In December 2019, a novel (new) coronavirus known as SARS-CoV-2 ('the virus") was first detected and subsequently began causing outbreaks of the coronavirus disease COVID-19 that spread globally. The virus is easily transmitted through person to person contact, especially in group settings. As a result, the Federal Government, State of Texas, Dallas County, and the Town of Addison issued a series of declarations and orders to take measures to slow the spread of the virus and protect the ability of public and private health care providers to handle the influx of potential new patients and safeguard public health and safety.
On March 13, 2020:
- The President of the United States issued a Proclamation Declaring a National Emergency Concerning the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). This implemented a suspension on entry of certain person's who visited locations where COVID-19 outbreaks have occurred, implemented measures to slow the spread of the virus and treat those affected, and released policies to accelerate the acquisition of personal protective equipment and streamline new diagnostic capabilities in laboratories.
- The Texas Governor Declared a State of Disaster that authorized the use of all available and necessary state government resources to help manage the COVID-19 response in Texas. This declaration activated the State's Emergency Operations Center, mobilized resources obtained through the Strategic National Stockpile, and restricted visitations at certain facilities such as hospitals, nursing homes and daycare centers.
- The Dallas County Order that prohibited community gatherings of 500 or more people and discouraged community gatherings of 250 or more people took effect. The order also included Social Distancing recommendations.
- The Mayor of Addison issued a Declaration of Local Disaster for Public Health Emergency. This declaration was effective immediately and activated the Town of Addison emergency management plan.
- The Mayor of Addison announced an Order that supported Dallas County's Order regulating community gatherings and Social Distancing recommendations.
- The Addison City Manager issued the attached Covid-19 Coronavirus Response Plan detailing guidelines for Town operations in response to a Pandemic COVID-19 event in Addison. This plan is designed to compliment the plans prepared by Dallas County Health and Human Services, Texas Department fo State Health Services, U.S. Department fo State Health Human Services, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
On March 16, 2020:
- The Dallas County Judge issued an amended Order that prohibited community gatherings of 50 or more persons and restricted restaurants, microbreweries, micro-distilleries and wineries to provide only take out, delivery or drive-thru services.
- The Addison Mayor issued an Amended Order similar to the Dallas County Amended Order of the same date.
On March 18, 2020:
- The Dallas County Judge announced an amended Order that restricted recreational gatherings larger than 10 people.
- The Mayor of Addison announced an amended Order that supported Dallas County's amended Order of the same date.
The Town has also taken the following actions:
- The Athletic Club has been closed from Saturday, March 14 through Saturday, March 28. All Athletic Club camps and classes for this time period have been canceled. We anticipate that the Club will reopen on Sunday, March 29 (subject to change).
- Third-party outside exercise programs are being held at the discretion of the vendor.
- Addison Conference and Theatre Centre (ACTC) has been closed from Saturday, March 14 through Saturday, March 28.
- Special Events: The Town has not made any changes at this point, but continues to monitor the situation.
- Parks and Public Works crews are continuing their work to maintain the Town’s assets.
- The Town of Addison has (and will continue) taken actions to prevent the spread of the virus. Everyone is encouraged to follow Social Distancing recommendations.
This agenda item is to bring the Council and community up to date on the recent events and to discuss steps that may need to be taken in the near future. |