Coronavirus Information - General

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Public safety officials in the City of Manvel are closely monitoring coronavirus news and impacts associated with this illness via regular updates provided by County, State, and National public health authorities, including the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The City of Manvel is taking steps to ensure the continuity of essential city services and minimize the consequences to the community in the event that this illness spreads to our community.

The CDC emphasizes that this is still an evolving situation and offers the following risk assessment:  

  1. “For the general American public, who are unlikely to be exposed to this virus at this time, the immediate health risk from COVID-19 is considered low.
  2. People in communities where ongoing community spread with the virus that causes COVID-19 have been reported are at elevated though still relatively low risk of exposure.
  3. Healthcare workers caring for patients with COVID-19 are at elevated risk of exposure.
  4. Close contacts of persons with COVID-19 also are at elevated risk of exposure.
  5. Travelers returning from affected international locations where community spread is occurring also are at elevated risk for exposure.”

There are practical steps each of us can take, however, not only to prevent the spread of the coronavirus but also seasonal flu, which has had far greater impact on the U.S. and remains a significant health hazard. the CDC suggests:

  1. Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
  2. Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  3. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly soiled.”
  4. Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth as this is the most common means by which viruses are introduced into the body.
  5. Staying home when you are sick.
  6. Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  7. Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  8. Following CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
    1. CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19     
    2. Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the illness to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone who is inflicted with a contagious illness.

WHAT DO THE CITY AND STATE COVID-19 DISASTER ORDERS MEAN?

DOES THE TEXAS GOVERNOR’S ORDER SUPERCEDE THE CITY ONE?

Yes. The city declared its order before the state did. Between 11:59 a.m. March 20 and April 3 Gov. Abbott’s order takes precedence over Manvel’s. Gov. Abbott’s order is more restrictive than Manvel’s order. Hisit clarifies some ways that Texans will respond statewide to the COVID-19 public health emergency. This does not mean that Manvel’s order is mute. Some points that are not addressed in the state’s executive order are addressed in the Manvel one.



WILL MANVEL GET CORONAVIRUS TESTING KITS?

No. COVID-19 testing is the responsibility of the Brazoria County Health Department. To learn more about how to get tested, contact them at 281-485-5344. You can also call the Brazoria COVID-19 Information Line at 979-864-2167. It is open Monday – Friday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m – 2 p.m.



HOW IS THE MANVEL ORDER STRUCTURED? HOW LONG IS IT IN PLACE?

It is a 7-day order that began Wednesday, March 18. It documents the efforts Manvel is implementing to combat the virus outbreak. An accompanying declaration recognizes the public health emergency and activates the city’s emergency management plan.



CAN THE MANVEL ORDER BE CHANGED?

Yes. City Council has that authority. Council will consider updates on Monday, March 23, and council members will vote to formally align the Manvel order with Gov. Abbott’s executive order.



IF THE ORDER CAN BE CHANGED AT A CITY COUNCIL MEETING, WHAT WILL THE CITY DO IF MORE THAN 10 PEOPLE SHOW UP TO TALK ABOUT IT?

The Fire Marshal and the police will enforce the state’s executive order on this point. They will regulate the amount of people who can enter to ensure that less than 10 people are inside City Hall. Some people will have to stand outside until someone leaves. This is similar to situations in our daily lives when we are at crowded venues that have a occupancy limit during a popular event.



HOW DOES THE MANVEL ORDER AFFECT MY HOUSEHOLD OR BUILDING UTILITIES?

During this time, the city will not cut off city water and sewer to residents or businesses. Pet and alarm registrations renewals are suspended. Be aware, however, that this does not suspend late fees. Late fees will continue to be charged. This order only ensures that you will have city water and sewer during the crisis.



WILL MANVEL REQUIRE BUSINESSES AND RESTAURANTS TO CLOSE?

Manvel follows the state’s executive order on this point. The governor’s order does not close businesses, but it does tell Texans to avoid inside dining at bars, restaurants, and food courts, or visiting gyms or massage parlors. Nonprofits are not exempt from Gov. Abbott's executive order.



WHAT DOES THE MANVEL ORDER ENCOURAGE?

It follows the state executive order on this point and encourages delivery, drive-thru and pickup services to support local restaurants and businesses.



WHAT DOES THE MANVEL ORDER NOT ENCOURAGE?

It follows the state executive order on this point and mandates that residents avoid eating or drinking at bars, restaurants, and food courts, or visiting gyms or massage parlors.



WHAT ITEMS ARE PROTECTED IN THE MANVEL ORDER?

Prices on certain items are regulated from "price gouging." Items on the list are: groceries, beverages, toiletry articles, gasoline, diesel oil, motor oil, ice, kerosene, grease, automotive lubricants, medicine, pharmaceuticals, medical supplies and medical equipment. Restaurant, cafeteria and boarding-house meals are also on the list. These items will be closely monitored within the city as long as the local disaster order is in effect.



WHAT DOES PRICE GOUGING MEAN?

It means a business has deliberately spiked the cost of an item in order to take advantage of a disaster or crisis that leaves its residents vulnerable. The Attorney General investigates these cases. If convicted, a fine of not more than $2,000 can be levied. The Attorney General phone number is 1-800-621-0508. 

City Announcements and Updates

City Declaration of Disaster - View Here

Ord 2020-O-11 Extending Emergency Measures - View Here

What do the City and State COVID-19 Disaster Order Mean? View Response Here

Brazoria County Stay Safe at Home Info

Brazoria County Stay Safe at Home Order Extended

Post Date:03/31/2020 5:49 PM

With the continuing rise of COVID-19 cases throughout Brazoria County, and following in-line with Governor Abbott’s Executive Order Extension, Judge Matt Sebesta is extending the Stay Safe at Home Order through April 30, 2020.

  • Initial Brazoria County Stay Safe at Home Order-View
  • Brazoria County Non Essential Business List-View
  • Brazoria County Stay Safe Guidelines-View
  • Brazoria County Video update 3/25-View

    Gov Abbott’s Executive Order

    Gov Abbott’s Executive Order

    		 Texas Governor Greg Abbott Disaster Declaration Proclamation 4/12/2020  Click here to view 

    Update as of 4/12/2020

    Governor Abbott Extends Disaster Declaration For COVID-19

    TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME:

    WHEREAS, I, Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas, issued a disaster proclamation on March 13, 2020, certifying under Section 418.014 of the Texas Government Code that the novel coronavirus (COVID- 19) poses an imminent threat of disaster for all counties in the State of Texas; and

    WHEREAS, the Commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services, Dr. John Hellerstedt, has determined that COVID- 19 represents a public health disaster within the meaning of Chapter 81 of the Texas Health and Safety Code; and

    WHEREAS, I have issued numerous executive orders and suspensions of Texas laws in response to COVID-19, aimed at protecting the health and safety of Texans and ensuring an effective response to this disaster; and

    WHEREAS, a state of disaster continues to exist in all counties due to the spread of COVID-19.

    NOW, THEREFORE, in accordance with the authority vested in me by Section 418.014 of the Texas Government Code, I do hereby renew the disaster proclamation for all counties in Texas.

    Pursuant to Section 418.017, I authorize the use of all available resources of state government and of political subdivisions that are reasonably necessary to cope with this disaster.

    Pursuant to Section 418.016, any regulatory statute prescribing the procedures for conduct of state business or any order or rule of a state agency that would in any way prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action in coping with this disaster shall be suspended upon written approval of the Office of the Governor. However, to the extent that the enforcement of any state statute or administrative rule regarding contracting or procurement would impede any state agency’s emergency response that is necessary to cope with this declared disaster, I hereby suspend such statutes and rules for the duration of this declared disaster for that limited purpose.

    In accordance with the statutory requirements, copies of this proclamation shall be filed with the applicable authorities.

    IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto signed my name and have officially caused the Seal of State to be affixed at my office in the City of Austin, Texas, this the 12th day of April, 2020.

    Governor Greg Abbott

    Update as of 3/31/2020

    Governor Greg Abbott updated Texas on the latest on the COVID-19 situation. He is asking all Texans to conform to the standards being set out by the Center for Disease Control and President Trump.  These Guidelines should extend through April 30, 2020.

    1. No gatherings with more than 10
    2. People shall avoid eating or drinking at bars, restaurants, and food courts, or visiting gyms or massage parlors; provided, however, that the use of drive-thru, pickup, or delivery options is allowed and highly encouraged throughout the limited duration of this executive order.
    3. People shall not visit nursing homes or retirement or long-term care facilities unless to provide critical assistance
    4. Schools shall temporarily close to in person classroom attendance and shall not commence before May 4, 2020

    This, executive order does not prohibit people from visiting a variety of places, including grocery stores, gas stations, parks, and banks, so long as the necessary precautions are maintained to reduce the transmission of COVID-1

    This executive order does not mandate sheltering in place. All critical infrastructure will remain operational, domestic travel will remain unrestricted, and government entities and businesses will continue providing essential services. For offices and workplaces that remain open, employees should practice good hygiene and, where feasible, work from home in order to achieve optimum isolation from COVD-19.

    The more that people reduce their public contact, the sooner COVID-19 will be contained and the sooner this executive order will expire.  T



    Community Forum on COVID -19 Panelists included:

    • US Congressman Pete Olson
    • Doctors –
    • Kelsey-Seybold Clinic, Dr. Suma Manjunath, Managing Physician of Travel Medicine
    • HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake and Mainland, Dr. Carl Vartian, Infectious Disease Specialist and Chief Medical Officer
    • Brazoria County Health Department, Cathy Sbrusch, RN, BSN, CIC
    • Pearland ISD, Dr. John Kelly, Superintendent
    • Alvin ISD, Carol Nelson, Superintendent



    WAYS TO HELP OUR SMALL BUSINESSES - 

    1. Purchase a gift card
    2. Order food to be delivered or drive thru
    3. Order food for your favorite senior citizens
    4. Watch Facebook for ways they are promoting themselves and take advantage of their "special" deals
    5. Keep your memberships current
    6. Call your favorite businesses and ask how you can support them
    7. Tip a little more than usual

    WAYS TO HELP EVERYONE - 


    1. Say a little prayer
    2. Don’t panic
    3. Stay home if you feel sick and contact your medical provider
    4. Use reliable news sources
    5. Follow the rules set by experts
    6. Don’t overbuy food and supplies
    7. Leave the baby supplies for babies
    8. Check out businesses before committing to new services/or buying cleaning supplies
    9. Do not mix bleach with other cleansers
    10. Wash your hands for 20 seconds
    11. Don’t touch your face
    12. Disinfect all surfaces including your cell phone
    13. Choose joy
    14. Be patient with others

    Texans Urged to Use 2-1-1 Texas Social Services Hotline 

    for COVID-19 Information and Referrals

    Texas Health and Human Services encourages all Texans in need of COVID-19 information and referrals to community resources to call the 2-1-1 Texas hotline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

    Texans, no matter where they live, can dial 2-1-1 or (877) 541-7905 and select option 6 to get information and referrals to COVID-19 social services, including testing, community clinics, unemployment benefits and more.

    Texans can also dial 2-1-1 to find information about local community resources such as financial assistance for utilities or rent and food pantries, housing assistance, crisis counseling, utility payment assistance, and senior services.


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