Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Friends and Neighbors,
Below you will find resources as a reference for you and your family regarding COVID-19/the coronavirus.

State and Local Orders

Dallas County Judge – Latest Orders

  • On June 19, an order was issued stating all Dallas County businesses must require employees and visitors to wear face coverings.
  • On May 4, Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins issued an order requiring businesses in Dallas County to comply with the recommendations for reopened services outlined in  The Governor’s Report to Open Texas.

Office of the Governor – Latest Orders

  • On September 17, an executive order was issued expanding occupancy levels for businesses, including restaurants, retail, office buildings, manufacturing, gyms, libraries and museums.
  • On July 2, an executive order was issued requiring all Texans to wear a face covering over their nose and mouth when in public.

Federal Legislation

  • The U.S. Congress has passed several pieces of legislation aimed at addressing the coronavirus pandemic.
  • The Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, which became law on March 6, provides emergency funding for federal agencies to respond to the outbreak. A summary of the bill can be found here.
  • The Families First Coronavirus Response Act,  which became law on March 18, addresses a number of issues, including paid sick leave, insurance coverage for coronavirus testing, nutritional assistance, and unemployment benefits.
  • The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), which became law on March 27, is a large economic stimulus package providing for direct payments and jobless benefits for many individuals, help for businesses, and assistance to state and local governments. A good summary of the bill can be found here.

General Resources

Dallas County Health and Human Services

  • DCHHS maintains a dedicated coronavirus webpage for up-to-date information and guidance.
  • They also have a coronavirus help number at (972) 692-2780.

Dallas County Judge

  • Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins has a dedicated page for coronavirus updates that include the latest orders and guidelines.

City of Dallas

  • The City maintains a coronavirus webpage, and has issued orders and guidelines similar to the County. At that page, you can also sign up for email or text notifications from the City.
  • The City of Dallas COVID-19 resource and information hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The number is 214-670-INFO (4636).

Texas Department of State Health Services

  • At the state level, DSHS maintains a page that has up-to-date information as well as resources and guidance. https://dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/.
  • DSHS has also created a hotline that is open from 7 am to 6 pm, Monday through Friday, at (877) 570-9779.

2-1-1 Texas

  • Specialists are available 24/7 to answer non-medical coronavirus questions. If they can't answer a question, they will refer it to state and local health department helplines.
  • Dial 2-1-1, or (877) 541-7905 or visit http://www.211.org/services/covid19 for additional information.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Schools

  • The Texas Education Agency released the 2020 -2021 School Reopening Guidance Summary. See below for specific information on Dallas ISD and Richardson ISD. 
  • The Texas Education Agency launched a meal finder website, allowing families to enter their address and find the nearest food pick-up site for their kids.
  • Parents of students with disabilities whose special education services are affected should know that their children still have rights and protections. Visit Disability Rights Texas for more information.

Dallas ISD

  • Important updates on school reopenings can be found at https://www.dallasisd.org/reentry
  • Meals will be distributed on Thursdays from 10 AM - 1 PM at the entrance of selected schools while the district remains closed. Meal service will continue through the summer break. Meal pick up locations can be found at https://www.dallasisd.org/fcns.
  • Family Service Clinics located at certain campuses will remain open and can be found at https://www.dallasisd.org/youthandfamilycenters.
  • Dallas ISD Special Education Department has created a Special Education Virtual Parent Academy to assist parents with at-home learning. Details can be found here.

Richardson ISD

  • Important updates at www.risd.org/cv19.
  • RISD will be providing free to-go meals at locations throughout RISD. Meals are available to any child, 18 years or younger, regardless of whether or not they are a RISD student. Meal pick up locations can be found at http://www.risd.org/freemeals

COVID-19 Testing

  • Dallas County operates two drive-thru testing locations. Information on location, hours, and testing criteria can be found here.
  • The City of Dallas approved funding for mobile testing sites to help those who do not have access to a vehicle get tested. Appointments can be scheduled between the hours of 9 a.m. and 9 p.m., 7 days a week through by calling 1-888-601-0568. View additional requirements here.
  • A full list of testing locations can be found here.  

Medical

Parkland Hospital

  • Parkland implemented drive through COVID-19 testing by appointment only for current Parkland patients who meet the medically necessary criteria with a Parkland physician’s order.
  • Parkland patients can contact the COVID-19 Patient Line at 214-590-8060. At this time, this service is only available to current Parkland patients.

Children’s Health

UT Southwestern Medical Center

Texas Health Resources

Medical City Healthcare

Baylor Scott & White Health

Childcare

  • The Texas Workforce Commission’s subsidized childcare program is making changes to their requirements in light of the COVID-19 crisis. Please check their website regularly for announcements coming soon.
  • YMCA branches are currently closed; however, they continue to offer limited childcare programming on a daily basis, supporting the childcare needs of first responders, medical professionals, government officials, and those that must continue their work in this challenging time. Care will be offered until further notice, at 11 YMCA branches across the Dallas Metroplex.
  • The childcare platform care.com has partnered with the State of Texas to offer 90 days of free access to their services for frontline workers in Texas. More information on eligibility and enrollment can be found here.

Seniors

General Resources

  • The National Council on Aging has a COVID-19 resource page for older adults & caregivers.

Meal Assistance

  • Texas has received a $16.2 million grant from the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) to help communities provide meals for older adults. Older adults who need assistance can call the Eldercare Services Hotline at 1-800-677-1116 or visit their website https://eldercare.acl.gov/.
  • Dallas County Health and Human Services Older Adult Services Program is delivering meals to homebound seniors. There is a drive-thru for hot meal pick-up service set up at each senior center location. Seniors needing these resources can call 214-819-1860 to enroll.

Shopping

  • Several grocery store chains have made changes to their hours to minimize the risk for seniors needing food and supplies. The Senior Source has compiled a list of senior shopping resources. It can be found here.

Housing

  • Catholic Charities Dallas is providing emergency assistance for senior housing for homeless. Individuals must be 55+. For assistance, call 469-801-8119.

Food Assistance

  • There are organizations throughout the Dallas area working to provide food and other essential items during this time. A list of food and clothing pantries open during the outbreak can be found here.
  • The Texas Health and Human ServicesCommission has temporarily waived renewal requirements for Medicaid and SNAP recipients due to COVID-19. Additionally, Texas is waiving interview requirements for those applying for SNAP. More information can be found here.

Mental Health

  • The Metrocare Coronavirus Support Line is available between 8 AM and 5 PM Monday through Friday for Dallas County residents experiencing high anxiety or depression. The Metrocare Coronavirus Support Line for Dallas County is 214-743-1215.
  • Metrocare’s professionals will assist individuals in accessing mental health services and provide referrals for other services that may be needed. More information can be found on their website: https://www.metrocareservices.org/en/coronavirus
  • The SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline (800) 985- 5990 provides 24/7, 365-day-a- year crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.
  • The North Texas Behavioral Health Authority (NTBHA) has a dedicated COVID-19 mental health support line to provide trauma-informed support and psychological first aid to those experiencing stress and anxiety as a result of the outbreak. Individuals can contact the 24/7 COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line at 833-251-7544.
  • The Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute has a page dedicated to mental health resources during a pandemic.
  • Texas Health and Human Services has launched a 24/7 statewide mental health support line to help Texans experiencing anxiety, stress or emotional challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Individuals can call the toll-free Statewide COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 833-986-1919.

Businesses & Impacted Employees

  • If your employment has been affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19), you can apply for benefits either online at Unemployment Benefits Services or by calling the Texas Workforce Commission’s Tele-Center at 800-939-6631 from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM Central Time Monday through Friday.
  • To address the unprecedented call volume and website traffic, TWC has implemented a recommended call schedule in an effort to stagger the calls coming into the hotline. The suggested call times are based on your area code.
  • A helpful guide on how to apply for unemployment benefits can be found here.
  • Small businesses impacted by COVID-19 can apply for long-term, low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Information on eligibility, and how to apply, can be found on the agency's website.
  • Texas Workforce Solutions maintains a job-finding website to help connect unemployed Texans with work.

Homeowners & Renters

Utilities

  • Dallas Water Utilities has suspended water shut-offs until further notice.
  • Dallas tap water is safe to drink. Conventional water treatment methods, including filtration and disinfection, are used at all of DWU’s drinking water treatment plants. These processes remove or inactivate bacteria and viruses.
  • TXU Energy and Vistra are offering customer assistance, including waiving late fees and extending payment due dates. For more information click here.
  • Atmos Energy has temporarily suspended natural gas disconnections. For more information, visit: https://www.atmosenergy.com/customer-service/get-help-paying-your-bill.
  • You can get free Spectrum internet for 60 days if you live in a household with a K-12 or college student. To enroll call 1-844-488-8395. Installation fees will be waived for new student households.

Drivers' Licenses & Vehicle Registration

  • Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License Offices across the state are closed. This temporary closure will not apply to those seeking an initial Commercial Driver License (CDL). DPS offices that provide CDL testing will remain open solely for the purpose of providing initial CDLs.
  • Governor Greg Abbott has announced that Texas is waiving certain rules relating to vehicle registration, parking placards for persons with disabilities, and titling to aid the state's efforts to combat COVID-19. These suspensions will allow Texans to avoid penalties for failure to timely title or register a vehicle, or renew a parking placard. Click here for more information.
  • DPS has temporarily extended the expiration of any Texas-issued identification card, driver license, commercial driver license or election identification certificate during the disaster declaration. Click here for more information.

Cyber Scams & Price Gouging

  • Texans who believe they have encountered disaster scams should call the Office of the Attorney General’s toll-free complaint line at (800) 621-0508 or  file a complaint online. For additional information on disaster scams, visit the Attorney General's disaster scams website.  
  • The Department of Justice has a page dedicated on combating COVID-19 fraud.

Other Helpful Links

Our Office's Contact Information

Office of State Representative John Turner
Dallas Office:   10300 N. Central Expressway, Ste. 198 Dallas, TX 75231
(214) 234-7625
Austin Office:   P.O. Box 2910 Austin, TX 78768
(512) 463-0576
Email: District114.Turner@house.texas.gov