic waste, batteries, fluorescent lamps, automotive waste products (including oil), paints, thinners, and dozens of other items that don’t belong with your recyclables or regular curbside waste pickup.
Using this service also helps keep WM staff safe. For a full list of items visit UB.cityoflamarque.org and click Trash Resources & Maps. To schedule a pickup, please contact Waste Management at 800-449-7587, e-mail At Your Door, or visit the At Your Door website.
Recycling
Most citizens don’t think about the importance of placing their clean recyclable materials in their bins. Recycling is vitally important to our environment, and it has come to play a critical role in certain manufacturing supply chains. Without recyclable materials collected from homes and businesses, our customers, who produce products such as tissue, toweling and packaging boxes for grocery and medical supplies, would not have the raw materials that they need to manufacture these essential items.
Across Texas, people are generating more household garbage and recyclable materials than usual, and manufacturers are in need of more clean recyclable materials to meet their demands for making basic goods and emergency supplies. We can all do our part by recycling right during these challenging times. Recycle right and recycle often.
RECYCLE ONLY CLEAN, DRY AND LOOSE:
· Cardboard (without inside packing materials)
· Paper products including newspapers, junk mail, office/school paper
· Paperboard, such as cereal and cracker boxes
· Plastic bottles and jugs
· Steel, tin and aluminum cans
THROW AWAY:
· Plastic, latex and cloth disposable gloves, disposable masks
· Liquid soap and hand sanitizer bottles that contain residue
· Disinfectant wipes
· Facial tissues, napkins and paper towels
· Disposable plates, cups and cutlery
· Takeout containers
· Leftover food and liquids
· Plastic bags and plastic film wrap
· Hoses, cords, polystyrene foam and other packaging
Business as usual for pickup schedules
Trash and recycling schedules are the same. No change. But, with everyone at home, trash days have been more substantial, causing drivers to make more trips to the landfill. Please be patient. 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.
The good news is that all our area drivers and helpers are healthy and working to provide service to the residences and businesses in our area. Thank your trash collector today with a little wave on trash day. They are on the front lines during this pandemic, just like our first responders and medical professionals. Thank you, Waste Management!
A message from La Marque City Manager Tink Jackson.
6:00 p.m. 4/2/2020
Today’s Galveston County Health District report shows that there are now 130 confirmed (12 new) cases of COVID-19 in Galveston County as of 4:00 PM. La Marque had one additional confirmed case reported, bringing our total number to six (6).
The most recent Governor’s Order, and the mirroring county order, went into effect last night at midnight. While the wording this time was slightly different, they are both the equivalent of a stay at home order, unless you have an essential job or an essential reason to be out of your home. They will remain in effect until April 30, 2020. They included some additional guidance on what an “essential” business is, and specifically addressed businesses including barbershops, hair salons, and tattoo parlors as being non-essential.
We are still working on addressing the concerns we have received over the last few days. I was asked repeatedly today about a cleaning crew working inside the McDonald’s located inside of Walmart. I have no specific information related to that cleaning crew being there today. What I can tell you is that the city currently has received no notification of anything related to COVID-19 at that location.
I read just a few minutes ago that the worldwide number of cases surpassed 1,000,000 today. That’s a big number and rightfully is alarming to our citizens here in La Marque. Worry won’t solve this problem, but the things we are each doing every day will help protect our citizens and reduce the number of people affected here.
The best medical minds on the planet are working to beat this virus, and I know that with every passing day we get one day closer to a cure for those that are infected, and a vaccine for those that are not. Until we reach day one of a cure and prevention program that works, we all have a social responsibility to keep doing our part and protecting our families and neighbors. Stay strong La Marque, we will get through this together!
A message from La Marque City Manager Tink Jackson
7:45 p.m. 4/1/2020
Today’s Galveston County Health District report shows that there are now 118 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Galveston County as of 4:00 PM today. La Marque had one additional confirmed case reported, bringing our total number to five.
The County today stated they would mirror the governor’s order. As we have had the chance to review the order issued by the Governor yesterday, it has raised a few questions on our end. We are working to find the answers to those at this time so that we can better understand it for all of us. Overall, based on the basics of the order, we are advising everyone to continue to “stay at home” while practicing social distancing IF you need to be out of your home for essential purposes. Simply stated, if you don’t need to leave your house for an essential reason listed in the order, then you are required to stay at home. The order only allows you to leave for the specific reasons listed in the order.
We have received a lot of questions and concerns over the last few days, and we are addressing those as they come in. We have banned all food trucks within the city for the duration of this crisis. That includes everything from those set up in vacant lots and those moving down our streets (ice cream trucks). It is impossible to ensure health safety measures around those types of vendors, so we have taken the most restrictive path we can with them by not allowing them. We have also had numerous questions about our larger retail stores and the “crowds” inside the stores and their parking lot. Today we delivered letters to all of La Marque’s larger retail locations imploring them to further increase their health safety precautions for their customers. We are doing everything we can to keep our people as safe as possible.
We still have a long way to go before this is over. I know it is frustrating for many to not be able to do the things they normally do for entertainment and socialization. It is a burden on all of us. It is also a burden we must all share so that we can begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel. This too shall pass … and that passing will come significantly sooner with everyone’s cooperation.
Important notices, information and updates from the City of La Marque Office of Emergency Management
10:30 a.m. 4/1/2020
Governor Abbott extends social distancing to April 30
Governor Greg Abbott issued an Executive Order on Tuesday, March 31, 2020, implementing Essential Services and Activities Protocols for the entire state of Texas. The protocols direct all Texans to minimize non-essential gatherings and in-person contact with people who are not in the same household. The Governor’s Executive Order renews and amends his previous order enforcing federal social distancing guidelines for COVID-19, including closing schools and instructing Texans to avoid eating or drinking at bars and restaurants. The protocols allow exceptions for essential activities and services based on the Department of Homeland Security’s guidelines on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce. Examples of these essential services include healthcare, grocery stores, banking and financial services, utilities, child care for essential service employees, and government services.
Yesterday’s Executive Order follows the decision by President Trump and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to enhance social distancing guidelines and extend the deadline for these guidelines to April 30th. Read more: https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-issues-executive-order-implements-statewide-essential-services-and-activities-protocols
Trash Talk
Waste Management trash and recycling pickup schedules have not changed, but pickup might be later than usual. Last week, the number of pounds of trash being placed out per household increased by 12.8%. Please be patient. 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.
Do not use fish tank chemicals in an attempt to treat COVID-19
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that individuals are ingesting non-pharmaceutical chloroquine phosphate, a chemical for aquarium use, because of reports that it prevents and/or treats COVID-19. People have died from this. Chloroquine (also known as chloroquine phosphate) is an antimalarial medicine available in the United States by prescription only. Chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine are currently recommended for the treatment of hospitalized COVID-19 patients in several countries. Still, the medications should be administered by trained medical personnel due to a wide range of side effects and possible interactions with other drugs. If you are sick, call the UTMB Access Center at (800) 917-8906 to speak with a nurse for recommendations.
Stay mentally healthy, too
Texas Health and Human Services launched a 24/7 statewide mental health support line to help Texans experiencing anxiety, stress, or emotional challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please call toll-free at 833-986-1919 if you need to talk. Click for information: https://hhs.texas.gov/about-hhs/communications-events/news/2020/03/hhs-launches-statewide-covid-19-mental-health-support-line
The Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act
To help small business owners and entrepreneurs better understand the new programs, The US Senate Committee On Small Business & Entrepreneurship created a comprehensive guide to many of the small business provisions in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that was just passed by Congress. These programs and initiatives are intended to assist business owners with whatever needs they have right now.
When implemented, there will be many new resources available for small businesses, as well as certain non-profits and other employers. This guide provides information about the major programs and initiatives that will soon be available from the Small Business Administration (SBA) to address these needs, as well as some additional tax provisions that are outside the scope of SBA. To keep up to date on when these programs become available, please stay in contact with your local SBA District Office, which you can locate here.
Report price gouging
Price gouging laws apply to any person or entity selling necessities at an exorbitant or excessive price after a disaster has been declared by the Governor or President. Under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, any price-gougers may be required to reimburse consumers and may be held liable for civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation with an additional penalty of up to $250,000 if the affected consumers are elderly. Texans who believe they have encountered price gouging or disaster scams should call the Office of the Attorney General’s toll-free complaint line at (800) 621-0508 or file a complaint online.
We are here for you
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. Visit COVID.cityoflamarque.org for a list of local, regional and national resources.
A message from La Marque City Manager Tink Jackson
6:10 p.m. 3/31/2020
The most recent Galveston County Health District report this afternoon stated that there are now 106 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Galveston County as of 4:00 PM today. Unfortunately, I must also report an additional two confirmed cases in the City of La Marque, bringing our total number confirmed cases to four.
Once again folks, there is no need to panic. It should be clear to everyone now that this pandemic is not going to magically disappear. It is going to take time and an absolute commitment from everyone to practice the lifestyle changes we must follow to contain the spread of the virus.
Social distancing in 2020 and beyond will forever have a far different meaning than what it meant before COVID-19. I would have never imagined attending a funeral or a wedding electronically, yet we see that happening daily now. This is part of a new reality that we are all having to face together, and together, we will see our way through it.
As the daily numbers of confirmed cases continue to climb, we continue to ask each of you to do your part to help out during this pandemic. Today we saw our Governor extend his original order, while further defining parts that needed clarification. I believe we will see the Galveston County order extended as well, with some clarification changes and potentially additional requirements.
Your Mayor and City Council may have to address additional concerns being raised by our citizens as well. Until everyone takes this seriously and follows the guidance being prescribed by various governing bodies, the infection cycle will not be broken. As the old saying goes, “one rotten apple spoils the whole basket”. Nothing could be truer with this virus. Don’t be that rotten apple, be something better. That’s what has always set Texas above all others. Chose to be a strong Texan instead!
A message from La Marque City Manager Tink Jackson
6:30 p.m. 3/30/2020
The most recent Galveston County Health District report this afternoon stated that there are now 92 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Galveston County as of 4:00 PM today. Unfortunately, I must also report an additional confirmed case in the City of La Marque, bringing our total number confirmed cases to two. There is an error in the attached graphic from the Health District that incorrectly reports one case from a neighboring city as being located in La Marque. We are working with them to correct the location of that case.
As stated yesterday, there is no need to panic. We must recommit ourselves to following the CDC standards and we must each take responsibility for our own actions. We are still hearing instances of people gathering socially and I would remind you that there is still an order in place that prohibits those gatherings, even if they are on private property. It’s not ”cool” to ignore the order, it’s not a matter of your rights as a Texas resident, it IS about loving your neighbor, it IS about having a positive impact on something that is much bigger than any one person, something that may well shape the future of this great state and our entire country.
As the daily numbers of confirmed cases continue to climb, we continue to ask each of you to do your part to help out during this pandemic. Your Mayor and City Council have stayed out in front of this and made hard decisions when they were needed. They will continue to work hard for you, as will all of your city employees. All of the efforts we have made here in La Marque ARE making a difference. Together, we are strong!
A message from La Marque City Manager Tink Jackson
8:45 p.m. 3/29/2020
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!
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.
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 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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
The more Texans do to reduce their public contact, the sooner COVID-19 will be contained, and the sooner these Executive Orders will expire.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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 City Manager Tink Jackson lays out a policy for citizen interaction March 15 10:50 AM 3/16/2020
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.