As of today, Thursday, April 30, Missouri City has 163 COVID-19 positive cases with 153 in Fort Bend County and 10 in Harris County. These increasing numbers make it crucial for MCTX residents to follow all social distancing guidelines to ensure proper safety while the community slowly moves forward.
According to the Monday, April 27 executive order from Gov. Greg Abbott, Texas will be opening up in phases beginning Friday, May 1. Per the order:
- In-store retail services, dine-in restaurants, movie theaters, shopping malls, museums, libraries may operate at up to 25 percent of the total listed occupancy of the establishment.
- Golf course operations may open up with social distancing guidelines in place.
- Religious services may conduct services in accordance with the updated guidance issued by the Texas Attorney General.
- All schools shall remain closed until the end of the 2019-2020 school year.
To review Gov. Abbott’s full order, click this link: https://bit.ly/2VMMKTn.
While the community is reopening, it is still important to understand the severity of this pandemic. To continue to keep citizens informed and to assist those in need, staff has compiled a list of resources below:
HELP LINE NUMBERS:
For Coronavirus questions and assistance, citizens may call:
MENTAL HEALTH CALL LINES:
During these times of uncertainty, it is likely that individuals are experiencing excessive anxiety/worry and other mental wellbeing concerns. For questions about mental health resources, please call the support lines below:
- Fort Bend County: 832.363.7094 | Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. & Saturday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Harris County: 211 | Available 24 hours a day
- Statewide Line: 833.986.1919 | Available 24 hours a day
LOCAL TESTING CENTERS:
Below are the information on the current testing options available for both Fort Bend and Harris County residents.
- Fort Bend County: Testing is now available for all Fort Bend County residents whether they are symptomatic or not. Interested individuals may call, 281.238.2363 or complete the online screening tool via this link: https://bit.ly/2KJu94m to schedule an appointment. Once the online assessment is complete or after talking to a representative, an access code will be given along with appointment time and testing location. There should not be any costs associated with this testing. For additional details, visit www.fbchealth.org/ncov.
- Harris County: Harris County Public Health encourages residents to get tested for COVID-19, only if they are symptomatic or have been in contact with someone who tested positive. Testing is prioritized for people with underlying health conditions, people aged 60 or older, first responders and healthcare professionals who work at hospitals or nursing homes. Residents may call 832.927.7575 or complete the online self-assessment tool via this link: https://bit.ly/3cTEFCe to schedule an appointment. Once you complete the online assessment or talk to a representative, an access code will be given along with appointment time and testing location. There should not be any costs associated with this testing. For more details, visit publichealth.harriscountytx.gov.
- Other State Approved Testing Centers:
- Location in Missouri City - UT Physicians Sienna Drive-Thru
- 8810 Highway 6, Suite 100, Missouri City, TX, 77459
- Call 713.486.2619 to schedule an appointment. Available to anyone who has an order from a health care provider (physician, nurse practitioner, etc.). For more details, visit https://www.utphysicians.com/covid19testing.
To further assist residents, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), has put together a comprehensive list of all drive through testing locations across the state of Texas including the county sites. To access the map and to find a testing facility near you, click this link: https://bit.ly/3bMuTBF.
Citizens may enter their zip code in the box on left corner of the map, to shortlist all nearby locations. There might be special requirements and additional costs at some of these testing centers.
ASSISTANCE FOR BUSINESSES
The Small Business Administration (SBA) is continuing to provide resources for businesses that are in need. Those interested may apply for funding sources, including the Paycheck Protection Program, Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Emergency Grants, and Small Business Debt Relief. For more information and to apply, visit www.sba.gov or call 1-800-659-2955. For more details, watch this PowerPoint via this link: https://bit.ly/3cXYGaJ or visit the SBA Houston Website here: www.sba.gov/offices/district/tx/houston.
UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE
Individuals who are looking for unemployment assistance, may visit www.twc.texas.gov or call 800.628.5115 to get additional details on unemployment claims, insurance and more.
FREE MEAL SITES LOCATOR
Fort Bend County has compiled a database that includes all free meal sites in the area. To see a list of locations, enter your zip code on top right side on this website: https://bit.ly/2W7grhe.
Harris County also has a list of resources for families and businesses including meal sources, loan assistance and more via this link: https://www.readyharris.org/Incidents/COVID-19-Resources-Recovery.
SOCIAL SERVICES
Fort Bend Social Services continues to provide several services including rental, utility, medication, food vouchers, emergency shelter, transitional supportive housing, and other unmet essentials for those in need. Veteran specific services are also available. For more information, call 281.403.8050 or fill this form via this link: https://www.fbchhs.org/social-services/request-services.
Residents may also get details on financial assistance for utilities/rent, food pantries, housing assistance, crisis counseling, utility payment assistance, and senior services from the Texas Health & Human Services by dialing 211 or visiting https://www.211texas.org/.
Fort Bend Family Promise located at 4645 Cartwright Road, is also available for those individuals that need immediate help, shelter, food or other assistance. For more details, call 281.403.3923.
SPECIAL STORE HOURS & SERVICES
During this crisis, several local stores have made special accommodations for those at higher risk, including senior citizens. For a list of stores with details on services and unique hours, click link: https://bit.ly/33X6iXH.
MCTX UPDATES AND NEWS
For latest updates on COVID-19, office closures and more, 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.
Residents may call 281.403.8500 for other inquiries and questions related to City operations. And, for City updates, please watch the City website: www.missouricitytx.gov, like us on Facebook—fb/MissouriCityTX, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and 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.)