Latest Coronavirus Updates From Gov. Abbott, Incoming PPE Equipment & In-Home Child Care Initiative

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As more and more communities around the United States experience, a rising number of Coronavirus cases, state and federal officials are looking at ways to further prevent community spread, ensure public safety and combat the rising economic impact.

In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott issued an “Essential Services and Activities protocols,” which establishes restrictions similar to stay-at-home orders issued by a number of local governments in the state.

The “Essential Services and Activities” order extends the state’s coronavirus measures until April 30 and extends school closures until May 4.

The guidelines for residents to minimize social gatherings and minimize contact with people outside of the household as well as the directive to avoid eating out at restaurants, drinking at bars or visiting other businesses or facilities not related to essential services.

Governor Abbott Announces Incoming Shipments Of PPE, Provides Update On Distribution In Texas

AUSTIN — Governor Greg Abbott Monday held a press conference to provide an update on personal protective equipment (PPE) distribution throughout the state of Texas.

The Governor also announced that Texas received 2.5 million masks in the past 24 hours, and will receive an additional 3 million masks by April 11th.

Governor Abbott provided a region-by-region breakdown of supplies that have been distributed over the past week — including masks, face shields, gloves, gowns, and coveralls. He also discussed the distribution process for PPE in Texas.

The Governor was joined for the press conference by Texas Department of State Health Services Commissioner John Hellerstedt, MD, and Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd. 

“It is vital that our health care workers and first responders on the front lines have the personal protective equipment they need to stay safe as they respond to COVID-19,” said Governor Abbott. “The Supply Chain Strike Force is working closely with the Texas Division of Emergency Management to exhaust all avenues for the purchasing and delivery of these critical supplies. We continue to make tremendous progress to distribute these resources throughout the state, and with more supplies on the way, we are strengthening our state’s ability to protect our health care workers and the patients they serve. I thank all of our health care workers and first responders as well as the supply chain workers who are working tirelessly to deliver this essential equipment to Texas.”

View the presentation on PPE distribution in Texas.

Governor Abbott Announces Care.com Initiative To Increase In-Home Child Care Access For Frontline Workers

AUSTIN — Governor Greg Abbott Monday announced that Care.com is increasing in-home child care access for frontline workers responding to the COVID-19 emergency.

As part of this initiative, Care.com is offering 90 days of free, premium access to their services, along with specific portals for frontline workers and caregivers in Texas.

Frontline workers looking for child care as well as prospective caregivers can both enroll at https://texasfrontline.care.com/. 

Potential caregivers are subject to Care.com’s extensive background and safety checks.

While child care services are not typically free of charge, the Texas portal gives residents the ability to waive their fees and volunteer as caregivers, providing additional support to frontline workers. 

“This Care.com initiative will provide an additional avenue of support for our frontline workers throughout the COVID-19 response,” said Governor Abbott. “I am grateful for Care.com’s commitment to ensuring accessible child care is available to Texans fulfilling essential services during this time.”

“Care.com is honored to partner with Governor Abbott and the state to make this offer and access available to the frontline workers and caregivers across Texas. We are all dependent on the commitment of these essential workers as they look after our families and they deserve nothing less from each of us,” said Tim Allen, CEO of Care.com.