Governor Abbott, HHSC Announce $3.6M To Connect Nursing Facility Residents, And Other State Coronavirus Updates

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

On Monday, May 18, Governor Greg Abbott announced most Texas counties would begin phase 2 of his plan to reopen the Texas economy.

Via Executive Order, the following services and activities may open under Phase II.

• Child Care Centers (May 18)
• Massage and Personal-Care Centers (May 18)
• Youth Clubs (May 18)
• Rodeo and Equestrian Events (May 22)
• Bowling Alleys, Bingo Halls, Simulcast Racing, and Skating Rinks (May 22)
• Bars (May 22)
• Aquariums and Natural Caverns (May 22)
• Zoos (May 29)
• Day Youth Camps (May 31)
• Overnight Youth Camps (May 31)
• Youth Sports (May 31)
• Certain professional sports without in-person spectators (May 31)

All sporting and camp activities are required to adhere by special safety standards, and minimum standard health protocols have been established for all newly-announced open services and activities.

Businesses located in office buildings may also open but must limit their occupancy to the greater of 10 employees or 25 percent of their workforce.

Additionally, restaurants may expand their occupancy to 50 percent beginning May 22.

Bars—including wine tasting rooms, craft breweries, and similar businesses—may open at 25 percent occupancy but like restaurants, these occupancy limits do not apply to outdoor areas that maintain safe distancing among parties.

Opened services and activities under Phase II are subject to certain occupancy limits and health and safety protocols.

For details and a full list of guidelines, openings, and relevant dates, visit www.gov.texas.gov/opentexas.

Certain counties experiencing surges in COVID-19 cases will have their beginning date of Phase II delayed until May 29. These counties include El Paso, Randall, Potter, Moore, and Deaf Smith.

Governor Abbott, HHSC Announce $3.6 Million To Connect Nursing Facility Residents And Families

AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) today announced $3.6 million in funding for nursing facilities to purchase tablets, webcams, and headphones to connect residents with their loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Texas is encouraging nursing facility providers to submit applications to HHSC to receive up to $3,000 in federal funding per facility for purchasing communication technology devices.

“This program will help Texans in nursing homes stay connected to their loved ones while protecting the health and safety of our most vulnerable populations,” said Governor Abbott. “As we continue to respond to COVID-19 and mitigate the spread of this virus, we are committed to developing effective strategies that protect Texans while keeping them connected.”

“Staying connected to families and friends is vitally important to Texans who live in nursing facilities during this unprecedented situation,” said David Kostroun, deputy executive commissioner for HHSC’s Regulatory Services Division. “We want facilities to know this option can help connect residents to their loved ones virtually, while still protecting everyone’s health and safety.”

HHSC is allocating Civil Money Penalty (CMP) funds for this project. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) imposes CMPs against Medicare- or Medicaid-certified nursing facilities found out of compliance with federal requirements. CMP funds can be used for projects and activities that benefit nursing facility residents by improving their quality of care or quality of life.

Any Texas nursing facility can apply for this funding. Purchased devices must be cleaned and disinfected between every use by a resident. CMS has established guidelines for facilities on proper use and requirements: https://hhs.texas.gov/doing-business-hhs/provider-portals/long-term-care-providers/nursing-facilities/civil-money-penalty-funds-nf-projects.

HHSC also has encouraged facilities to implement a communication plan to help families, residents, and others stay informed and connected, noting they are legally obligated to maintain privacy and HIPAA protections.

HHSC continues to work closely with long-term care providers statewide and has issued multiple guidance letters, emergency rules and alerts, and rule waivers to give them the flexibility and information they need to protect Texans from COVID-19.

The guidance provided by HHSC is posted here, and HHSC also regularly updates its FAQs for nursing facilities. Texas residents can dial 2-1-1 to learn about programs and services.

Governor Abbott Provides Update On COVID-19 Surge Response In Amarillo

AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott today held a press conference to provide an update on the COVID-19 surge response efforts in Amarillo. The Governor discussed the state’s ongoing collaboration with local and federal leaders to address COVID-19 hot spots within the Amarillo area and outlined the data on hospitalizations, testing, fatalities, and positivity rates that demonstrate the success of the surge response teams in containing and mitigating the further spread of this virus.

The Governor noted that there is ongoing testing in meat processing plants in the Amarillo area that could result in a spike in cases and that the surge response teams will respond with the same proven strategies.

Governor Abbott announced the formation of surge response teams on May 5th. These teams serve nursing homes, packing plants, and other facilities that experience flare-ups of COVID-19 by providing personal protective equipment, testing supplies, onsite staffing, and assessment assistance.

“Here in Texas, we have implemented a strategy that enables Texans to get back to work while mitigating the further spread of COVID-19,” said Governor Abbott. “Amarillo is an example of this strategy in action, and our surge response teams have done a tremendous job in containing the hot spots within the Amarillo community and protecting health and safety. As we continue in our efforts, we are committed to prioritizing public health while safely and strategically opening the state.”

The Governor was joined by Amarillo Mayor Ginger Nelson, Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) Chief Nim Kidd, Amarillo Public Health Director Casie Stoughton, as well as State Senator Kel Seliger and State Representatives Four Price, John Smithee, and Ken King.