Gov. Abbott Announces Federal COVID-19 Emergency Funding For Local Governments, New Walgreens Drive-Through Testing Sites

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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 $38 Million In Federal COVID-19 Emergency Funding For Local Governments

AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott today announced that his Public Safety Office (PSO) will provide $38 million in federal funds to local units of government in Texas.

These funds come from the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Program authorized by the federal Emergency Appropriations for Coronavirus Health Response and Agency Operations Act.

Jurisdictions may use this funding to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus. Allowable projects and purchases include, but are not limited to, overtime, equipment, supplies, training, travel expenses, and addressing the medical needs of inmates in local and tribal jails and detention centers.

“These funds will help our local governments respond to COVID-19 and provide the resources that our communities need,” said Governor Abbott. “I am grateful to our federal partners for making this crucial financial support available to the state of Texas.”

Examples of allowable costs include:

• Personnel Overtime (Peace Officer, Jailer, Correctional Officer, Medical, and other Essential Staff)
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Supplies (i.e. gloves, masks, sanitizer, disinfectant)
• Temporary Staff
• Medical care for inmates that have tested positive for COVID-19
• Any other costs associated with the implementation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 Guidance documents, specifically:
  • Interim Guidance on Management of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Correctional and Detention Facilities
  • What Law Enforcement Personnel Need to Know about Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
  • Interim Guidance for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems and 911 Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) for COVID-19 in the United States
  • Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Interested jurisdictions may access the Public Safety Office’s eGrants grant management website at https://eGrants.gov.texas.gov to register and apply for funding.

Governor Abbott, Harris County Judge Hidalgo Joint Statement On New Walgreens Testing Sites

AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott and Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo today announced two new COVID-19 drive-through testing sites for Harris County in partnership with Walgreens.

These sites are set to come online Friday, April 17th, and will have the capacity to conduct 200 tests per day at each location. For the past week, Governor Abbott has been working with Judge Hidalgo and Walgreens to bring these sites online and increase Harris County’s testing capacity.

Testing in these locations will be available by appointment and individuals will first need to complete a digital health assessment to determine eligibility using criteria established by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Governor Abbott and Judge Hidalgo issued the following joint statement regarding this announcement:

“Collection and testing is one of the most powerful tools we have in the fight against COVID-19, and we are working every day to increase testing capacity for the people of Harris County. We are grateful to Walgreens for their partnership to get these new sites online so we can continue to ramp up testing, identify Texans who have contracted COVID-19, and slow the spread of this virus.”

The locations of the two new testing sites are below:

• 14531 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77082
• 101 W Southmore Ave, Pasadena, TX 77502

To make an appointment and learn more, visit www.walgreens.com/coronavirus or www.walgreens.com/findcare.

Governor Greg Abbott Announces Star Of Texas Nominations

AUSTIN- Governor Greg Abbott today announced that nominations for the 2020 Star of Texas Awards, which honor peace officers, firefighters, and emergency medical first responders who were seriously injured or killed in the line of duty, are now open.

Nominations must be submitted to the Governor’s Office by June 15, 2020. Nominations can also be made for private citizens who were seriously injured or killed while aiding or attempting to aid a peace officer, firefighter, or emergency medical first responder in the performance of their duties.

“Each year, the State of Texas proudly recognizes the peace officers, firefighters, and emergency medical first responders who were seriously injured or killed in the line of duty,” said Governor Abbott. “These brave men and women answered the call of duty to stand between danger and the people they serve, and we are forever grateful. The Star of Texas Awards allows us an opportunity to honor the service and sacrifice of the heroes who put their lives on the line to keep us safe.”

To be eligible for the 2020 award, the critical incident must have occurred between September 1, 2003, and June 15, 2020, and the first responder must not have previously received a Star of Texas Award.

The nomination form can be accessed through the Governor’s Office website at https://gov.texas.gov/organization/cjd/star-of-texas.