MCTX took additional proactive actions today to further safeguard public health and safety during the ongoing coronavirus public health crisis. Continuing to follow best practice recommendations provided by local, state and federal authorities:
- Mayor Yolanda Ford signed City Order No. O-20-01, a “Proclamation Declaring a Local Disaster, which states “Missouri City has determined that extraordinary measures must be taken to contain COVID-19 and prevent its spread” throughout the community. Read Declaration.
- MCTX officials implemented closure and limited access to some City facilities and operational suspensions/restrictions to City programs and services in parks and public safety. The Mayoral declaration addresses the decision stating that such declaration “measures may include closing certain venues, the cancellation of certain events and, pursuant to Chapter 122 of the Texas Health and Safety Code, the quarantine of individuals and the compelling of individuals to undergo certain health measures that prevent or control the spread of the disease.”
As of today, Friday, March 13 the following changes are in effect:
- All Fire Station tours and visits are suspended until further notice. For questions, please call 281.403.8700.
- The Citizens Police & Fire Academy is postponed. For questions, please call 281.403.5819.
- MCTX Leadership Luncheon honoring International Women’s Month that was scheduled for March 31 will be rescheduled.
- The Recreation & Tennis Center, 2701 Cypress Point Drive will be closed starting today, March 13, at the end of business through Sunday, March 29.
- All events, programs and room rentals at the Recreation & Tennis Center will be cancelled during this timeframe. Some of those events include:
- Friday Night Hoops on March 13
- Spring Archery Session 2 on March 16
- Acrylic Painting Class on March 17
- Tots & Crafts on March 18
- Senior Breakfast Bingo on March 19
- Friday Night Flicks on March 20
- Senior Foodies on March 26
- Paddles & Racquets March Madness on March 27
- Mother Son Challenge on March 28
- Recreation & Tennis Center staff will remain on-site to work on strategic programs. Guests who registered for above programs that required a fee will be given the opportunity to have their fees refunded or transferred into new or rescheduled sessions. Staff will work closely with instructors and league administrators to reschedule practices and games and schedule make-up classes when feasible. Guests with a current membership will be given a two-week extension free of charge. For additional details and questions, please call 281.403.8637.
- The Community Center, 1522 Texas Pkwy., will not be approving any new rentals for the next two weeks. Staff will contact existing, scheduled rentals for this timeframe and will be handling them on a case-by-case basis. Refunds will be considered.
“The Missouri City Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is currently at Level III, increased readiness. This means a threat exists, but poses no immediate threat to life or property,” said Interim City Manager Bill Atkinson. “We’re closely monitoring all COVID-19 updates in the region, following all recommendations and guidelines, and are taking necessary precautions as needed.”
Other operational updates, include:
- All City parks are still open to public. New pavilion rentals will not be available during the next two weeks; however, existing rentals will not be cancelled. Citizens are advised to follow Harris and Fort Bend Counties’ public health emergency guidelines while at parks: http://bit.ly/39KjjpS and http://bit.ly/2vTVUDM.
- The MCTX Municipal Court, 3845 Cartwright Rd., will remain open for business operations due to staff estimates that dockets will not exceed a gathering of 250 people as is recommended in the public health emergency guidelines.
- The Quail Valley Golf Course & City Centre, 2880 La Quinta Dr., will maintain operations utilizing the guidelines and recommendations set by Fort Bend and Harris Counties.
- Residents who participate in the Municipal Solid Waste and Recycling Program will receive regular service as scheduled.
Some additional key local closures and event cancellations in the region include:
- Fort Bend Independent School District will be closed for at least two weeks from March 16.
- Houston Independent School District is closed until March 30.
- The University of Houston will be closed for a week from March 16.
- Houston Community College will be closed until March 25.
- Texas Southern University will be closed for Spring Break until March 23; after that, students and faculty have been notified that all classes will be conducted online.
Residents may sign up to receive alerts and receive real-time information through the MCTX Emergency Management website, www.MissouriCityReady.com and the MCTX Twitter account, Twitter.com/MissouriCityEM.
“The decision to temporarily close one of our City’s largest amenities was not an easy one, but it was the right one,” said Mayor Yolanda Ford. “The health and safety of our residents are of the utmost importance, especially at a time like this. We must take every possible step to contain this pandemic, and should join in as a community to help stop the spread.”
In the meantime, EOC officials reiterate the importance of practicing healthy hygiene habits and taking the following precautions to help contain this public health crisis:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands. Remember to wash your hands after coughing or sneezing.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Local agencies have also established phone banks to assist citizens with concerns/inquiries regarding COVID-19. See details below:
For Fort Bend County Residents:
- Fort Bend County Health & Human Services
- 281.633.7795
- This number is staffed Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- www.fbchealth.org/ncov
For Harris County Residents:
For more updates and news, please watch the City website: www.missouricitytx.gov, like us on Facebook—fb/MissouriCityTX, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat—@MissouriCityTX and Nextdoor, watch Missouri City Television (Ch. 16 on Comcast and Ch. 99 on AT&T U-verse) or download the MCTX Mobile app (available for free in Google Play and the Apple app store).