Hays County releases regular updates on the number of confirmed cases and other local statistics related to COVID-19.

The county’s dashboard is updated twice on a daily basis to provide the latest information to keep residents informed.

As more and more communities around the United States push to reopen businesses, Governor Abbott signed his latest Executive Orders orders on April 17.

Abbott’s Executive Order GA-16 will take effect on April 24 and includes what services will start the state’s reopening process.

Executive Order GA-17 established the Strike Force to Open Texas—a team of nationally recognized medical experts and private and public leaders who will advise the Governor on safely and strategically reopening the state of Texas.

Executive Order No. GA-16 relating to the safe, strategic reopening of select services as the first step to Open Texas in response to the COVID-19 disaster.

Executive Order GA-16 “Reopened services” consists of;

• Starting at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, April 24, 2020, retail services that are not “essential services,” but that may be provided through pickup, delivery by mail, or delivery to the customer’s doorstep in strict compliance with the terms required by DSHS. The DSHS requirements may be found at www.dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus.
• Such additional services as may be enumerated by future executive orders or proclamations by the governor.

Executive Order GA-17 creates the states new “Open Texas Strike Force“

The Governor’s Strike Force to Open Texas was created to advise the governor on safely and strategically restarting and revitalizing all aspects of the Lone Star State—work, school, entertainment, and culture.

The Strike Force will represent a collaboration among medical professionals and public and private leaders and have advisory duties, as well as any other advisory tasks assigned.

“Texans are battling a colossal challenge—an invisible enemy that has tested our lives and our livelihoods—but overcoming challenges is part of who we are as Texans,” said Governor Abbott. “We have shown that Texas can continue our efforts to contain COVID-19 while also adopting safe standards that will allow us to begin the process of reopening Texas. The Strike Force to Open Texas brings together nationally recognized medical experts with public and private sector leaders to achieve this mission. By coming together, we can get Texans back to work, practice safe standards that will prevent the spread of COVID-19, and we can overcome this pandemic.”

Governor Abbott, TDEM, DSHS Announces Statewide COVID-19 Test Collection Online Map

AUSTIN – On Friday, Governor Greg Abbott announced that the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) and the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) have launched an online COVID-19 test collection map to help Texans locate test collection sites within their community.

The interactive map displays detailed information on public and private mobile, walk-in, and drive-thru test collection sites around the state. A search feature allows Texans to locate test collection sites near them and includes important details such as contact information and hours of operation for each location.

“This mapping tool will help Texans locate test collection sites in their communities and it is part of our commitment to expanding COVID-19 testing throughout Texas,” said Governor Abbott. “By using this map, Texans will have access to pertinent information on a variety of test collection options that will help fulfill testing needs in communities across the Lone Star State.”

Over 340 test collection sites are currently listed on the map and additional locations will be added as more sites are identified across the state. Texans can submit updated information about a test collection site or suggest additional sites by filling out an online form. DSHS and TDEM will then verify the information and update the map accordingly.

View the COVID-19 test collection map. The test collection map is also accessible through the Texas.gov COVID-19 resource page.

Governor Abbott, TDHCA Secure Financial Housing Assistance

AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) announced that Texas will provide HOME Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) to Texans experiencing housing challenges due to COVID-19.

These TBRA funds have been made possible through a series of waivers recently authorized by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The waivers will give Texas the flexibility needed to provide assistance to Texans in need. Governor Abbott and TDHCA initially requested these federal waivers on April 1st.

The HUD waivers will allow a portion of TDHCA funds to be used to help families and individuals with up to 100 percent of the cost of rent, security deposit payments, and utility bills for tenants affected by loss of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Up to $11.3 million will be available to current TBRA administrators in the coming weeks who will then distribute the aid to qualifying Texans.

“Thanks to these waivers from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the State of Texas will be able to provide much-needed financial relief to Texans struggling with housing due to challenges posed by COVID-19,” said Governor Abbott. “We are committed to supporting Texans facing severe economic hardship brought on by this pandemic, and the state will continue to work closely with our federal partners to give Texans the resources and assistance they need.”

Individuals needing assistance should visit Help for Texans to search for rental assistance providers in their area. Simply click Long Term Rent Payment Help, enter the city or county, and click on the Find Help button.

Governor Abbott, Chancellor Sharp, Chief Kidd Announce COVID-19 Federal Assistance Training For Local Leaders

Hold Call With Mayors And County Judges, Texas Legislature, Congressional Delegation

AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott today announced that Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will provide a series of free online training classes to help local officials understand, acquire, and administer federal assistance available to the state of Texas and municipalities through the Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act and recently passed Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Beginning Thursday, April 23, AgriLife Extension started offering the new online training classes to help local leaders navigate the federal funding process, and in turn, respond and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic as quickly and effectively as possible.

In conjunction with the announcement, the Governor joined Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp and Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd for a series of calls with Mayors and County Judges, members of the Texas Legislature, and the Texas congressional delegation today to provide details on the training, walk leaders through the process, and answer questions about federal funding.

“Our local officials have done a tremendous job leading their communities throughout the COVID-19 response, and the state of Texas will continue to work alongside them and provide these leaders with the resources and support they need during this challenging time,” said Governor Abbott. “These online training classes will assist local leaders in efficiently navigating the federal funding process and ensure that our communities receive the financial support that they need in a timely manner.”

“One thing we learned during our response to Hurricane Harvey was that federal funding is invaluable in the recovery process,” said John Sharp, Chancellor of The Texas A&M University System. “However, it comes with all sorts of strings and requirements that can be confusing to those who don’t know the rules. AgriLife Extension agents are well-positioned to guide county judges, mayors, and other local officials through the federal funding maze.”

The first online training, Federal Relief: An overview for local governments, is available now. Additional training classes will dive into the specifics of individual programs based on the needs of state and local officials.

Extension agents will be available to assist local leaders with questions throughout the training and subsequent federal funding application process.

The CARES Act authorizes approximately $2 trillion in federal stimulus funds to combat the crisis and stabilize the economy, including $150 billion available directly to states, territories, and tribal governments.

This includes a number of programs to address the issues that states and local governments are facing as they work to protect their communities during this challenging time.

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is a unique education agency that provides programs, tools, and resources on a local and statewide level that teach people improved agriculture and food production, advanced health practices, environmental protection, economic, and youth programs.

Governor Abbott, HHSC Announce $54 Million To Support Older Texans During COVID-19 Pandemic

AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott today announced that Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will receive nearly $54 million in federal funds to support older Texans and people with disabilities during the COVID-19 response.

The funding will be used to support programs and services administered by the state’s 28 Area Agencies on Aging such as home-delivered meals, help with household chores, assistance with groceries, and respite care, or other services for family caregivers.

“Older Texans and Texans with disabilities face a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, and they need continued support during these trying times,” said Governor Abbott. “These federal funds will help provide higher risk Texans with additional support and resources to meet their everyday needs while allowing them to stay at home and stay safe. I thank the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for providing Texas with this crucial financial support so that we can continue to serve our fellow Texans.”

“With Governor Abbott’s continued leadership, we’re committed to supporting and assisting the state’s most vulnerable population during the difficult time,” said HHS Executive Commissioner Phil Wilson.

Funding will also be used to support the Long-Term Care Ombudsman, which provides advocacy and complaint resolution services on behalf of residents in long-term care facilities.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Community Living awarded Texas nearly $54 million in funds through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic (CARES) Act recently signed into law by President Trump.

For more information on the state’s Area Agencies on Aging, visit the HHS website

Texas Receives Approval for SNAP Online Grocery Purchases

AUSTIN –Texas Health and Human Services recently received federal approval to allow Texans to purchase groceries online using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pilot program is expected to start by May 18 statewide.

“By allowing SNAP recipients to purchase groceries online throughout the COVID-19 response, we are removing barriers to healthy and nutritious food for many families in Texas,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “I am grateful to our federal partners at the USDA for approving this request. As the Lone Star State continues to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are exhausting all avenues to both protect the health and safety of Texans while ensuring families, including recipients of SNAP, have the ability to provide for their families during this challenging time.”

“Because families, including SNAP recipients, have had to adjust to social distancing and staying home when possible, some homes have encountered challenges when finding certain grocery items,” said HHS Access and Eligibility Deputy Executive Commissioner Wayne Salter. “Adding another option for Texans using SNAP to get the healthy and nutritious food their families need helps ease the minds of families and limit their exposure to COVID-19.”

With approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, HHSC is implementing a pilot program to allow online grocery purchasing for SNAP clients in Texas. Walmart and Amazon are the first retailers to join the pilot in Texas, scheduled to start by May 18.

This announcement is the latest change Gov. Abbott and HHSC has made to the SNAP program in response to COVID-19, and SNAP clients are now receiving their maximum eligible allotment and have also had renewal requirements temporarily waived.

Texans in need can apply for benefits, including SNAP and Medicaid, at YourTexasBenefits.com or use the Your Texas Benefits mobile app to manage their benefits.

The Comptroller Examines Texas’ Emergency Management

The Comptroller’s Data Analysis and Transparency Division (DAT) provides Texas economic analysis, policy review, and regional economic assessments. DAT offers policymakers, local governments, and constituents resources to better understand economic issues affecting the state.

Two recent Fiscal Notes articles highlight how Texas responds in times of crisis.

The Comptroller’s office will continue to monitor COVID-19’s effect on the Texas economy. Over the next months, further economic information pertaining directly to this crisis will become available.

Emergency Management in Texas, How the State Prepares for the Worst

Emergency management is the practice of formulating procedures that communities and states can use to minimize the risk of hazards and disasters.

The Texas Division of Emergency Management, a division of the Texas Department of Public Safety, is charged with coordinating state and local responses to natural disasters and other emergencies in Texas.

Read the article, Emergency Management in Texas, How the State Prepares for the Worst.

Governor Approves Regulatory Suspensions to Allow Offender Education Programs to Offer Remote Classroom Instruction During the COVID-19 Pandemic

To help combat the spread of Coronavirus, TDLR requested and received authority from Governor Greg Abbott to suspend certain regulatory requirements to allow licensees of the Offender Education Program to provide more services through remote classroom instruction.

These suspensions are in effect until terminated by the Office of the Governor or until the March 13, 2020 disaster declaration is lifted or expires. In accordance with Section 418.016 of the Texas Government Code, the Office of the Governor has granted TDLR’s request to suspend the following provisions:

Rule Provisions to be Waived for All Offender Education Programs Listed

• Waive 16 TAC §90.43(b) regarding “Each instructor must be physically present in the classroom with all of the participants for each class.”
• Waive 16 TAC §90.48(a) and (f) applicable to Classroom Facilities and Equipment to allow for the provision of program instruction from certified providers to offenders through remote classroom instruction.

Statutory Provision Waived for Alcohol Education for Minors

• Waive Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code §106.115(a) as it relates to the word “attend” if it would require a defendant’s physical presence in a classroom setting to receive program instruction related to alcohol awareness, drug education, or drug and alcohol driving awareness program under this statute, or TDLR rule. Clarify that “attend” may include the provision of program instruction to offenders (and authorized persons) from certified providers via remote classroom instruction. 

Statutory Provision Waived for Drug Offender Education

• Waive Texas Transportation Code §521.374(a) as it relates to the word “attend” if it would require an offender’s physical presence in a classroom setting to receive program instruction related to a drug education program under this statute or TDLR rule. Clarify that “attend” may include the provision of program instruction to offenders from certified providers via remote classroom instruction.

Statutory Provision Waived for DWI Education Program

• Waive Code of Criminal Procedure Article §42A.403(a) as it relates to the word “attend” if it would require an offender’s physical presence in a classroom setting to receive program instruction related to a DWI Education program authorized under this statute or TDLR rule. Clarify that “attend” may include the provision of program instruction to offenders from certified providers via remote classroom instruction.

Statutory Provision Waived for DWI Intervention Program

• Waive Code of Criminal Procedure Article 42A.404(a) as it relates to the word “attend” if it would require an offender’s physical presence in a classroom setting to receive program instruction related to a DWI Intervention Education program authorized under this statute or TDLR rule. Clarify that “attend” may include the provision of program instruction to offenders from certified providers via remote classroom instruction.

Implementation of Remote Classroom Instruction

Offender Education programs engaging in remote classroom instruction must ensure that all hours are properly accounted for and that all curriculum delivered must be in accordance with Title 16 Texas Admin. Code, Chapter 90, Sections 90.40, and 90.41.

In addition, providers must ensure the identity of the distance-learning student, adhere to the student/instructor ratio limitation, and ensure that the student has the proper tools and materials to participate in the remote classroom instruction.

Licensed providers can notify the department by email at OEP@tdlr.texas.gov with the subject line of the email as “COVID-19 Remote classroom instruction” and provide the following information:

• Provider name and license number; and
• Type of method being used to:
  • deliver remote classroom instruction, including the platform, technology or program;
  • track and verify student attendance, including hours completed; and deliver the end of course test (applicable programs).

Texas State Parks Reopen for Day-Use

Texas State Parks will begin reopening for day-use only April 20 as part of a broader effort to begin reopening the state of Texas. Per Governor Abbott’s direction, new restrictions in effect include requiring visitors to wear face coverings and maintain a six-foot distance from individuals outside of their party and prohibiting the gathering of groups larger than five.

“As we navigate through these challenging times, it is essential that outdoor experiences and opportunities are available for Texas families. We have been diligently working with our partners in local communities across the state to help safeguard our state park visitors, volunteers and staff when they return to Texas State Parks,” said Carter Smith, Executive Director of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). “During the temporary closure, our State Parks team has been cleaning and sanitizing park facilities, addressing routine maintenance projects, and ensuring requisite safety protocols are in place to ensure visitors have the best possible experience.”

Due to limited staffing, weather conditions, and continuing construction projects, some state parks will not be open at the current time. Park visitors should check the Texas State Parks Alert Map regularly for the latest information about the status of individual parks. The resumption of overnight camping will be announced to the public once a date has been determined.

TPWD recommends visitors continue to adhere to local, state, and federal travel restrictions and other guidance for safety and social distancing before traveling. Additionally, visitors are required to pre-purchase and print day-use permits through the Texas State Parks Reservation System before traveling to a park. Day-use reservations can be made online at www.texasstateparks.org or by calling 512-389-8900.

Visitors planning on coming to a state park are encouraged to bring all necessary provisions, such as hand sanitizer and face masks, with them in order to help local businesses have enough goods to properly serve their communities during this time. This will also help park staff have the necessary supplies available for all guests during their stay.

Anyone traveling to a Texas State Park should continue to follow the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) public health recommendations and adhere to strict social distancing and cleanliness standards while in public spaces.

Those traveling to parks in rural areas should remember possible limits on available resources and local health care capacities.

Operational changes still in effect at parks include the suspension of all transactions at parks, equipment rentals, and in-person interpretive programs. All group-use facilities, visitor and nature centers, headquarters, and other enclosed spaces where people congregate will also remain closed.

Texas State Park Passes can now be purchased online through the reservation system or over the phone by calling the Texas State Park Customer Service Line at (512) 389-8900. For guidance troubleshooting issues with the reservation system or using Texas State Park Passes online, visit the reservation help page on the TPWD website.

For the latest information, please check the TPWD website.

Texas Comptroller’s Office Spotlights Autism Awareness Month, Texas ABLE® Program

AUSTIN — April is National Autism Awareness Month, and Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar reminds families about the Texas ABLE® Program, which was established to assist individuals with disabilities and their families in saving money to pay for disability-related expenses critical to maintaining one’s health, independence, and quality of life.

“I encourage Texans to join me in supporting those with autism and in recognizing the Texas ABLE Program, which will celebrate two years of operation in May,” Hegar said. “We are proud to be a part of this important program that can improve the lives of so many disabled Texans.” 

Established by the Texas Legislature and administered by the Texas Prepaid Higher Education Tuition Board through the Texas Comptroller’s office, Texas Achieving a Better Life Experience (Texas ABLE) Program allows Texans with disabilities to save for the future in tax-advantaged accounts while preserving their eligibility for important government benefits such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid.

The program is open to eligible Texans who experience the onset of a disability before the age of 26 and are entitled to SSI or Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, or have a condition on the Social Security Administration’s list of Compassionate Allowances Conditions or a physician’s diagnosis of a qualifying condition.

Through Texas ABLE’s special eGift tool, anyone — the individual with the disability, family, friends or even a special needs trust — can make direct contributions to the account. Accounts can be established by the beneficiary of the account or by someone with legal authority to act on their behalf.

ABLE account funds, including any earnings, are not subject to federal income tax if used for qualified disability expenses. Each eligible individual can have only one ABLE account. For more information on Texas ABLE, including associated fees and contribution limitations, or to open an account, call (844) 4TX-ABLE (844-489-2253) or visit TexasABLE.org.