District F Coronavirus Update (Testing Sites, METRO, Community Input Meetings) – 03/20/20
CITY RESOURCES
At a press conference earlier today, Mayor Turner announced that the 1st of (4) City-County testing sites for COVID-19 has opened to first responders and medical workers. They have been determined to have the most potential exposure to the coronavirus and we do not want them to infect others. Please do not show up unprompted. You will not get a test, and you may be exposed to infected individuals.
The site will expand tomorrow, Saturday 3/21, to those who are 65 and over with severe symptoms, such as fever.
The site is drive-through and is FREE.
On Monday 3/23, the site will open to others with high symptoms. Later next week, the remaining sites will open.
More details to come regarding the test sites and protocol
These sites are to supplement testing that you can attain through contacting your primary care provider.
If you have severe symptoms please contact your primary care provider, who may direct you to these sites.
Mayor Turner also reiterated that the City is not shutting down.
Please do not panic and overstock on supplies
METRO will temporarily halt collection of fares starting Monday, 3/23.
Riders must use the rear door to enter and exit local buses.
Please remember that seat capacity on buses will be limited to 50% to allow riders to practice social distancing.
PLEASE CLICK ON THE IMAGE BELOW
TO VIEW MAYOR TURNER’S ANNOUNCEMENT:
Don’t forget to fill out the Census survey! By April 1st, it should be in your mailbox. You may respond by mail, phone, or online.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
As a reminder: District F Community Pop-Ups have been postponed, but our Community Input Meetings will be held online. You may join via Zoom video conferencing or conference call on the dates listed in the flyer below.
Please consider participating at the comfort and safety of your home or office. We plan on presenting CIP, Council District Service Funds, and receiving community input. You should be receiving a physical copy of this flyer in your mailbox soon.
The Community Assistance Program (CAP) helps individuals to complete applications for public benefits like SNAP (food stamps).
As social distancing continues, we are aware that many individuals in our community may be experiencing financial hardships, especially in the service worker industry.
SNAP benefits provide eligible individuals with supplemental assistance to meet the basic need for food.
Additionally, Houston Food Bank has multiple partner pantries and distributions still open to ensure that our community is getting fed.
We are reaching out to you directly to get contact information from businesses that may have employees who need assistance with either application assistance with benefits or food.
Employers, please use this form.
Send to:
SUSAN QUIROS, CHW
CAP Community Referral Specialist
(e) squiros@houstonfoodbank.org
(o) 832-369-9390| (c) 832-470-0160
SENIOR RESOURCES
Doing everyday things like grocery shopping has become dangerous, especially as crowds panic and deplete stores.
To alleviate dangerous shopping conditions, Food Town is offering a “Senior Hour” in the greater Houston area.
The grocer is opening its stores’ doors for shoppers who are 65 and older to shop with from 7am – 8am.
Dollar General is offering a Senior Hour from 8am – 9am
Fiesta is also offering a Senior Hour from 7am – 8am.