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Risk Management
DSHS Commissioner Hellerstedt on How Texans can Prevent COVID-19
  • County Issues Stay at Home Order
    April 6, 2020 — Blanco County has issued a stay at home order requiring people to not leave their homes except for essential activities. The order also bans public and private gatherings of more than 6 people outside of residences.
  • Uninsured, Underinsured, and Indigent Residents"
    Beginning Wednesday, April 29, those individuals with symptoms who cannot afford to pay for testing can begin the screening process by calling the COVID-19 hotline at 512-393-5525 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 1 to 3 p.m. The hotline remains open for general COVID-19 questions from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Following the screening, Live Oak Health Partners Community Clinic will contact the individual to discuss whether the screening indicates a test should be given and if it is, to schedule an appointment at its 401 Broadway, San Marcos, location or Live Oak Health Partners Primary Care in Wimberley. Qualifications for a free test: Be uninsured, underinsured, or financially unable to pay for testing/laboratory fees Meet the assessment criteria for testing, which will be determined during the screening call Be a resident of Hays County According to the CDC’s current list of symptoms, which is updated as more is learned about the virus, a person should seek a COVID-19 test if they have a cough or shortness of breath and two or more symptoms that include fever, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, or new loss of taste or smell. The screening process for testing also includes questions about recent travel and contact with persons who have had a lab-confirmed case of COVID-19. Live Oak facilities will also be testing their own patients (and new patients) by appointment during this same time period and will see patients who have insurance or are self-pay. Those individuals should contact Live Oak directly at (512) 805-5650 for appointments at either location.
  • Blanco ISD Superintendent Message to Families
    Find the video message here.
  • Blanco ISD - Latest Update 3/31/2020
    Blanco ISD Families, Due to the evolving situation with COVID-19, Governor Greg Abbott announced today that Texas schools will remain closed until May 4. Blanco ISD will continue to provide instructional guidance and meal service to families during this time of modified operations. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this difficult time. We miss our students and look forward to seeing them as soon as possible. We will provide more guidance soon. Clay Rosenbaum
  • County Judge Declares Local Disaster
    Blanco County — March 18, 2020 - Judge Bray has declared a local state of disaster to enact emergency protective measures. This declaration will expire after seven days unless extended by the Blanco County Commissioners Court. The declaration authorizes: The flow of aid and other assistance from the state; The county to take necessary measures to slow the spread of COVID-19 including quarantine and regualting access to and from hospitals; Limits gatherings to no more than 10 persons; and, Restricts public access to public buildings. Furthermore, Judge Bray added the following authorizations on March 19, 2020: The North Blanco County EMS and the South Blanco County EMS are authorized and encouraaged to consult with and inspect restaurants conducting drive-up, walk-in, and delivery services. Restaurants are required to comply with inspections conducted by these EMS departments. For more information, visit the Blanco County website here.
  • Insured
  • Kyle CommuniCare Clinic
    2810 Dacy Lane, Kyle, TX 78640 Phone number: 512-268-8900 Website: https://www.communicaresa.org/kyle-tx/ Hours: Monday- Friday, 8am - 5pm For this location no physician referral is required, and testing is provided at curbside by appointment. Please call ahead to schedule your curbside appointment at 512-268-8900. Patients who are experiencing a fever, cough, and/or difficulty breathing will be assessed by a clinician during their curbside appointment, and under the clinician's discretion, will be offered a COVID-19 test. COVID-19 tests are free, but the patient will have to pay for their office visits and costs can vary: For privately insured, Medicaid, or Medicare patients,they will need to pay their insurance co-pay for the office visit, if applicable. For uninsured patients who do not qualify for our discount program, the cost of the office visit is $150 For uninsured patients who are low-income and do qualify for our discount program, the cost of their office visit can be as low as $45. Patients will need to bring a photo ID, proof of income or unemployment letter, and proof of residence, to apply for our discount program. Discount Program details: To qualify for the discount program in Kyle, TX clinic or other location, you must have a total family income that is less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. You can visit communicaresa.org/become-a-patient/ for guidelines.
  • Blanco ISD: COVID-19 Info Page
    Find the Blanco ISD Information Page here, or copy this URL into your browser: https://www.blancoisd.org/264614_2
  • Access to County Buildings
    Effective immediately and until further notice, all Blanco County buildings will have limited public access due to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus). The County asks that you call the department you need to speak with and reserve on-site visits to a minimum. If you cannot handle your affairs via phone or online, access to the Courthouse is only available through the East entrance. The Blanco County Court is closed through April 30, 2020. The Court staff will be in the office but will only hear essential proceedings. These include, but are not limited to, juvenile detention hearings and family violence protective orders. If you have any questions, please call 830-868-4266 or visit the Blanco County website by following the link here.
  • Ascension Seton Hays
    6001 Kyle Pkwy, Kyle, TX 78640 Phone number: 866-633-2064 Website: https://healthcare.ascension.org/covid-19 For this location, a physician referral is required and testing is by appointment only. What this means is that if you have a fever, cough or shortness of breath, please call your personal physician or you can video chat with a physician 24/7 through Ascension Online Care without leaving home. In the online urgent care visit, you can explain your symptoms and if it is something more, Ascension Seton Hays will advise you what to do next. Ascension Seton Hays support team can be reached at 866-633-2064, the Ascension Online Care portal, or at ascensionsupport@americanwell.com
  • County Judge Issues Guidance on Grocery Stores
    Blanco County, TX — March 20, 2020 - Judge Bray has provided additional guidance relating to the earlier disaster declaration: Every Blanco County grocer and non-prepared food retailer is authorized and encouraged to give preference to shoppers who can show Blanco County residency; and, Every Blanco County grocer and non-prepared food retailer is authroized and encourage to impose quanitity limits on items.
  • Austin Regional Clinic - Kyle Plum Creek
    4100 Everett Street, Kyle, TX 78640 Phone number: 866-453-4525 Website: https://www.austinregionalclinic.com/clinics/arc-kyle-plum-creek Hours: Everyday, 8am - 5pm For this location, an ARC physician referral is required. All those wishing to be tested must have a lab test order from an ARC physician which can be received from an initial evaluation by an ARC physician in the clinic or via telemedicine. A “telemedicine” appointment with an ARC doctor can be scheduled by calling ARC’s 24/7 COVID-19 Hotline at 866-453-4525. Telemedicine appointments will be made at drive-up sites for those who do not have a lab order.
  • Campus Service Locations
    Website: https://www.hayscisd.net/eat All meals will be served curbside, Monday - Friday, from 7:00 am to 10:00 am, no building entry is allowed. Drivers or passengers may be asked to pick up their items from a table or tray instead of an attendant placing items into each car. Walkers will be directed to keep proper social distances. Please follow the instructions of the attendant on duty. Campus Service Locations Campus service locations are open Monday - Friday from 7:00 am - 10:00 am at the following locations: Blanco Vista Elementary Camino Real Elementary Fuentes Elementary Kyle Elementary Science Hall Elementary Simon Middle School Uhland Elementary
  • Kyle ER & Hospital
    5615 Kyle Center Dr., Kyle, TX 78640 Phone number: 512-504-9950 Website: www.KyleER.com Hours: Open 24 hours per day, 7 days per week For this location no physician referral is needed. Drive-up Testing is provided with no appointment required. A physician consultation is provided for patients who may have concerns relating to any symptoms they are having. Test results return within 48 hours. The test provided at this location does not involve a swab. The test provided is the Sputum/Saliva real-time Reverse Transcriptase PCR (rRT-PCR) test for COVID-19 through MicroGen Diagnostics for the specific detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. For patients with insurance, the costs are specific to their benefits/copay level. However, Kyle ER also has a self-pay option of $275 for the test.
  • Care Now Urgent Care
    301 N. Guadalupe, Suite 144 Phone number: 512-960-2545 Website: https://www.carenow.com/patient-services/medical-tests/covid-19.dot Hours: Monday-Saturday 8am-6pm, Sunday 8am-5pm CareNow Urgent Care clinics can provide COVID-19 testing for those experiencing coronavirus-like symptoms. Just like other diagnostic tests, our providers will review your history and examine your symptoms before ordering a test. For your safety, you will be asked screening questions, asked to put on a mask and may have your temperature taken. If it is determined you qualify for a test, your healthcare team will give you instructions. Who can be tested? This test can help determine if you have been exposed to the COVID-19 virus. The test is most effective if performed at least 14 days after onset of any symptoms or exposure to someone with confirmed COVID-19. Older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions may be at higher risk for more serious complications from COVID-19. However, any person exhibiting symptoms consistent with COVID-19 should discuss testing with their provider. Some surgeons may require a negative test prior to certain elective surgical procedures, so check with your surgeon. What should you expect with a COVID-19 test? The provider or our trained clinical staff will put on protective clothes, mask and face shield, and then collect samples. Collecting a sample is usually taken from the nose but in some cases may be obtained from the back of the throat just like a strep test. This mildly uncomfortable process, the same used to test for influenza, takes just a few seconds. The provider then packages the samples according to guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and then the samples are shipped to a laboratory. The laboratory tests the specimens for the presence of the new coronavirus, which causes COVID-19. The provider reports the test results to the patient. If the test is positive, the provider also reports this to the public health authorities. COVID-19 test results We anticipate your test results will be available within 48 hours. After your screening, you should self-isolate at home. If your test shows that you have been infected, we will advise you on next steps. What to bring Bring your driver's license and insurance card, if you have one. If you have an order from a doctor to be tested, you should bring that as well, but it is not required. If you have insurance, please consult your insurance plan According to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), plans or issuers are not imposing out-of-pocket expenses for COVID-19 testing. Any patient responsibility (copays, coinsurance, deductibles) collected for a medical visit that results in a COVID test will be refunded after the claim is processed by your medical insurance benefits. For self-pay patients, the cost is $150 for the exam plus $100 fee from the lab ($250 total fee). As a result of the FFCRA as amended by the CARES Act, funding was secured to cover cost for uninsured. CareNow will not collect for the exam bill or lab service fee for the COVID-19 at the time of service. CareNow can help If you have symptoms of COVID-19 please Web Check-In® to wait safely from home and we will call you when it's time to come in. You can also call the clinic when you arrive and choose to wait from your car to ensure additional social distancing.
  • Pop-Up Mobile Service Locations
    Website: https://www.hayscisd.net/eat Pop-Up Mobile Service Locations To provide convenient community locations, the Hays CISD food service department will provide mobile service at the following locations and times: Early Morning Locations: Champions Crossing Apartments (front entrance) 345 Champions Blvd., San Marcos, Texas 78666 7:30 am -7:50 am Intersection Green Pastures Drive at Country Lane, Kyle, Texas 78640 7:30 am - 7:50 am Intersection (In Cul-de-sac) Thomas Place at Huber Lane, Kyle, Texas 78640 7:30 am - 7:50 am Roadway (In Cul-de-sac) Dustins Drive, Uhland, Texas 78640 8:00 am - 8:20 am Mid-Morning Locations: Saddlebrook Mobile Home Park (club house parking lot) 289 Silver Peak Drive, San Marcos, Texas 78666 8:20 am - 8:40 am Intersection Skyview Terrace at Cresthill Causeway, Kyle, Texas 78640 8:20 am - 8:40 am Intersection Mathias Lane at Running Bull Lane, Kyle, Texas 78640 8:20 am - 8:40 am Late Morning Locations: Intersection (In Cul-de-sac) Mercedes Lane at Railyard Drive, Kyle, Texas 78640 9:10 am - 9:30 am Intersection (In Cul-de-sac) Prairie Wind Drive at Sea Cove, Kyle, Texas 78640 9:10 am - 9:30 am Intersection (In Cul-de-sac) Blue Jay Circle at Red Bird Drive, Buda, Texas 78610 9:10 am - 9:30 am
  • Any Lab Test Now - Antibody Testing
    1941 S. IH 35, Suite 113, San Marcos, TX 78666 Phone number: 512-754-5227 Website: http://www.anylabtestnow.com/san-marcos-78666/ Operational Hours: M-F 7:30-6:00 pm ----- No physician referral required; Testing by appointment only Test type: Antibody Test (the SARS-CoV-2 AB test using the Abbott CMIA) Call for an appointment. Must be two weeks past any symptoms before testing for Antibody Testing.
  • Baylor Scott & White - Buda
    5330 Overpass Road, Buda, TX 78610 Phone number: 737-999-6200 Website: https://www.bswhealth.com/Pages/coronavirus-information.aspx Hay County residents can visit here. There are no restrictions for those living outside of Travis County. For this location a Baylor Scott & White physician referral is required (and can be attained by an eVisit with a Baylor Scott & White provider as detailed below) and testing is by appointment only. Steps to Getting a Test: Visit MyBSWHealth or download app Take 5-minute online screening Following your screening, you may be prompted to complete an eVisit, which will be evaluated by a Baylor Scott & White provider. You will be required to create a MyBSWHealth account to begin eVisit. Following your eVisit, you will be provided the appropriate next steps For more information, please visit the test collection site provider's website or call (512) 654-3000.
  • MedPost Urgent Care
    155 Wonder World Dr., San Marcos, TX 78666 Phone number: 512-504-9950 Website: https://www.carespot.com/medpost-urgent-care/san-marcos-tx/ Operational Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week ----- Testing by appointment only; No drive-through testing; Most insurances accepted.
  • Total Men's Primary Care - Kyle - Antibody Testing
    5401 FM 1626 #150, Kyle, TX 78640 Phone number: 512-759-8385 Website: https://totalmens.com/ Operational Hours: 8am-5pm-----No physician referral required; Testing by appointment only; No drive-through testing
  • FastMed Urgent Care - Kyle
    135 Bunton Road, Kyle, TX 78640 Phone number: 512-256-1154 Website: https://www.fastmed.com/urgent-care-centers/kyle-tx-walk-in-clinic/ Operational Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Saturday – Sunday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM ----- No physician referral required; Testing by appointment only; No drive-through testing
  • Total Care Primary Care
    164 Belterra Village Way, Suite Y200, Austin, TX 78737 Phone number: 512-759-8385 Website: https://total.healthcare/ Operational Hours: 8am-5pm ----- No physician referral required; Testing by appointment only; No drive-through testing
  • Updates
    March 27, 2020 — The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act allocated $350 billion to help small businesses keep workers employed amid the pandemic and economic downturn. Known as the Paycheck Protection Program, the initiative provides 100% federally guaranteed loans to small businesses. Importantly, these loans may be forgiven if borrowers maintain their payrolls during the crisis or restore their payrolls afterward. For more information and to find out if you are eligible visit the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's website here. March 20, 2020 —The Small Business Association has included all counties in Texas in its Economic Injury Disaster Declaration and granted access to its Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. Texas small businesses who believe they may be eligible for an SBA EIDL should visit www.sba.gov/disaster where they can directly apply for assistance. The online application is the fastest method to receive a decision about loan eligibility. March 18, 2020 — The Families First Coronavirus Response Act was signed into law and will go into effect on April 2, 2020. The legislation responds to the growing health and economic crises with provisions that include: Paid emergency leave with two weeks of paid sick leave and up to three months of paid family and sick leave for businesses with less than 500 employees; A new tax credit to small employers to cover the now-required payments to employees who take time off; Free testing for COVID-19 — The law seeks to make testing for the coronavirus free to the public (without having to use deductibles or copayments). It includes a variety of waivers in order for testing costs to be covered by either insurance or government programs; and, Expansion of federal funding of Medicaid — The law includes a temporary 6.2% increase in federal payments to Medicaid for states. March 17, 2020 — The Governor Greg Abbott requested designation from the Small Business Administration (SBA) for an Economic Injury Disaster Declaration to access the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program for the entire state of Texas. March 6, 2020 — The President signed a $7.8 billion emergency cornavirus spending plan into law. The plan provides funding for the local, state, national and international levels. Among other provisions, the legislation includes: An estimated $500 million provision to allow Medicare beneficiaries to access telehealth programs that will let them remotely see providers to assess symptoms potentially tied to the coronavirus. More than $300 million to ensure that when a vaccine is developed — which some estimate could be a year or more away — that Americans will be able to access it regardless of their ability to pay, according to a congressional aide involved in the negotiators
  • How to Visit
    Ascension is working to keep the community healthy during this time and prevent the spread of infection while also offering options for easier access to care. If you have a fever, cough or other respiratory symptoms, please call (833) 919-1680 prior to visiting an Ascension facilities, so you can be screened by a nursing professional. Ascension Online Care is also offering video urgent care visits at a discounted rate of $20, so you can talk to a doctor from home. No insurance required. Use the code HOME at Ascension Online Care Ascension is implementing temporary visitor restrictions, in both inpatient and outpatient settings, to minimize the spread of viral respiratory infections including COVID-19. Please contact your site of care for instructions. For more updates, please visit the Ascension Seton website here.
  • Hays County Food Bank
    The Hays County Food Bank is open and can be reached at (512) 392-8300. Starting the week of March 23rd, Hays County Food Bank will shift their food distribution schedule. They will re-evaluate at the beginning of May. Distribution Schedule Tuesdays at 12:00 PM: Kyle - St. Anthony's Catholic Church (801 N. Burleson) Wednesdays at 6:00 PM: San Marcos - San Marcos Recreation Center (170 Charles Austin Dr.) Thursdays at 12:00 PM: Buda - Connection Church (1235 S. Loop 4) Please limit the amount of people in your vehicle and have a clear space ready for your food items. Precautions Hays County Food Bank is following: All distributions will be bagged, open-air, and drive through with limited interpersonal contact. If you are sick, do not go to a distribution. Designate a proxy to pick up on your behalf. If you are at a higher risk for contacting this virus, please designate a proxy to pick up on your behalf. The food bank's offices are closed to the public. They are accepting donations, but please call to schedule a drop-off time at (512) 392-8300 x230. All nutrition classes are cancelled until the end of April. Hays County Food Bank needs usable totes to distribute food in. They can be dropped off at the food bank. Check Hays County Food Bank's phone system, social media, and website for any changes in distributions.
  • Locations
    Ascension Seton Hays 6001 Kyle ParkwayKyle, TX 78640 (512) 504-5000 Ascension Seton Southwest 7900 Farm to Market Road 1826 Austin, TX 78737 (512) 324-9000 Ascension Seton Downtown 1201 West 38th St Austin, TX 78705 (512) 324-1000
  • Blanco Good Samaritan Center
    The Blanco Good Samaritan food pantry is open Monday - Friday from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. The food pantry is located at 607 Chandler Drive, Blanco, Texas 78606. They can be reached at (830) 833-5269 or its affiliate, the Central Texas Food Bank, at (512) 282-2111. As of March 19, the thrift store is closed and the center cannot accept donations at this time.
  • Dripping Springs Helping Hands
    PANTRY HOURS curbside/car service only Wednesdays 1:30PM-3:00PM Thursdays 5:00PM-6:30PM If you need financial assistance, call (512) 820-0476 Rules and regulations For more information, go to https://www.helpinghands-drippingsprings.org
  • COVID-19 Toll Free Hotline
    833-919-1680
  • How to Get Tested for COVID-19
    Video chat with a physician 24/7 through Ascension Online Care without leaving home. Ascension is offering online urgent care visits (also called telehealth or telemedicine) at a discounted rate of $20 through Ascension Online Care with the code HOME. No insurance is required. In the online urgent care visit, explain your symptoms and if it is something more, we'll advise you what to do next. If you are unable to use Ascension Online Care, please call your local 24/7 Ascension COVID-19 hotline at 833-919-1680. Our nurses and care teams have the most up-to-date screening information and can guide you to the best options for care and testing. Test Appointments Information: Physician referral required Screening is not provided curbside. Test collection by appointment only If you are concerned about potential exposure or want to better understand possible symptoms, use our COVID-19 self-assessment as a first step. If you have a fever, cough or shortness of breath, please call your personal physician or you can video chat with a physician 24/7 through Ascension Online Care without leaving home. In the online urgent care visit, you can explain your symptoms and if it is something more, we'll advise you what to do next. If you have any other questions, please call Ascension Seton Hays at 866-633-2064. You can also email their support team at ascensionsupport@americanwell.com.
  • Central Texas Food Bank
    Get Help: https://www.centraltexasfoodbank.org/get-help Find Food Now: https://www.centraltexasfoodbank.org/food-assistance/get-food-now?clicked-modal
  • Wimberley Meals on Wheels
    How to get Meals on Wheels: If you would like to receive meal delivery or participate in congregate meals or if you know someone who would benefit from this program, please call (512) 847-1781 More information here.
  • Wimberley Crisis Bread Basket
    For assistance, call 512-847-5323. Find more information here.
  • St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church
    For assistance, call (512) 858-5667. Provides a food pantry onsite and grocery store vouchers (when funds are available) that can be used for food, prescription drugs, and hygiene products. Find more information here.
  • Live Blog
    Follow the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's live blog here.
  • Hays County Schools
    Find more information about school lunches that are available for pickup here.
  • How to Get Tested for COVID-19
    For your safety and convenience, if any of the following apply to you, please visit the MyBSWHealth mobile app or website to take a free COVID-19 screening questionnaire. Please do this before scheduling an appointment or visiting a BSWH facility. Fever Cough Shortness of breath Sore throat Weakness Muscle pain Diarrhea Vomiting Loss of smell To install the app on your mobile device, simply text BETTER to 88408 to have it sent to your phone. Baylor Scott and White asks that you complete this prior to scheduling an appointment or walking into a clinic, urgent care or hospital emergency department. Following your screening questionnaire, you may be prompted to complete an eVisit, which will be evaluated by a Baylor Scott & White provider who can advise you on appropriate next steps. As always, if you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911. Notify the dispatch personnel that you have or are being evaluated for COVID-19. If available, put on a face mask before emergency medical services arrive. In adults, signs of a medical emergency may include: Difficulty breathing Persistent pain or pressure in the chest New confusion or inability to arouse Bluish lips or face Beginning Monday, March 16, at 8 a.m., visitors and patients will use designated entrances and be screened upon arrival. For the latest updates, visit their website here.
  • PPE
    The State of Texas is seeking critical equipment and capacity for medical providers, such as personal protective equipment (PPE), alternate care sites, and infection-control products. If you have products, sites, or equipment available for the state to consider procuring, please visit the State of Texas' website.
  • Federal and State Updates to Housing
    March 20, 2020 — The Texas Supreme Court has issued an emergency order suspending residential evictions in the state until April 19 unless there is a threat of physical harm or criminal activity. According to the court’s latest order, landlords who have obtained a court-ordered eviction cannot follow through until after April 26, when legally required notices can once again be posted on a rental unit’s front door advising tenants about the specific time and date that possession of the property will end. March 18, 2020 — President Trump directed the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to suspend evictions and foreclosures through April. This applies only to homeowners with mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration, a HUD agency that backs affordable home loans issued through private firms. Additionally, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) also announced that it would suspend foreclosures and evictions for homeowners with mortgages backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.
  • Message from Mayor Haehn
  • Message from Superindendent Washburn: Remote Learning & Grading
    DSISD Superintendent Todd Washburn announced details about the transition to remote learning, as well as the program itself. Find the full announcement here.
  • Small Business Administration
    The Small Business Administration is providing guidance and loan resources to support businesses. Visit their website here.
  • Blanco County Emergency Management
    Anyone who lives in Blanco County and is in need of COVID-19 testing should register online at BlancoCOVIDTest.org. Once registered, someone will call the individual registered as soon as possible and set up a time for our mobile testing personnel to complete the test.
  • Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs
    Help for Texans Tool: Select the type of help you need — including reduced rent apartments and emergency and homeless services — enter your city or county, and get a list of organizations that may be able to help you. Haga clic aquí para obtener información en español. For homeowners struggling to make payments due to COVID-19 who have Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac backed mortgage loans, Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) recommends contacting your lender to see if you qualify for reduced/suspended payments. For more information, click here. To contact TDHCA, visit their website for a complete list of phone numbers. En español: https://www.tdhca.state.tx.us/au_offices-es.htm
  • Blood Banks
    Many blood banks across Texas are running low on blood supplies, and blood drives across the nation have been cancelled. If you are able and interested in helping, visit the We Are Blood website. You can also locate an AABB-accredited blood donation center near you using this tool.
  • Locations
    Baylor Scott and White Medical Center — Buda 5300 Overpass Dr Buda, TX 78610 (737) 999-6200 Baylor Scott and White Clinic — Kyle 4036 Cromwell DrKyle, TX 78640 (512) 654-4600 Baylor Scott and White Clinic — Dripping Springs 170 Benney Ln Suite 204 Dripping Springs, TX 78620 (512) 654-4550 Baylor Scott and White Clinic — San Marcos 1340 Wonder World DrSuite 2300San Marcos, TX 78666 (512) 654-4900 Baylor Scott and White Clinic — Austin Southwest 9521 Highway 290 WSuite 105Austin, TX 78736 (512) 654-4300
  • Texas Workforce Commission
    The Texas Workforce Commission is providing information regarding unemployment benefits, taxes, precautions, mass claims, and shared work programs. Visit their website here.
  • City of Buda FAQ
    Find frequently asked questions for the City of Buda here.
  • DSISD Update - 3/26
    Dear DSISD Families, You may have seen the announcement that Hays County has issued a “Stay at Home, Work Safe” order, which will go into effect at 11 p.m. on March 26. To fully support county, state and national efforts and do our part to slow the spread of Coronavirus and keep our community safe, Dripping Springs ISD will be extending our school closure/remote learning format through at least Monday, April 13, 2020. We will continue to follow new developments related to the pandemic and evaluate our status on an ongoing basis. This order does not impact our transition to remote/virtual learning. I’d like to thank our instructional leaders and teachers for doing an amazing job preparing a plan and creating lessons and learning activities for our students. While it will look and feel differently than our normal school days, I know that we can continue to support the academic and social-emotional needs of our students through this time. The order does not impact the essential services the district is providing such as mobile meals for our Free and Reduced Lunch program participants. The Child Nutrition Department will provide updates regarding those services. We appreciate the understanding and adaptability from our staff, students, parents and community during these unusual times. Thank you for your support and stay safe.
  • City of Buda Disaster Declaration
    BUDA, TX — March 20, 2020 - The Buda City Council voted today (March 20, 2020) in a special meeting to extend the disaster declaration issued by Mayor George Haehn on March 13 until further notice. On March 13, 2020, Mayor George Haehn issued a Disaster Proclamation for the City of Buda in light of the COVID-19 outbreak across Texas, and with cases in Hays County. “After deliberation, to ensure our City will also have access to Federal and State resources, as Mayor, I issued a Disaster Proclamation for the City of Buda as well. I did so to get ahead of things, be proactive rather than reactive,” said Mayor Haehn. While this is a challenging time, Mayor Haehn is asking everyone to remain calm and follow the recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Plans, protocols and procedures are in place. We are constantly getting updates and addressing them if/and when needed. Buda City services will continue to be provided. I believe the citizens of this City come together in times of need. We rise to the occasion. We do not hesitate to help one another. I witnessed this type of action during the flooding we had not too long ago. Be courteous and kind to one another. We will get through this, just as we have done so in the past,” said Haehn. To view the city's response to COVID-19, click here for more nformation.
  • DSISD Update - 3/17
    En Espanol: https://www.dsisdtx.us/Page/2635 Link to this Info: https://www.dsisdtx.us/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=4&ModuleInstanceID=23&ViewID=6446EE88-D30C-497E-9316-3F8874B3E108&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=10805&PageID=1 March 17, 2020 Dear DSISD Parents and Students, Yesterday, we made the announcement to close schools from March 23, 2020-April 3, 2020, for the health and safety of our staff, students, and community. In addition, the Board conducted an emergency meeting, granting me the authority to make some key expenditure decisions during this period of school closure to provide me with the ability to take care of our DSISD staff and provide the resources necessary to continue to meet the needs of our students. I want to take this opportunity to clarify how we will be providing instruction to our students during this closure period. Testing Update Governor Greg Abbott announced that he has waived the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) testing requirements for the 2019-2020 school year (no STAAR test this Spring). Additionally, Governor Abbott is requesting that the Department of Education (DOE) waive federal testing requirements for the 2019-2020 school year. We are continuing to follow updates from the College Board considering ACT, SAT, and AP testing. Instructional Support District administrators have and will continue to meet this week to develop plans and guidelines for the delivery of instruction remotely. On March 23 and March 24 we will have instructional planning days for our teachers to collaborate and develop instructional resources (remotely) for our students. We have determined that Grades K-3 students’ primary resources will be in the format of paper/pdf files and they also will be able to access enrichment resources on their Classlink accounts. Primary resources for students in Grades 4-12 will be in an online format using Canvas. Teachers will be creating both online and paper resources for all grade levels. Our goal is to roll out these resources to our students by Wednesday, March 25. Providing instruction remotely for our students creates a few logistical challenges. We recognize that some of our families have access to technology (device(s) and internet access), while others may not. Even our families that have access to technology at home may need additional resources because they have multiple children. We are preparing to provide access to technology as needed through a device check-out system. In preparation for this rollout, we need your feedback to determine each student’s needs. We have created a brief survey to collect your feedback. Please complete this survey by March 22. We will provide details of this process in our next update next week. Additional Support We are developing support systems to create a “help-desk type of remote assistance” for our staff, students, and parents. We also are creating a process to provide continuing meal service (breakfast and lunch) for our eligible students. We want to make sure you continue to practice healthy habits from the CDC, including social distancing recommendations. We recognize that this is a new instructional delivery model for us and we will need your support and partnership to make this time as valuable as we can for our students. The key to student success will be our ability to be collaborative, creative and connected. Thank you for your ongoing support of our students, staff and community! Take Care, Todd Washburn Superintendent of Schools
  • Hays County Task Force & Survey
    Hays County public and private leadership have formed a taskforce to address the growing concerns around COVID-19. This team will work to better understand the impact of the virus on employers, employees, and residents to ensure current and future needs are met. The team will continually update this website with useful information to help ensure the business continuity while offering any available resources from the federal and state governments. For more information, click here. If you are a business in Hays County that has been impacted by COVID-19, you can complete this survey here.
  • Housing & Urban Affairs
    Visit the Deparatment of Housing and Affairs website to access resources for individuals and providers in need of assistance. Haga clic aquí para obtener información en español.
  • City-Sponsored Events Canceled
    March 13, 2020 - Mayor Haehn announced all city events will be canceled/postponed until April 12th to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.
  • DSISD Closure Notice - 3/16
    En Espanol: https://www.dsisdtx.us/Page/2632 Link to this Update: https://www.dsisdtx.us/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=4&ModuleInstanceID=23&ViewID=6446EE88-D30C-497E-9316-3F8874B3E108&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=10805&PageID=1 March 17, 2020 Dear DSISD Parents and Students, Yesterday, we made the announcement to close schools from March 23, 2020-April 3, 2020, for the health and safety of our staff, students, and community. In addition, the Board conducted an emergency meeting, granting me the authority to make some key expenditure decisions during this period of school closure to provide me with the ability to take care of our DSISD staff and provide the resources necessary to continue to meet the needs of our students. I want to take this opportunity to clarify how we will be providing instruction to our students during this closure period. Testing Update Governor Greg Abbott announced that he has waived the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) testing requirements for the 2019-2020 school year (no STAAR test this Spring). Additionally, Governor Abbott is requesting that the Department of Education (DOE) waive federal testing requirements for the 2019-2020 school year. We are continuing to follow updates from the College Board considering ACT, SAT, and AP testing. Instructional Support District administrators have and will continue to meet this week to develop plans and guidelines for the delivery of instruction remotely. On March 23 and March 24 we will have instructional planning days for our teachers to collaborate and develop instructional resources (remotely) for our students. We have determined that Grades K-3 students’ primary resources will be in the format of paper/pdf files and they also will be able to access enrichment resources on their Classlink accounts. Primary resources for students in Grades 4-12 will be in an online format using Canvas. Teachers will be creating both online and paper resources for all grade levels. Our goal is to roll out these resources to our students by Wednesday, March 25. Providing instruction remotely for our students creates a few logistical challenges. We recognize that some of our families have access to technology (device(s) and internet access), while others may not. Even our families that have access to technology at home may need additional resources because they have multiple children. We are preparing to provide access to technology as needed through a device check-out system. In preparation for this rollout, we need your feedback to determine each student’s needs. We have created a brief survey to collect your feedback. Please complete this survey by March 22. We will provide details of this process in our next update next week. Additional Support We are developing support systems to create a “help-desk type of remote assistance” for our staff, students, and parents. We also are creating a process to provide continuing meal service (breakfast and lunch) for our eligible students. We want to make sure you continue to practice healthy habits from the CDC, including social distancing recommendations. We recognize that this is a new instructional delivery model for us and we will need your support and partnership to make this time as valuable as we can for our students. The key to student success will be our ability to be collaborative, creative and connected. Thank you for your ongoing support of our students, staff and community! Take Care, Todd Washburn Superintendent of Schools
  • City of Buda Conducting Business Virtually
    As of Thursday March 19th, all City offices will be conducting business virtually to follow the social distancing guidelines set out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This means there will no be walk-ins, with all business being done via telephone and computer. Additionally, park rentals, library programs and all City-sponsored events are suspended until further notice. You can contact City Departments directly at the numbers below: Public Works (512-312-2876) Buda Police Department - Non-Emergency (512-393-7896) Parks (512-523-1083) Utility Billing (512-295-8845) Municipal Court (512-295-2562) Library (512-295-5899) Planning, Permitting, and Engineering (512-312-5745) Utility billing and municipal court payments may be paid online here. Additional ways to make utility payments include online through your bank, over the phone at 512-295-8845, and by mail to 405 E. Loop St., Building 100, Buda, Texas. Customers can also utilize the utility payment drop boxes at the front entrance of the building and near the library book drop. The utility billing e-mail that residents should use to communicate with utilities is utilitybilling@ci.buda.tx.us
  • DSISD COVID Page
    Follow regular DSISD updates here. https://www.dsisdtx.us/domain/1014
  • Message from City of Buda Water Utility
    Dear City of Buda Utility Customers: As you are aware, there is a growing concern over the coronavirus (COVID-19) as it continues to evolve. Please know that the City of Buda remains committed to providing safe drinking water to our customers. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) drinking water regulations require treatment of public water systems to remove or kill pathogens, including viruses. The City of Buda uses chlorine as a disinfectant for bacteria, viruses and other pathogens. City operators perform daily chlorine testing in accordance with EPA regulations to ensure chlorine levels remain within an acceptable range. The City of Buda is also taking precautions to protect our staff from any illness that would disrupt service. We have operations staff that are cross-trained and licensed in both water and wastewater operations to ensure safe and reliable treatment of water and wastewater in the areas we serve. In order to promote the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) social distancing recommendations, we are encouraging utility customers to pay bills online or by phone using a credit card, or by mail. To pay by phone, call (512) 295-8845, or please visit the following website: https://www.municipalonlinepayments.com/budatx. Two drop box locations are available at City Hall located at the front entrance, and near the library book drop. Checks can be mailed to 405 E. Loop Street, Building 100, Buda, Texas 78610. Beginning on, March 18, 2020, the City of Buda will be crediting customer accounts after the transaction for credit card processing fees on payments made online or by phone. The City of Buda is also temporarily halting late payment fees and disconnections due to non-payment. The City will continue to monitor State and Federal health agencies’ guidance and recommendations for potential impacts in order to serve you. The City of Buda remains committed to providing safe and reliable service to you during this time. If you have any questions or need any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact either Public Works at 512-312-2876 or Utility Billing at 512-295-8845.
  • Municipal Courts Closed
    Buda Municipal Court is closed to the public starting March 20th. The decision is made in an effort limit the number of individuals gathering in a confined space to reduce the risks to public health. Although operations are closed to the public, individuals may still contact the Court by phone and email to get information and handle their cases; many options are available that do not require a personal appearance. All court dockets are cancelled. Cases that are set on dockets will be rescheduled to a date after May 8th; individuals will be notified by mail of their new court date. All individuals are encouraged to call 512-295-2562 or email the Court at budamunicipalcourt@ci.buda.tx.us in lieu of making personal appearances to take care of their court business.
  • Buda Library Closed Until Further Notice
    As of 3/12/2020 the Buda Public Library is closed to the public and volunteers until further notice. The library will continue curbside services. No fines will accrue on any items while the library is closed. The library hours for curbside service and phone questions are Monday-Thursday from 11:00-7:00 pm and Friday from 10:00-5:00 pm. This decision was made after careful consideration for the public’s health and well-being. The Buda Public Library has many resources that can be accessed from home. Check out their webpage: Buda Library at Home often for updates with activities, programs, databases, and more. Electronic resources from the Buda Public Library can be found here.
  • Onion Creek Senior Center Closed
    The Board of Directors of the Onion Creek Senior Center in Buda has made the decision to close the Senior Center to all activities – exercise classes, dances, games, etc. -- during the week of March 16 – 22, 2020, due to concerns with the Covid-19 coronavirus and the safety of seniors.
  • Still Budaful Stimulus Program
    In response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus), the Buda City Council authorized the Still Budaful Stimulus Program to assist businesses negatively affected by the pandemic. The Still Budaful Stimulus is a local economic development program authorized under Chapter 380 of the Texas Local Government Code to help reduce the resulting economic strain on local businesses. Find more information about the program and how to apply here.
  • En Español
    Para la versión en español de esta página, seleccione "herramientas del sitio" en el banner azul en la esquina superior derecha. En el menú desplegable, seleccione traducir página. Este será el ícono del globo.
  • City of Buda COVID-19 Helpful Information
    Find the City of Buda COVID-19 Helpful Information page here.
  • Marble Falls - NextCare Urgent Care
    1701 US-281, North Marble Falls, TX 78654 Phone number: 830-798-1122 Website: https://nextcare.com/coronavirus-covid-19/ Operational Hours: Mon: 8:00AM - 8:00PM Tues: 8:00AM - 8:00PM,Wed: 8:00AM - 8:00PMThur: 8:00AM - 8:00PM, Fri: 8:00AM - 8:00PM,Sat: 9:00AM - 5:00PM, Sun: 9am-5pm ----- Testing by appointment only; Drive-through testing Testing is done through the Curbside Care program, which allows you to drive up, stay in your vehicle and let us come to you. We especially encourage patients experiencing COVID-19 or viral symptoms to utilize this service. This will allow us to perform an evaluation and, should it be necessary, testing collections from the comfort and safety of your vehicle. We recommend all patients book a time online www.nextcare.com
  • Fredericksburg - Hill Country Memorial Hospital
    1020 S State Hwy 16, Fredericksburg, TX 78624 Phone number: 830-997-4353 Website: https://www.hillcountrymemorial.org/covid-19-updates/ Operational Hours: 10am-12pm, 1pm-3pm ----- Physician referral required; Testing by appointment only; Drive-through testing
  • Spring Branch - Quest Diagnostics - Inside Singing Oaks Walmart Store
    305 Singing Oaks, Spring Branch, TX 78070 Phone number: 866-MYQUEST Website: http://patient.questdiagnostics.com/covid-testing-options Operational Hours: M-F 7:00 AM-3:00 PM ----- Physician referral required; Testing by appointment only; No drive-through testing With QuestDirect, an individual can request the test and purchase it online. Each test request is reviewed and, if appropriate, an order for testing is issued by a licensed physician. Individuals have the opportunity to speak with a licensed physician about their results. After purchasing the service online, an individual will be prompted to schedule an appointment for a blood draw at one of the 2,200 patient service centers Quest Diagnostics operates around the United States. For the safety of our patients and employees, individuals must not have experienced symptoms of COVID-19 for at least 10 days; wear a face mask; and pass a contact-less temperature check.
  • American Nurses Foundation
    The American Nurses Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the American Nurses Association. If you would like to find out how you can help support nurses, please visit their website.
  • Volunteer
    If you are an active or retired health care provider, a medical or nursing student, or just a Texan who wants to help, visit the State of Texas' website to volunteer.
  • Child Nutrition
    For any member of the DSISD community whose employment/financial situation has changed as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, applications for the Free and Reduced Breakfast and Lunch program are available (see links below). If you feel you qualify, please complete an application and either mail it, email it, or scan a copy and send to the following address: Mail to: DSISD Child Nutrition Services, 510 W. Mercer St., Dripping Springs, TX 78620 Email or scan a copy to: nanci.freeborg@dsisdtx.us DSISD is providing weekly breakfast and lunches for qualifying students each Monday morning from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm. Meals are distributed in a grab and go pick-up fashion, delivered by a Child Nutrition Specialist directly to your vehicle. PICKUP LOCATION: Dripping Springs High School 940 Highway 290 W The back side of the school near the kitchen service area. Breakfast meals consist of an entree, fruit or fruit juice and milk. Lunch meals consist of an entree, fruit, vegetables and milk. FREE/REDUCED LUNCH APPLICATIONS https://www.dsisdtx.us/Page/472
  • San Marcos Housing Authority
    Friday, March 20, 2020 — Following the lead from the City of San Marcos, the San Marcos Housing Authority (SMHA) will close its doors to the public at 12 p.m. and will not reopen until further notice. The San Marcos Housing Authority is committed to providing a safe and healthy housing community for all residents, staff, contractors, and visitors during this pandemic coronavirus COVID19. The Housing Authority can be contacted by phone at 512-353-5058 or online. All payments can be placed in the night drop slots at Allen Woods, Springtown Villa, C. M. Allen, and Chapultepec as appropriate.
  • Utility Late Fees/Disconnects, Credit Card Transactions, and Mobile Food Vendor Fees"
    Utility late fees and disconnects will be waived for the months of April and May. All in person or over the phone City-processed credit card transaction fees will be waived for two months beginning on April 8, 2020. In order to provide relief to the City’s mobile food vendors, the mobile food vendor fee paid by vendors who operate in Buda will be waived for April, May, and June. Find more information here.
  • National & Local Chambers of Commerce
    For updates on how the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is responding to COVID-19 and links to resources, visit the Chamber's website. Visit the local chambers of commerce here: Blanco Chamber of Commerce Buda Area Chamber of Commerce Dripping Springs Chamber of Commerce Kyle Chamber of Commerce Johnson City Chamber of Commerce San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce and the Greater San Marcos Partnership. Wimberley Valley Chamber of Commerce
  • Meals on Wheels
    If you are interested in supporting Meals on Wheels, please visit their website.
  • How the CARES Act Impacts You
  • Austin-Travis County COVID-19 Risk-Based Guidelines
    Austin Public Health (APH) has published a color-coded chart to help residents of Austin-Travis County understand the stages of risk and provide recommendations on what people should do to stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. APH is currently exploring the most effective indicators to help determine the level of risk in the local community. Provisional triggers are being modeled based on the number of hospitalizations because of their general correlation with numbers of cases, use of ventilators, deaths, and availability of effective treatment and vaccination. The new risk-based guidelines set out five distinct stages of risk, from the lowest threat, Stage 1, through the most serious, Stage 5, along with recommended behaviors for each stage. For lower-risk individuals, defined as those with no substantial underlying health conditions who have a lower risk of complication and death from COVID-19, the recommendations are as follows: Stage 1: Practice good hygiene, stay home if sick, and avoid other people who are sick. APH is working on recommendations for maximum sizes of gatherings. Individuals are advised they are safe to return to work at all businesses. Stage 2: Includes the recommendations for Stage 1 and adds: Maintain social distancing and wear fabric face coverings in public. Individuals are urged to avoid dining and shopping except with precautions, and to avoid gathering in groups of more than 25 people. They are advised they are safe to return to work at essential and reopened businesses. Stage 3: Includes the recommendations for Stage 2 and also urges individuals to avoid non-essential travel, all social gatherings, and any gatherings of more than 10 people. Stage 4: Includes the recommendations for Stage 3 and advises individuals they are safe to return to work, and dine and shop, only at “expanded essential businesses”. This category will be defined shortly. Stage 5: Includes the recommendations for Stage 4 and urges individuals to avoid all gatherings outside of the household and avoid dining and shopping except as essential. In this stage it is considered safe to return to work at essential businesses only. Austin-Travis County is currently in Stage 3. Updates can be found here.
  • All Chronic Conditions
    Underlying Health Conditions and COVID-19 Preliminary Estimates of the Prevalence of Selected Underlying Health Conditions Among Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 United States, February 12–March 28, 2020 Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) MMWR Chronic Disease and COVID-19: What You Need to Know (PDF) Tips and information to protect yourself and your family Source: National Association of Chronic Disease Directors Underlying Medical Conditions and People at Higher Risk PRESENTATION: Underlying Medical Conditions and People at Higher Risk for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Presentation Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COCA
  • Answers from the Experts
  • Update 4/8/2020
    Dear Hays CISD Family, Here are some important items to tell you about: Graduation We’re still doing our best to hang on to having an in-person graduation ceremony for our Class of 2020 students. This includes our Hays, Lehman, and Live Oak Academy graduation ceremonies that had been scheduled for May 26th, and then June 26th, at Strahan Arena at the University Events Center at Texas State in San Marcos. Texas State has extended its coronavirus response plan into July, which means June is no longer an option for our graduations. They have been very good in working with us through this crisis. The university has rescheduled its own spring commencement ceremonies to the first week in August and they are offering us a date during the second week in August. As soon as we have a specific new tentative date, we’ll get that information to you. In case you had been making plans with family, we want you to know that June 26th is no longer an option for us. Thank you again for your patience on this. We know this is a mile-stone event for our students and families. Grades and GPAs Our curriculum team is finalizing a recommendation to present to the Board of Trustees later this month regarding student grades, grade-point-averages (GPAs), and class rank. We’ll share that recommendation with you as soon as it is complete. It will be a plan that does not penalize students because of the coronavirus. We also want to ensure that students who may have been failing classes will have a chance to bring their grades up to passing for the school year. Superintendent Dr. Wright wants parents and students to do the best they can with our virtual and other at-home learning opportunities, but not to worry. Rather, he wants us all to focus on staying healthy and safe. We know that at-home learning is not the same as in-class learning with our awesome teachers. Once we are able to return to class, whether that’s later this year or next, we will be ready to help students catch up with any concepts or skills they may have missed during our suspension of operations. Meal Service Sites Added Based on increasing demand, the district has added Fuentes Elementary and a 10th mobile meal distribution site that will open after this upcoming holiday weekend on Tuesday, April 14, 2020. Visit the Hays CISD meal service webpage for specifics at www.hayscisd.net/eat. Meal distribution days will follow what would have been our normal school calendar this year. That means meals service won’t occur this Friday and Monday. Our child nutrition staff continue to do hero’s work, serving nearly 6,000 meals a day! Devices Needed at Home Thanks to our campus staff and technology department staff. In round 1, they have deployed 3,000 devices to students and families who need them at home. Round 2 will follow with additional devices. If you need a device, please reach out to your teacher(s) or campus principal. BVES Viral Post Here is a bright spot of news in case you haven’t seen it yet. A post from Coach Spradling on the Blanco Vista Elementary School PE website has gone viral with nearly a half-million shares and more than 40,000 comments! The Daily Mail newspaper in the United Kingdom event did a story about the post: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-8139473/School-goes-viral-fun-mural-kids-tape-chalk.html. Check out the BVES PE Facebook Page for updates and photos now coming in to the school from around the world. Way to go Coach Spradling! The US Census Please remember to take a few minutes while you may be at home to fill out your United States Census form. Families that complete the online census will not receive in-person visits from census workers later in the year. An accurate census count matters to Hays CISD, Hays County, your city, and the entire state. Be counted. More information at: https://2020census.gov. Stay safe! Tim
  • COVID-19 Hotline
    Hays County Courthouse, San Marcos, TX — March 23, 2020 - To address a rising tide of questions and concerns about the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), the Hays County Local Health Department, in conjunction with the City of San Marcos, has established a call center to respond to questions from Hays County residents. Residents may call the hotline at 512.393.5525 with non-emergency COVID-19 questions from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Spanish speakers will be available. You can also check online for symptoms, prevention, and treatment at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html in English and Spanish. Callers will be placed into an automated system when calling in to the hotline. If you are a Hays County resident, select one (1). You will then be placed in the queue for the next available operator to assist in answering any questions. Call Center personnel will answer frequently asked questions about symptoms, possible testing, and self-isolation.
  • Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Austin
    5251 West, US-290 Ste 200, Austin, TX 78735 Phone number: 512-654-3000 Website: https://www.bswhealth.com/Pages/coronavirus-information.aspx Hay County residents can visit here. There are no restrictions for those living outside of Travis County. For this location a Baylor Scott & White physician referral is required (and can be attained by an eVisit with a Baylor Scott & White provider as detailed below) and testing is by appointment only. Steps to Getting a Test: Visit MyBSWHealth or download app Take 5-minute online screening Following your screening, you may be prompted to complete an eVisit, which will be evaluated by a Baylor Scott & White provider. You will be required to create a MyBSWHealth account to begin eVisit. Following your eVisit, you will be provided the appropriate next steps For more information, please visit the test collection site provider's website or call (512) 654-3000.
  • Alzheimer's Disease
    Coronavirus (COVID-19): Tips for Dementia Caregivers Source: Alzheimer’s Association COVID-19 Guidance for Older Adults Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19: What Older Adults Need to Know (Video) Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  • Hays CISD Meal Service
    Hays CISD will continue to offer breakfast and lunch during the coronavirus emergency, even though normal school operations are suspended. Meals will be served at select locations, but are free of charge to anyone 18 years old or younger (regardless of home campus or school district) Children are no longer required to be present to receive the meals Daily breakfast and lunch will be provided together All meals will be served curbside, Monday - Friday, from 7:00 am to 10:00 am, no building entry is allowed Drivers or passengers may be asked to pick up their items from a table or tray instead of an attendant placing items into each car. Walkers will be directed to keep proper social distances. Please follow the instructions of the attendant on duty. CAMPUS SERVICE LOCATIONS are open Monday - Friday from 7:00 am - 10:00 am at the following locations: Blanco Vista Elementary Camino Real Elementary Fuentes Elementary Kyle Elementary Science Hall Elementary Simon Middle School Uhland Elementary POP UP MOBILE Service Locations To provide convenient community locations, the Hays CISD food service department will provide mobile service at the following locations and times: EARLY MORNING LOCATIONS: Champions Crossing Apartments (front entrance) 345 Champions Blvd., San Marcos, Texas 78666 7:30 am -7:50 am Green Pastures/ Country Lane Intersection Green Pastures Drive at Country Lane, Kyle, Texas 78640 7:30 am - 7:50 am Thomas Place/ Huber Lane Intersection (In Cul-de-sac) Thomas Place at Huber Lane, Kyle, Texas 78640 7:30 am - 7:50 am Dustin Drive Roadway (In Cul-de-sac) Dustins Drive, Uhland, Texas 78640 8:00 am - 8:20 am MID MORNING LOCATIONS: Saddlebrook Mobile Home Park (club house parking lot) 289 Silver Peak Drive, San Marcos, Texas 78666 8:20 am - 8:40 am Skyview Terrace/ Cresthill Causeway Intersection Skyview Terrace at Cresthill Causeway, Kyle, Texas 78640 8:20 am - 8:40 am Mathias Lane/Running Bull Lane Intersection Mathias Lane at Running Bull Lane, Kyle, Texas 78640 8:20 am - 8:40 am LATE MORNING LOCATIONS: Mercedes Lane/ Railyard Drive Intersection (In Cul-de-sac) Mercedes Lane at Railyard Drive, Kyle, Texas 78640 9:10 am - 9:30 am Prairie Wind/ Sea Cove Intersection (In Cul-de-sac) Prairie Wind Drive at Sea Cove, Kyle, Texas 78640 9:10 am - 9:30 am Blue Jay Circle/ Red Bird Drive Intersection (In Cul-de-sac) Blue Jay Circle at Red Bird Drive, Buda, Texas 78610 9:10 am - 9:30 am Information is deemed correct, but may be subject to change at any time. Please check with the district for up to date information: www.hayscisd.net/eat Need Additional Assistance? Contact the Hays CISD meal service hotline at: 512-268-7919, ext. 57919, or, email: mealstogo@hayscisd.net
  • Message from St. David's CEO
    The two patients confirmed by Austin Public Health this morning as presumptive positive cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Austin-Travis County were tested at St. David's HealthCare facilities. One of the patients was tested on March 11, 2020, at St. David's Emergency Center-Bee Cave and was subsequently released and sent home for self-quarantine that same day. The other patient arrived via EMS at St. David's Medical Center on March 11, 2020, and was placed in isolation. Our hospitals are safe. Everyone entering our facilities—patients, visitors, employees, physicians and vendors—undergoes a verbal screening before entering to ensure that people coming into our facilities are safe and appropriately triaged. In addition, we have infection prevention protocols in place within our facilities to ensure that our staff are wearing personal protective equipment, when needed, and that any patient suspected of having COVID-19 is isolated and separated from other patients and visitors in the facility. We are also continuously evaluating our supply of personal protective equipment, and we are confident in our inventory. As the COVID-19 scenario continues to unfold, it is important that we reserve our emergency departments for patients with emergent medical conditions. We are encouraging patients to access the most appropriate site of care for their medical needs. If a patient has flu-like symptoms or thinks they may have been exposed to COVID-19, they should call their primary care doctor or go to an urgent care clinic. If they are having trouble breathing, or have some other type of related emergent condition, they should go to an emergency department. The community can feel confident in this region's healthcare system, our level of preparedness, the quality of care and the spirit of collaboration. We all train for scenarios like this every day. This is what we're called to do. The community needs us, and we're answering that call to care and serve. David Huffstutler President and Chief Executive Officer St. David's HealthCare
  • Remedy, Austin-based Telemedicine"
    3200 Jones Rd, Austin, TX 78745​​​​​​​ Phone number: 844-736-3395 Website: https://myremedy.com/blog/covid19-drive-through-testing Hours: Daily, 8 am - 5pm Hay County residents can visit here. There are no restrictions for those living outside of Travis County. Please note – this is by appointment only, and not a “first come, first serve” process. For this location, in accordance with CDC and Public Health guidelines, all potential patients must first book a 24/7 Video Visit, where providers will assess, diagnose and recommend testing. Patients will be directed to the new testing center with an appointment time, and provided further instructions. Payment & Insurance: Remedy is in-network with most major insurers + Medicare. For those uninsured, the video-visit cost is a flat rate of $49. Additional costs for the labs vary based on availability of testing supplies and the laboratory used. Currently, the total cost can range from $65 – 75. If you have questions, feel free to call at 844-REMEDY-5 Remedy has always been committed to delivering care in whatever way is safest and most convenient. We’re eager to keep serving in this new capacity for as long as our neighbors need it.
  • Hays County COVID-19 Information
    For an updated list of reported cases in Hays County and General COVID-19 information, plese visit the website, https://hayscountytx.com/covid-19-information-for-hays-county-residents/. Hays Informed is providing updated emergency information related to COVID-19.
  • Am I Eligible for Unemployment Assistance Benefits?
    Texas AFL-CIO prepared this graphic to help individuals determine if they are eligible for asssistance:
  • Asthma
    COVID-19 and Asthma Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): People with Moderate to Severe Asthma Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Asthma & COPD Asthma & Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): COVID-19 Myth Busting with Dr. Juanita Mora Source: American Lung Association COVID-19: What People with Asthma Need to Know The risks and how to protect yourselef if you have asthma. Source: Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
  • Hays CISD Latest Update - Tobias Elementary Exposure - 3/18
    March 18, 2020 Important Hays CISD Coronavirus Update Dear Hays CISD Family, In keeping with our promise to be completely transparent regarding coronavirus, we must report to you today that a person who was at Tobias Elementary School last Wednesday, March 11th, has since tested positive for the coronavirus. We notified the teachers, staff, and parents of Tobias Elementary just a few minutes ago and have posted the email we sent to them, with additional information, online at our coronavirus webpage: www.hayscisd.net/coronavirus. We are in close consultation with the Hays County Health Department regarding this matter. The Health Department wants us to stress that while there remains a low risk of transmission to people at Tobias Elementary, it is prudent for everyone to continue to take preventative measures, such as social distancing and hand washing. Additionally, Tobias Elementary is now closed to all personnel to allow time for any virus in the building to die on its own. Prior to any return to activity in the building, we will disinfect it using special cleaning equipment. The person who had contact with Tobias Elementary and later tested positive to coronavirus is, along with that person’s entire family, self-quarantined at home and recovering. The health department asked us to remind you that most people who show symptoms of coronavirus will not need to be hospitalized, but that those who do should contact their primary care physician for direction on what to do next. We do not believe the person who had contact with Tobias Elementary had any contact with other campuses in Hays CISD within the window that the person could have been contagious for the virus. Given the spread of the virus and the interconnectivity of our community, we have expected that there would eventually be a connection between one or more of our campuses to the coronavirus. We anticipate that future cases of people who test positive will also likely have some connection to our schools. Please continue to practice social distancing, hand washing, and other safe hygiene practices. We are all in this together and, together, we will make it through this health emergency and time of change to our normal routines. Sincerely, Tim Savoy Chief Communication Officer Link: https://www.hayscisd.net/coronavirus
  • Hays County COVID-19 Update - 05/19/2020
    Hays County Local Health Department reports an additional nine (9) new COVID-19 cases today, up from 270 on May 24 (there was no report on May 25). That puts the total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County at 279. The number of those considered recovered increased by three, putting that number at 161. There were no new hospitalizations overnight and today, and one additional person is now out of the hospital. Epidemiologist Eric Schneider said 115 cases are currently active. The number of negative tests is at 3,588. He is awaiting results on 41 tests. Results from testing at nursing homes around the county were all negative. Total hospitalizations to date for Hays County is 28, with five (5) persons currently hospitalized. Find more information here.
  • Hays County COVID-19 Update - 04/26/2020
    Hays County Courthouse, San Marcos, TX (April 26, 2020) – The Hays County Local Health Department reports no new COVID-19 lab-confirmed positive cases overnight and today. The total remains at 149, with 71 of those affected already recovered and out of quarantine (the same number as yesterday) and 77 current active cases. The number of hospitalizations remains the same: 4 current and 14 total. Ten additional negative lab tests were received bringing that total to 1,501. Find more information here.
  • Safety Precautions
    Here are just a few of the steps St. David's is taking to assure uninterrupted care: Limiting entry into hospitals and clinics so anyone who enters into patient care areas can be carefully screened, and masks can be provided to those who need them. Every employee, caregiver, and physician has been asked to follow a self-screening procedure, because protecting our patients starts with protecting our people. Precautions taken to treat patients with COVID-19 are similar to those taken to treat patients with influenza, with restricted visitation to limit exposure. This is commonplace procedure for us during any flu season. As this latest threat evolves, St. David's is collaborating with federal and local health agencies, providing timely and practical updates that will help contribute to accurate reporting and consistent guidelines. The hospital's immediate priority remains on the well-being of our patients and people, we know that sharing insights can impact care far beyond the communities we serve. For more information, visit the St. David's website here.
  • Austin Emergency Center South Lamar
    4014 South Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704 Phone number: 512-774-5780 Website: https://austiner.com/ ​​​​​​​Hours: Daily, 8am - 8pm Hay County residents can visit here. There are no restrictions for those living outside of Travis County. For this location a physician evaluation is required. Steps to Getting a Test: Call from parking lot before coming inside. Most patients will be able to be evaluated in a minimally invasive manner from the privacy of their own cars. Those who are found to be seriously ill will be brought inside the ER for further evaluation. Some evaluations may take place by video, but a doctor will see each patient in person during the visit. Pay will be ER copay if you have insurance.
  • Guidance Based on Work Status
    1099 employees can collect umemployment insurance. The Dramatists Guild prepared the chart below for individuals applying for unemployment insurance.
  • TWC is Hiring
  • Cancer
    Coronavirus: What People with Cancer Should Know Source: National Cancer Institute Common Questions About the New Coronavirus Outbreak Source: American Cancer Society
  • Information for Visitors
    En Español For the safety of patients, visitors, physicians, colleagues and community, along with hospitals across the country, St. David's has implemented visitor restrictions within all facilities to control the spread of the virus. These changes are necessary given the recent presumptive positive cases in our community. Visiting hours are restricted to 6:00am – 8:00pm. Only one adult per patient is allowed in the building at a time during these hours. All visitors must be 18 years of age or older. One person may remain overnight in these services only: Pediatrics NICU Laboring Mothers Patient Advocates Pre/Post Surgery End-of-life Care Exceptions may be granted for extraordinary needs. Please notify the screening staff.
  • Austin Regional Clinic - South 1st
    3828 1st Street, Austin, TX 78704 Phone number: 866-453-4525 Website: https://www.austinregionalclinic.com/services/covid-19-care#testing Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8am - 5pm Hay County residents can visit here. There are no restrictions for those living outside of Travis County. For this location a physician evaluation is required. Steps to Getting a Test: 24/7 COVID-19 Hotline & Telemedicine Visits Patients who suspect COVID-19 illness due to fever, couth, and shortness of breath or other viral symptoms should call the ARC 24/7 COVID-19 Hotline at 866-453-4525 to book a telemedicine visit with their doctor or an ARC doctor available after hours during the evenings and weekends. If the patient’s symptoms indicate a test is necessary, the ARC physician will order the test from the ARC lab and instruct the patient to visit the nearest ARC drive-up testing site. Drive-Up Testing An ARC clinician will screen each patient at the drive-thru testing site to ensure they are not experiencing breathing difficulties. For those who do not require immediate medical attention, a nasal swab will be obtained and sent to the lab for COVID-19 testing. Currently it takes 2-10 days to receive results from any of the labs. Drive-Up Telemedicine Visit If someone drives up without first having an initial physician evaluation, we will offer to schedule them for the next available telemedicine appointment so a physician can determine whether a test is indicated. That consultation may occur in the same parking lot, without much waiting time, via ARC’s telemedicine service. If patients meet the testing criteria, they will be instructed to return to the drive-up testing tent. Costs Drive-up Testing Currently, state labs are not charging patients for this test and most insurance companies have agreed to cover costs for tests at commercial labs. For patients without insurance, the cost of the test at commercial labs is about $70, but that should always be confirmed with the lab as prices can vary. Telemedicine Visits Most insurance companies are waiving copays for COVID-19 related telemedicine visits. If you have questions about the cost of the visit, please check with your health plan. For patients without insurance, ARC offers the same 25% discount as all other visits. The cost depends on what is covered in the visit.
  • Hays CISD COVID-19 Info Page
    You can find information from Hays CISD directly here.
  • How to Visit
    It’s important that patients access the most appropriate site of care. If you have flu-like symptoms or think you may have been exposed to COVID-19, call your primary care doctor or go to an urgent care clinic. If you are having trouble breathing, or have some other type of related emergent condition, go to an emergency department. Only patients who meet CDC criteria for COVID-19 are being tested. If you need to seek care, call the healthcare facility ahead of time so that they can ensure the safety of their patients, visitors and staff. Visit the St. David's website, by following the link here.
  • Hays CISD Closure Announcement - 3/16
    March 16, 2020 Dear Hays CISD Family, Hays CISD schools and offices will suspend normal operations through Sunday, April 5, 2020, at which time we will determine our next steps. This means all in-person classes and activities are canceled through that date. The district believes this action is necessary to help the community slow the spread of coronavirus. We want to stress the importance of social/physical distancing and preventative measures such as hand washing during this time. Additional information about specific topics will be provided to individuals and posted at www.hayscisd.net/coronavirus on the following topics: Online and at-home instruction: Teachers and campuses will provide specific information after spring break to students. Look for this information around March 25th. Child nutrition school breakfast and lunch: The district will continue to provide meal service to students on free and reduced lunch plans. Information will be forthcoming on how meal distribution will occur. Meal service will begin no later than March 25th. Employee work schedules and pay: The district intends to continue paying employees and staff during the emergency suspension of school and March paycheck direct deposits will occur as scheduled. Under the plan, staff would not have to use leave days and employees who work would receive premium pay. Additional information will be provided to employees through school district email regarding work duties and pay. Teacher and staff access to school buildings: To limit large gatherings at school facilities, additional information will be provided to staff regarding access to school buildings through school district email. The district is developing a plan for teachers to be at school in small groups immediately following spring break to prepare at-home and online lessons for students. Information about this will be provided to teachers through district email. Critical staff will be on duty: All critical operation district staff will be on duty to assist with emergency operations. Critical staff includes campus and district administrators and employees at campuses and in departments as assigned by supervisors. School Board meetings: The Board of Trustees will hold an emergency meeting today, Monday, March 16, 2020, to address immediate needs of the district related to COVID-19. It is anticipated that the normal March meetings of the Board of Trustees scheduled for later in the month will be canceled. The Hays CISD coronavirus webpage has been updated to provide additional links and sections related to specific topics: www.hayscisd.net/coronavirus. All official information related to Hays CISD and the coronavirus will be posted on this page, so the it may serve as the trusted source of information regarding Hays CISD and the coronavirus. Hays CISD is prepared to navigate this emergency and will be making decisions based on the best interests of community safety and health. Because this is new and uncharted territory for our school district and community, information and decisions may be changing on short notice, or not available right away. However, please try not to worry. Now more than ever, Hays CISD employees and leadership will hold steadfast to our mission, which includes the word “nurture” in the very first sentence. The district will make decisions and address concerns with caring for everyone as the primary driving factor. We will all do our best and do what is right by our students, parents, employees and community. Sincerely, Tim Savoy Chief Communication Officer Link: Hayscisd.com/coronavirus
  • Hays County Stay Home Order - 03/26/2020
    Hays County issued a stay home order effective Thursday, March 26, 2020 at 11:00PM. You can find the full order here. If you have any questions/concerns, they can be directed to the county at publiccomments@co.hays.tx.us. Note: The Hays County Sheriff's office announced on March 26th that they will not be using the curfew as a basis for traffic stops.
  • Diabetes
    Telemedicine and Diabetes Using Telemedicine To Improve Care for Patients With Diabetes Source: Diabetes in Control- News and Information for Medical Professionals Understanding and Preparing for Coronavirus (COVID-19) Source: Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists What people with diabetes need to know about COVID-19 Source: American Heart Association
  • Governor and TWC Waive Requirements to Receive Unemployment
    March 17, 2020 — Governor Greg Abbott waived the 10-day waiting period that is usually required before an individual may receive unemployment benefits. Additionally, TWC is exercising its authority to waive Unemployment Insurance work search provisions, which requires individuals to register with the state jobs site and show they are actively applying for new jobs.
  • Heart Disease
    COVID-19 and High Risks with Heart Disease Coronavirus Precautions for Patients, Others Facing Higher Risks Source: American Heart Association High Blood Pressure and COVID-19 What People with High Blood Pressure Need to Know About COVID-19. Source: American Heart Association Heart, Stroke, and COVID-19 Coronavirus: What Heart and Stroke Patients Need to Know (Video) Source: American Heart Association American Heart Association: Coronavirus (COVID-19) American Heart Association Coronavirus homepage Source: American Heart Association
  • How to Apply for Unemployment Benefits
    Those filing for unemployment can submit an application on the Texas Workforce Commission's website or by calling 800-939-6631 from 8 AM - 6 PM, Monday through Friday. Here's what information you will need to apply, according to the commission: Last employer's business name and address First and last dates you worked for your last employer Number of hours worked and pay rate if you worked this week Information on your normal wage Your A-number, if not a U.S. citizen or national After filing your claim, electronic notifications related to your unemployment benefit application are available. Here's more information on how to apply for benefits.
  • Hays County COVID-19 Task Force
    MDBox announced the formation of the Covid Task Force Initiativewhich will bring more than 50-thousand Covid-19 test kits to Hays County now, withadditional kits arriving this week and throughout the crisis. The kits will be sold anddistributed online only through H-E-B. Find the press release and more information here.
  • F-1 Students
    F-1 students who are experiencing Severe Economic Hardship because of COVID19 may request employment authorization to work off-campus by filing an I-765 & I-20. For more information visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration's website.
  • Additional Resources
    For more information regarding unemployment, visit the Texas Workforce Commission's COVID-19 Resources page for jobseekers here. Those in need of work can search for jobs at WorkInTexas.com.
  • Be Aware of Price-Gouging, Scams During the COVID-19 Pandemic"
    Hays County Courthouse, San Marcos, TX — March 23, 2020 - The Texas Attorney General’s Office is on the lookout for price-gouging and the Federal Trade Commission wants to help you make the wise choice when people call, text, or email you with offers of money from the government or an agency. There are many scams already being reported in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic. While governments have discussed offering compensation to those affected, there are no government programs currently in effect. Anyone who tells you they can get you the money now is a scammer. As always, don’t click on links or attachments in emails or texts unless you are certain that they are from a valid source and you are expecting that email. Many scam emails look very much like those from legitimate people and businesses. There is one scam email going around right now that pretends to be from WHO (the World Health Organization). It is from a scam operation that wants your money and personal information. Remember that the government will never ask you for fees upfront, nor for your credit/debit card, bank account number, gift cards, or Social Security Number. Be aware of scams offering coronavirus advice. The best current preventions of social distancing, frequent cleaning, and proper hand-washing, etc., have been widely disseminated, and there are no cures, vaccinations, or other credible preventions available at this time. More information on scams and how to spot them is at https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/03/checks-government. Price gouging is selling or leasing necessary items at an exorbitant or excessive price. Some examples include fuel, food, medicine, lodging, building materials, construction tools, etc. Visit https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/consumer-protection/disaster-and-emergency-scams/how-spot-and-report-price-gouging to learn all the details or make a report of price gouging, or call 1-800-621-0508 to report it.
  • En Español
    Haga clic aquí para obtener información en español.
  • Alert Hays Text Updates
    To receive COVID-19 updates via text message, text AlertHays to 888-777
  • County Judge Issues Disaster Declaration
    Hays County Courthouse, San Marcos, TX — March 15, 2020 - Judge Becerra issued an emergency disaster declaration, which allows Hays County goverments access to funds and resources that may be required to combat COVID-19. This order was extended for 120 days on March 16, 2020 by the Hays County Commissioners Court. For rolling updates, follow www.HaysInformed.com
  • Veteran Services Office
    March 19, 2020 — Hays County Veterans Office has ended in-person meetings. Hays County Veterans and families who need assistance are encouraged to email the Hays County Veteran Services Office at veteranservices@co.hays.tx.us or call 512-392-8387 and leave a message for assistance. Veterans enrolled in the South Texas VA Health Care System (San Antonio VA Hospitals and New Braunfels clinic) please be aware of changes in check in, telecare and call-ahead procedures. NO VISTORS ALLOWED. Contact info: https://www.southtexas.va.gov/ or call 210-617-5300. Veterans enrolled in the Central Texas VA Health Care System (Temple VA Hospitals and Austin Outpatient clinic) please be aware of changes in check-in, telecare and call-ahead procedures. NO VISTORS ALLOWED. Contact info: https://www.centraltexas.va.gov/ or call 512-823-4000. Veterans enrolled and currently using the VA Health Care System can use local ER clinics for urgent health care needs. Please use the VA Urgent Care Locator tool to find local ER clinics partnering with the VA Healthcare System. https://www.va.gov/communitycare/programs/veterans/Urgent_Care.asp.
  • Tax Office
    March 19, 2020 — The Hays County Tax Offices are closed for lobby walk-in services as of March 19. Employees are onsite answering mail and phones. All online services, mail and drop-boxes can still be used to conduct business with the Tax Office. The phone number is 512-393-5545.
  • Hays Central Appraisal District
    Monday, March 23, 2020 Thank you for your excellent leadership during this unprecedented emergency. For the safety of the public and my staff, appraisal district offices are currently closed to public access, though we are assisting property owners through email, by phone and online services. Please feel free to contact me if I can be of any special assistance to you. As you know the appraisal district is required to appraise property as of January 1 each year. As of January 1, 2020, there was no implication of the scope of the situation we are now in. While we are sympathetic to the economic distress experienced in our communities now, the impact on market values cannot be reflected until the 2021 appraisals based on data gathered this year. There are at present no known provisions in the Property Tax Code that allow for reduced values for 2020 based on an event such as we are experiencing. It is our counsel’s opinion that Section 23.02 of the Property Tax Code creating reappraisal protocols for property “damaged” during a natural disaster is not applicable. We expect a higher than ever number of appeals this year as taxpayers suffer mid-year financial struggles. The appraisal district is exploring options on how best to handle administration of Appraisal Review Board hearings. Considering the official ordered restrictions in our area and state-wide, the uncertainty we face could mean that appraisal roll certification is delayed beyond July 25th. I will do all that I can to avoid delays. Our plan is to mail 2020 Notices of Appraised Value on April 3rd, with a May 15th protest deadline. The plan includes having certified estimates out by the end of April. My hope is that we all stay healthy and safe so we can continue to provide excellent service to the people in our community. Best regards, Laura Raven, RPA Chief Appraiser Hays Central Appraisal District (512) 268-2522 www.hayscad.com
  • Locations
    St. David's Medical Center 919 E 32nd St Austin, TX 78705 (512) 476-7111 St. David's Emergency Center — Bee Cave 12813 Galleria CircleBee Cave, TX 78738 (512) 816-2100
  • Austin-Travis County Emergency Operations Center
    Note: Some Austin residents have a Hays County address. The Intergovernmental Relations Office would like to inform you that as part of the ongoing response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Austin-Travis County Emergency Operations Center has established a social services branch. The branch includes multiple strike teams and task forces, such as: Homelessness Task Force: develops short-term strategies (food access, personal hygiene) and long-term strategies (additional shelter beds, identification of quarantine facility) to address gaps in the homelessness response system related to COVID-19 Food Access Task Force: collaborates with community partners to address food system issues related to the response, in addition to working on a longer-term strategy for addressing the anticipated increase in food access needs throughout the community Behavioral Health Task Force: coordinates with the local mental health authority, other mental health and substance abuse providers to address emerging community needs. The City launched an interactive online map to help people find the nearest site for services. The resource map includes information on where individuals can access showers, food, handwashing, restrooms, and locations to charge personal devices. The City also handed out flyers and is doing verbal education for individuals who may not have access to the internet. According to the City, the map is regularly updated as additional services become available. The City also said Saturday that APH Neighborhood Centers will begin providing emergency rent and utility assistance starting on Monday, April 6, in addition to their emergency food delivery services. Clients may call (512) 972-5780 for assistance.
  • COVID-19 Resources & Hotline
    Austin Regional Clinic remains updated about COVID-19 and will continue to add new information to its website as it becomes available, including FAQs. ARC recommends preparedness and prevention and is practicing that advice in its clinics and with physicians, clinicians, and staff. The ARC COVID-19 Information and Advice Hotline is open 24/7 at 866-453-4525. The hotline provides advice on self-care and treatment recommendations.
  • JCISD COVID Info Page
    For information about how Johnson City ISD is handling the COVID-19 pandemic, visit https://www.jc.txed.net/site/Default.aspx?PageID=10022
  • Dripping Springs Emergency Management
    Find all city updates for COVID-19 here.
  • Dripping Springs Coronavirus Update
  • City of Dripping Springs Cancels all Events
    Dripping Springs, TX — March 18, 2020 - Following an order by Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra and the recently released guidelines from the Center for Disease Control, the City Council complied with the Judge’s order and cancelled all city-sponsored events and all events at City facilities, including all events at Dripping Springs Ranch Park until May 14, 2020. This includes the City’s Annual Founders Day Festival. It also includes the Farmers Market. Future Farmers Markets will be evaluated to see if that event can comply with guidelines. The City will work with the Founders Day Commission to help with the cancellation of the event. All craft and Cook-off vendors, along with sponsors, will be contacted by the Commission. The organizers of events scheduled at Ranch Park will be contacted and where the City can accommodate, new dates will be determined. The city will work with each organizer on logistics and monetary obligations. It is the city’s intent to work with each business to help as much as possible. Vendors of the Farmers Market will be contacted by the City’s Farmers Market manager and will continue to keep them updated on the status of that weekly event. For more information, please visit the City's COVID-19 Updates page, by following the link here. For general questions, contact the City at 512-858-4725 or email the Emergency Management Department at emergencymanagement@cityofdrippingsprings.com.
  • Changes to City Trash Pick-Up
    Beginning Monday, March 23rd, there will be some temporary changes to bulk waste collection for City of Dripping Springs residents. The City's provider for waste collection, Waste Connections of Texas, has announced they will begin temporary suspension of residential bulk and brush services and will limit their Residential Recycle and Trash Services to collection of only contents within the carts.
  • COVID-19 and City FAQs
    For emergency management FAQS, click here. For city event cancellation FAQs, click here.
  • Dripping Springs Chamber of Commerce
    The City of Dripping Springs prepared a document that contains some helpful resources for the business community and partners.
  • 3/18 Message from Dripping Springs Mayor
  • JCISD Update - 3/19
    March 19, 2020 Dear JCISD Community, The district is working diligently to prepare for the next two weeks of school closure; including ongoing instruction delivery and providing meals for our students. Please look for an update tomorrow regarding breakfast and lunch distribution. A technology survey will be sent out to check availability and internet access in our student’s homes. The survey can also be accessed at the following link: Technology Survey UIL Update: All activities suspended through May 4 and practices suspended until further notice. https://www.uiltexas.org/press-releases/detail/uil-announces-extended-suspension-of-all-uil-activities Our community support has been amazing, and I am asking everyone to continue to support our teachers, staff, students, and each other as we navigate through this crisis. Respectfully, Richard Kolek Superintendent of Schools Johnson City ISD Link: https://www.jc.txed.net/cms/lib/TX02215591/Centricity/Domain/34/JCISD%20COVID-19%20Update%20-Action%20Requested-%20March%2019%202020.pdf
  • Precautions
    To prevent the spread of the germs, ARC is asking all patients with a cough or respiratory symptoms to wear a face mask. ARC is continuing to disinfect exam rooms and all other clinic areas. This includes surfaces, door handles, grab bars, and stethoscopes. ARC also asks that you use eCheck-in through ARC MyChart to fill out necessary paperwork before your visit to avoid transmitting germs with pens at the front desk.
  • How to Visit
    Book an appointment by phone or online, and notify the schedulers about your symptoms and why you suspect COVID-19. You will be asked to place a mask when arriving to the clinic unless you have one already. If you are deemed high risk, your ARC care team will swab your nose and throat in our offices and send the samples to one of the labs that run the test. You do not have to be an established ARC patient to make an appointment. We have availability during the day, in the evenings, and on weekends. Phone schedulers are available 24/7. Call any clinic and press “1” to schedule an appointment. Upon arrival, ARC staff will greet you at the entrance and screen you for symptoms
  • Locations
    ARC Buda 3420 FM 967Buda, TX 78610 (512) 295-1608 ARC Dripping Springs 27600 Ranch Road 12 Bldg 1 Dripping Springs, TX 78620 (512) 829-9118 ARC Kyle Plum Creek 4100 Everett Street Suite 400 Kyle, TX 78640 (512) 295-1333 ARC Southwest 1807 W Slaughter Lane Suite 490Austin, TX 78748 (512) 282-8967
  • Message from Superintendent Richard Kolek - 3/31
    Find the full message here.
  • ARC Drive-Thru Testing
    Drive-up COVID-19 testing is now available in Kyle, Austin, Cedar Park and Round Rock. Austin Regional Clinic (ARC) opened the first of five drive-up testing sites at the South First Street Austin location. The other four locations, including Kyle, will be open by Thursday, April 2. Those who want to be tested must have a lab test order from an ARC physician, which can be ordered through an evaluation in the clinic or via telemedicine. The physician will look for symptoms of COVID-19 to determine eligibility for testing: fever, persistent cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing. You can find more information here.
  • How to Get Tested for COVID-19 at ARC Kyle Plum Creek
    Drive Thru COVID-19 Test Collection Site Call first Physician referral required Screening is not provided curbside. No appointment required Drive-Thru test collection All those wishing to be tested must have a lab test order from an ARC physician which can be received from an initial evaluation by an ARC physician in the clinic or via telemedicine. A “telemedicine” appointment with an ARC doctor can be scheduled by calling ARC’s 24/7 COVID-19 Hotline at 866-453-4525. Telemedicine appointments will be made at drive-up sites for those who do not have a lab order. Hours: 8am to 5pm.
  • CommuniCare Updates
    Despite the presence of Coronavirus (COVID-19), Communicare is open and operating under normal business hours to continue caring for our patients. CommuniCare is increasing the frequency of all cleaning and safety protocols. To protect the health and safety of the community, and to assure continued care for our patients due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, we have made temporary changes to our services and appointment schedules to include: We are now offering Curbside Services for patients presenting with upper respiratory conditions so that we can isolate them within their vehicles (with the exception of our Metropolitan Women’s Campus and our Medical Center Campus) and we are now offering Telemedicine Services when appropriate. These changes are to limit exposure to our patients and reduce infection risk at our facilities. Should any changes apply to your currently scheduled appointment, you will be contacted. Beginning Monday, March 30th – CommuniCare Health Centers will change the hours of operations for all of our clinic locations from 8AM-5PM until further notice. If you're experiencing COVID-19 symptoms such as a fever of 100.4 degrees or greater, a dry cough, congestion, or shortness of breath, please isolate yourself and avoid public places. If you need medical attention, please call your clinic at (512) 268-8900 before visiting. For more information please visit Communicare's website at https://www.communicaresa.org/covid19/
  • How to Get Tested for COVID-19
    Patients who are experiencing a fever, cough, and/or difficulty breathing will be assessed by a clinician during a curbside appointment, and under the clinician's discretion, will be offered a COVID-19 test. Screening is provided curbside. COVID-19 tests are free, but the patient will have to pay for their office visits and costs can vary: For privately insured, Medicaid, or Medicare patients, they will need to pay their insurance co-pay for the office visit, if applicable. For uninsured patients who do not qualify for our discount program, the cost of the office visit is $150 For uninsured patients who are low-income and do qualify for our discount program, the cost of their office visit can be as low as $45. Patients will need to bring a photo ID, proof of income or unemployment letter, and proof of residence, to apply for our discount program. Discount Program: To qualify for the discount program in Kyle, TX clinic or other location, you must have a total family income that is less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. You can visit communicaresa.org/become-a-patient/ for guidelines. For more information, call 512-268-8900.
  • No Updates at this Time
    We will update this page if anything changes.
  • SMCISD Latest Update - 3/19
    En Espanol Aqui: https://docs.google.com/viewerng/viewer?url=https://www.smcisd.net//cms/lib/TX02215324/Centricity/Domain/459/March+19.pdf March 19, 2020 San Marcos CISD Families, The San Marcos CISD Board of Trustees met today, March 19 at San Marcos HS to discuss district programs as we navigate through the suspension of normal district operations. At this time, the district is suspending normal district operations until April 5, but the district is planning in case we have to remain suspended for a longer period. Please read the following items discussed at the March 19 meeting: Child Nutrition At this time, we will be providing “Grab & Go” Free Curbside Meals beginning March 23 at the following locations and times: Breakfast: 8AM-9:30AM (Travis ES & San Marcos HS) Lunch: 11:30AM-1PM (Travis ES, San Marcos HS, Allen Wood Housing, C.M. Allen Housing, and Redwood Baptist Church) The meals are for children 18 and under, and must be in the vehicle to receive a meal. The district is currently considering additional sites and delivery options. Human Resources Update Today, the Board of Trustees passed a motion to not modify the school calendar and work days for SMCISD students and staff. This motion allows the district to maintain our current academic and work calendar as originally scheduled. To be abundantly clear, there will be no extension to either the academic or the work calendar because of this crisis. The Board of Trustees passed a resolution that there would be no pay disruption for all San Marcos CISD staff. The motion guarantees that all SMCISD employees will be paid throughout the 2019-2020 academic year. Online Learning/At-Home Learning Update SMCISD is dedicated to ensuring that students continue to receive access to learning opportunities through the elementary and secondary curriculum. Beginning Monday, March 30, 2020 you will receive specific information from your child's teacher(s), and campus principals, on how to access specific assignments and instructional resources. If access to technology is limited, or unavailable, you will be provided with directions on how to pick up hard copies of instructional materials from your child's campus. We will also make contact in the future to discuss options for the school district to provide and assist with technology and Wi-Fi. Today, the Board of Trustees allowed for the purchase of Wi-Fi hotspots for SMCISD households. We are asking for families in need of internet access at home to contact your campus principal to coordinate a plan. If your child receives special education support, the special education department will be in direct contact regarding your child's accommodations, modifications, and specialized lessons in accordance with your child's Individualized Education Plan. The time allotted for learning activities should be approximately three hours daily. We will send weekly links from our website via district communication platforms beginning March 26, 2020. The first set of lessons you will receive on March 26, 2020 are review lessons. This allows students to review previous learning. The first set of activities do not need to be returned, but allows for students and families to become accustomed to the remote learning. On our website, we will provide the lessons in two different formats. The first format will include a list of the lessons by grade level. The second format includes the same lessons but in a structured format (i.e. when to include breaks, physical movement, etc.). Your campus principal and student’s teacher will guide you and your student through this process beginning the week of March 30, 2020. Consistent communication with your child's classroom teacher(s), and principal, will help us all navigate this unique learning experience. We are here to assist you in any way. Key Dates Monday, March 23 – Essential staff members physically return to work. Teachers remotely work from home. “Grab & Go” Free Curbside Meals begin. Thursday, March 26 – SMCISD families will receive review lessons via district communication platforms. Lesson plans will also be available on district website. Monday, March 30 – SMCISD families will receive specific information from your child's teacher(s), and campus principals, on how to access specific assignments and instructional resources.
  • Updates to Scheduled Appointments
    TEMPORARY Changes to CTMC Services Due to COVID-19 To protect the health and safety of the community, and to assure continued care for our patients due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, CTMC has made temporary changes to its services and appointment schedules. These changes are to limit exposure to patients and reduce infection risk at CTMC facilities. Should any changes apply to your currently scheduled appointment, you will be contacted. Please review the new temporary guidelines by following the link here.
  • Locations & Contact
    CommuniCare Kyle Campus 2810 Dacy Lane Kyle, TX 78640 CommuniCare San Marcos Campus 1941 South I-35 Suite 101 San Marcos, TX 78666 CommuniCare Wimberley Campus 203 Stillwater Road Suite 6Wimberley, TX 78676 Book an appointment online or call (512) 268-8900
  • SCISD COVID Info Page
    https://www.smcisd.net/Page/4250
  • SMCISD Meal Service
    En Espanol: https://docs.google.com/viewerng/viewer?url=https://www.smcisd.net//cms/lib/TX02215324/Centricity/Domain/459/Free+Meals.pdf San Marcos CISD Free Curbside Meals Parents may pick up meals without their children present at any San Marcos CISD feeding site. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is requiring parents to provide a form of documentation when picking up a meal without the child present. Below are the approved types of documentation: Child's birth certificate (born 2001-present) Student report card Student ID card• Student Bus Tag Student Carpool Tag The documentation can be held up to the window for staff to inspect. There must be one piece of documentation for each child not present to receive a meal. Documentation is not required when a child is brought to the meal site. San Marcos CISD Families can pick up both breakfast and lunch meals from 10:00AM-12:30PM at the following locations: Mendez Elementary School 1805 Peter Garza Drive Serving from the bus loop behind the campus Travis Elementary School 1437 Post Road Serving from the bus loop behind the campus San Marcos High School 2601 Rattler Rd. Allen Wood Homes 1201 Thorpe Lane C.M. Allen Homes 820 Sturgeon Redwood Baptist Church 2050 Poplar Street For More Information: https://www.smcisd.net/Page/4273
  • SMCISD Closure Notice - 3/16
    En Espanol: https://www.smcisd.net//cms/lib/TX02215324/Centricity/Domain/459/Spanish%20Final.pdf March 16, 2020 San Marcos CISD Families and Staff, I know San Marcos families are searching for answers regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19). I am keenly aware that our decisions impact students and their extended family who may be susceptible to illness. My team is in daily contact with local, county, and state officials. My focus is to ensure that our students, staff, and families are safe. Right now, try not to worry about academics, the calendar, graduation or trips. In a time like this, it is more important to take care of one another by practicing healthy habits and social distancing. Everything else will take care of itself. San Marcos CISD has created four stages of response. Stage 1: Daily operational procedures with intensified sanitizing protocols; all students and staff report to school. Prior to spring break, we were in Stage 1. Stage 2: All staff report to work. Parents have the choice to send children to school or keep them at home without penalty. Over the last few days, we were anticipating to be in Stage 2 when we returned from spring break. Stage 3: All teachers and all students stay at home and SMCISD moves to at-home learning. Essential staff reports to work. The Superintendent’s Cabinet will determine essential staff and will contact the employees. Stage 4: All students and all staff stay home, and SMCISD would not be in operation. There would be no instruction during this time. On March 15, Hays County and the City of San Marcos declared a state of disaster. I understand that proactive measures are better to reactive measures in terms of controlling the number of new cases. Therefore, because of the County’s first presumptive case of COVID-19 and out of an abundance of caution for the health and safety of our students and staff, I am moving San Marcos CISD to Stage 3 on March 23 and will be suspending normal school operations through April 5 to help prevent exposure to students, staff, and the community. Please understand that this is the minimum that school may be suspended. The reality is that this is not a short-term solution and more information will be forthcoming. The district is finalizing logistics on distance learning options for students. More information and guidance will be made available on our website this week and will be messaged to SMCISD families. Beginning Monday, March 23 meals will be provided at the following times and locations: Breakfast: 8AM-9:30AM (Travis Elementary and San Marcos HS) Lunch: 11:30AM-1PM (Travis Elementary, San Marcos HS, and Redwood Baptist Church) Anyone 18 years old and under are free. Adult meals will be $3.50 This is a rapidly-developing issue and continues to change daily. We remain in close communication with health authorities and we will communicate an update with our community as quickly as possible. I want to thank our students, parents, teachers, administrators, and central office staff members as we deal with this unprecedented issue. Together, wehttps://www.smcisd.net//cms/lib/TX02215324/Centricity/Domain/459/Website%20March%2016%20Final.pdf #StrikeAsOne. Sincerely, Michael Cardona Superintendent of Schools Link:
  • San Marcos High School Distance Learning FAQ
    For frequently asked questions about distance learning at SMHS, click here.
  • WISD Update 4/17/2020
    In an announcement made earlier Friday Texas Governor Abbott closed all schools through the end of the 2019-20 school year to keep students and staff safe from the Coronavirus pandemic. To comply with this order Wimberley ISD will keep all its campuses closed through the end of our scheduled school year (May 21). WISD teachers will continue providing at-home instruction through the end of the school year. Learn more about that news and other updates in this video message from Superintendent Dwain York: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSWWXqVucj0
  • Updates
    CTMC does not have onsite testing capabilities for COVID-19. Please refer to the CDC guidelines for the latest information. To ensure the safety of all those involved, CTMC is canceling its HealthCheck event on May 1, 2020 as well as all community and business blood draws and additional screenings leading up to the event. If you have already had your blood drawn, you will receive your results by mail in the coming weeks. For paid exhibitors, CTMC will work with you on reimbursement for the cost of your booth. If you have any questions, please call (512) 753-3818.
  • Disaster Declarations and Event Cancelations
    Kyle, TX — March 18, 2020 - Following Mayor Mitchell's disaster declaration, all city-sponsored events are canceled, including, but not limited to, Easter Egg-Stravaganza and all library programing. From March 21st through April 5th, the following restrictions apply: Public gatherings limited to 10 people. Dining in restaurants and bars is prohibited, including outdoor dining. However, drive-thru, curbside, and delivery are encouraged. Offices are limited to 10 people per room. Movie theaters, daycare, gyms, and bowling alleys are closed.
  • Guidance from the CDC
    The CDC has prepared interim guidance for businesses and employers to plan and resond to COVID-19. Please follow this link for the most up to date guidance.
  • Contact CTMC
    (512) 353-8979 1301 Wonder World Drive San Marcos, TX 78666
  • City of Kyle Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
    Find details, restrictions, recommendations and resources for the the City of Kyle here.
  • WISD Closure Notice
    Wimberley ISD will be extending Spring Break and closing our campuses for an additional two weeks through the week of March 30-April 3 as we assess the situation in our community. All meetings, campus events, practices, and extracurricular activities will be suspended. This decision is being made in coordination with surrounding school districts for the well-being of the broader community. District officials will continue to communicate with local and state health officials throughout the coming weeks as we work to minimize health and safety risks to the WISD community. During Spring Break WISD administrators will finalize plans for other considerations during this closure, such as alternate learning opportunities and providing meals to students who receive free or reduced breakfast and lunch. Details regarding online learning and the distribution of educational materials and meals will be emailed to parents and guardians via the email address listed on file in Skyward Family Access by Thursday, March 19. Individuals may update their email address by logging into Skyward. Updates will also be provided online at www.wimberleyisd.net/coronavirus. WISD leadership will continue to remain in constant communication with state and local health officials and the Texas Education Agency. The District would like to thank our parents, staff, and community members for their patience and understanding during this time. Please continue to care for yourself, family, and those around you Dwain York Superintendent Link: https://www.wimberleyisd.net//cms/lib/TX50000220/Centricity/Domain/266/CORONAVIRUS%20EBLAST%203-16-2020.pdf
  • Guidance on Applying for Disaster Loans
    The San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce has provided guidance for small businesses on how to apply for one of these loans. Visit their website here. The City of Dripping Springs share this three-step chart from the Small Business Administration on applying for disaster loans.
  • Common Issues Encountered by Small Businesses
    The Small Business Administration has prepared a list of issues and guidance that small businesses may be experiencing in the face of the COVID-19 outbreak: Capital Access – Incidents can strain a small business's financial capacity to make payroll, maintain inventory and respond to market fluctuations (both sudden drops and surges in demand). Businesses should prepare by exploring and testing their capital access options so they have what they need when they need it. See SBA’s capital access resources. Workforce Capacity – Incidents have just as much impact on your workers as they do your clientele. It’s critical to ensure they have the ability to fulfill their duties while protected. Inventory and Supply Chain Shortfalls – While the possibility could be remote, it is a prudent preparedness measure to ensure you have either adequate supplies of inventory for a sustained period and/or diversify your distributor sources in the event one supplier cannot meet an order request. Facility Remediation/Clean-up Costs – Depending on the incident, there may be a need to enhance the protection of customers and staff by increasing the frequency and intensity by which your business conducts cleaning of surfaces frequently touched by occupants and visitors. Check your maintenance contracts and supplies of cleaning materials to ensure they can meet increases in demand. Insurance Coverage Issues – Many businesses have business interruption insurance; Now is the time to contact your insurance agent to review your policy to understand precisely what you are and are not covered for in the event of an extended incident. Changing Market Demand – Depending on the incident, there may be access controls or movement restrictions established which can impede your customers from reaching your business. Additionally, there may be public concerns about public exposure to an incident and they may decide not to go to your business out of concern of exposing themselves to greater risk. SBA’s Resources Partners and District Offices have trained experts who can help you craft a plan specific to your situation to help navigate any rapid changes in demand. Marketing – It’s critical to communicate openly with your customers about the status of your operations, what protective measures you’ve implemented, and how they (as customers) will be protected when they visit your business. Promotions may also help incentivize customers who may be reluctant to patronize your business. Plan – As a business, bring your staff together and prepare a plan for what you will do if the incident worsens or improves. It’s also helpful to conduct a tabletop exercise to simulate potential scenarios and how your business management and staff might respond to the hypothetical scenario in the exercise. For examples of tabletop exercises, visit FEMA’s website at: https://www.fema.gov/emergency-planning-exercises
  • Updates to City Services
    City facilities will be closed to the public with most services still available by phone, (512) 262-1010, and online. Payments, applications, permits, service requests, and more will be available online and by mail. Please note that in most cases, documentation submitted via mail will be delayed in processing. No notary service to walk-in customers will be available at City Hall. In-person staff will follow CDC guidelines, maintain necessary distance, and other safety measures to ensure public safety. For the department directory, click here, or call (512) 262-1010 BUILDING INSPECTIONS Building inspectors will continue without interruption, as practicable, but extra steps may be implemented to ensure public safety. Inspections for alterations and improvements to occupied residences will be suspended until further notice to protect both city staff and residents. Inspectors will move to a primarily direct report, out-of-office operation. Plan reviews will occur through EnerGov (the CSS portal) exclusively. LIBRARY All incoming books will be sanitized and quarantined for 3+ days. Library will continue to check out books at our exterior window on the east side of the building. People can reserve items online for pick-up and/or call and we will retrieve the items and have them ready for pickup. The limit will be three items per person. There is curbside parking along Scott street. Check out laptop computers for emergency use on-site for communications and printing. You can reserve items in the following ways (Maximum (3) items per account.): Online: https://kyle.biblionix.com/catalog/ E-mail: circulation@cityofkyle.com Text: 512-675-2442 Phone: 512-268-7411 All library items will be renewed automatically and do not have to be returned until April 5 To access e-books and audiobooks online, click here. MUNICIPAL COURT All weekly Court sessions to be canceled. This will include Show Cause Hearings, Pre-Trial and Trial settings, Warning Letter Hearings. The Court will reschedule all the above proceedings to avoid the gathering of large groups of people. Notifications to reappear will be mailed out when those setting have been rescheduled. Please call 512-262-3994 or email court@cityofkyle.com for any questions or concerns. For municipal court payments, click here. PARKS Parks and public restrooms will remain open but residents are encouraged to bring sanitizer and practice social distancing. Playground equipment will be closed to the public. POLICE No civilian ride-outs will be conducted.Lobby only open for drop box to assist with records requests and will refer citizens to call dispatch or use online services. Civil Service Exams have been canceled. Extra steps may be implemented to ensure public safety when responding to calls for service. UTILITY BILLING AND SERVICE REQUESTS / CONNECTIONS All late payment penalties will be deferred. All new service requests, service terminations, and service transfers will be handled through online, email, or by phone/fax. Click here for utiity bill payments. WATER AND WASTEWATER SERVICES Water and Wastewater services are not affected in any way by these changes in operations. Water and Wastewater staff will be working without interruption.
  • WISD Child Nutrition Info - Food Pickup
    Students that Qualify for Free or Reduced Meals: FOOD PICKUP LOCATIONS: My Joy Lane Culdesac 10:45 a.m. Rhodes and Jewell Lane 10:45 a.m. Jacob's Well Elementary 11:00 a.m. Lange Rd @ Rockwood Rd 11:00 a.m. 1312 FM 32 Garza Mobile Home Park 11:10 a.m. Fischer Store Rd. (near intersection with Fischer Trail) 11:15 a.m. Cedar Oak Mesa Swimming Pool Area 11:15 a.m. 1315 FM 32 Garza Mobile Home Park 11:25 a.m. Circle Dr. (near entrance to Serenity Farmhouse Inn) 11:30 a.m. Lone Man Mountain Rd. (approximately 1.2 miles from RR12/Lone Man Mountain Rd. intersection) 11:55 a.m. Students must be present to pick up meals. If a student can not be present, the parent/guardian will need to present one of the following: Official letter/email/electronic school application from school listing children enrolled Individual student report card(s) Attendance record from parent portal of the school website, printed or electronic, that includes the child's name(s) Birth certificate(s) Student ID card(s) Food will be delivered in a grab and go method. Lunch and breakfast can be picked up at the same time. We are continuously identifying new areas of service and adding them to our routes, if you arrive at your location and the WISD vehicle has not arrived yet, please be patient and it will arrive soon. If you have any questions regarding times, please contact Heather Baldwin at 512-847-2414, ext. 2022 or email heather.baldwin@wimberleyisd.net. For up to date information, please visit https://www.wimberleyisd.net/Page/1346 Meals can be picked up by anyone in the Wimberley community at First Baptist Church after 1:15 p.m.
  • Coronavirus Response Toolkit
    The U.S Chamber of Commerce has prepared a Coronavirus Response Toolkit for businesses and employees. View the toolkit here.
  • Access to Wifi
    Wifi is available for free outside of City Hall, on the lawn at City Square Park and outside of the Public Library.
  • Apply for Free or Reduced Meals
    March 27, 2020 — Superintendent York provided the following update: "It has come to my attention that due to a variety of circumstances related to the pandemic, some of our families’ financial situations have changed and would now likely qualify for free and reduced price meals at Wimberley ISD. Families can apply anytime within the year for this program. To begin the application process to receive free and reduced price meals at WISD go online to: https://www.mealappnow.com/manwim/splash.php The online application is a quicker option, but for those who need to use the printed applications, you can return it to us at 951 FM 2325, Wimberley, TX 78676."
  • Rapid Response Program
    The Texas Workforce Commission administers the Rapid Response Program. Texas Workforce Solutions can provide immediate on-site services to assist workers facing job losses. Rapid Response provides early intervention assistance designed to transition workers to their next employment as soon as possible. Services are tailored to each company, based on the needs of the affected employees To learn more about the program, follow this link.
  • WISD COVID Info Page
    https://www.wimberleyisd.net/coronavirus
  • En Español
    Haga clic aquí para obtener información en español.
  • Barnabas Connection HELPline
  • FAQs Relating to COVID-19 for Texas Businesses and Community Economic Development Partners
    The City of Dripping Springs has prepared an FAQ's page for businesses in the region. View the page here.
  • Update from Mayor Mitchell 03/19/2020
  • WISD Graduation Update
    March 27, 2020 — Superintendent York provided the following update on graduation: "One of our priorities through the delays and closures of this situation has been to ensure that our Class of 2020 seniors are properly honored and congratulated. Several weeks ago we were informed that Strahan Coliseum has cancelled all of their graduation events, so we began to discuss other options. Several different ideas for a graduation celebration have been discussed, and on Monday I will meet with the WHS principal and several staff members to talk about the viability of these options. The hope is to have a final solution in place by the beginning of May so our families can plan and prepare."
  • Update from Mayor Mitchell 03/13/2020
  • Guidance from the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives
    View resources and best practices from the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives by following the link here.
  • Information on Online & Curbside Orders
    Seller Community has prepared guidance on how to help your business stay afloat by enabling you to take orders online for in-person pickup. For more information, follow this link.
  • Update from Mayor Mitchell 04/03/2020
    ORDER NUMBER 4 AND PROCLAMATION BY THE MAYOR. Read the full Order here.
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  • County Issues Stay at Home Order
    April 6, 2020 — Blanco County has issued a stay at home order requiring people to not leave their homes except for essential activities. The order also bans public and private gatherings of more than 6 people outside of residences.
  • Uninsured, Underinsured, and Indigent Residents"
    Beginning Wednesday, April 29, those individuals with symptoms who cannot afford to pay for testing can begin the screening process by calling the COVID-19 hotline at 512-393-5525 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 1 to 3 p.m. The hotline remains open for general COVID-19 questions from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Following the screening, Live Oak Health Partners Community Clinic will contact the individual to discuss whether the screening indicates a test should be given and if it is, to schedule an appointment at its 401 Broadway, San Marcos, location or Live Oak Health Partners Primary Care in Wimberley. Qualifications for a free test: Be uninsured, underinsured, or financially unable to pay for testing/laboratory fees Meet the assessment criteria for testing, which will be determined during the screening call Be a resident of Hays County According to the CDC’s current list of symptoms, which is updated as more is learned about the virus, a person should seek a COVID-19 test if they have a cough or shortness of breath and two or more symptoms that include fever, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, or new loss of taste or smell. The screening process for testing also includes questions about recent travel and contact with persons who have had a lab-confirmed case of COVID-19. Live Oak facilities will also be testing their own patients (and new patients) by appointment during this same time period and will see patients who have insurance or are self-pay. Those individuals should contact Live Oak directly at (512) 805-5650 for appointments at either location.
  • Blanco ISD Superintendent Message to Families
    Find the video message here.
  • Blanco ISD - Latest Update 3/31/2020
    Blanco ISD Families, Due to the evolving situation with COVID-19, Governor Greg Abbott announced today that Texas schools will remain closed until May 4. Blanco ISD will continue to provide instructional guidance and meal service to families during this time of modified operations. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this difficult time. We miss our students and look forward to seeing them as soon as possible. We will provide more guidance soon. Clay Rosenbaum
  • County Judge Declares Local Disaster
    Blanco County — March 18, 2020 - Judge Bray has declared a local state of disaster to enact emergency protective measures. This declaration will expire after seven days unless extended by the Blanco County Commissioners Court. The declaration authorizes: The flow of aid and other assistance from the state; The county to take necessary measures to slow the spread of COVID-19 including quarantine and regualting access to and from hospitals; Limits gatherings to no more than 10 persons; and, Restricts public access to public buildings. Furthermore, Judge Bray added the following authorizations on March 19, 2020: The North Blanco County EMS and the South Blanco County EMS are authorized and encouraaged to consult with and inspect restaurants conducting drive-up, walk-in, and delivery services. Restaurants are required to comply with inspections conducted by these EMS departments. For more information, visit the Blanco County website here.
  • Insured
  • Kyle CommuniCare Clinic
    2810 Dacy Lane, Kyle, TX 78640 Phone number: 512-268-8900 Website: https://www.communicaresa.org/kyle-tx/ Hours: Monday- Friday, 8am - 5pm For this location no physician referral is required, and testing is provided at curbside by appointment. Please call ahead to schedule your curbside appointment at 512-268-8900. Patients who are experiencing a fever, cough, and/or difficulty breathing will be assessed by a clinician during their curbside appointment, and under the clinician's discretion, will be offered a COVID-19 test. COVID-19 tests are free, but the patient will have to pay for their office visits and costs can vary: For privately insured, Medicaid, or Medicare patients,they will need to pay their insurance co-pay for the office visit, if applicable. For uninsured patients who do not qualify for our discount program, the cost of the office visit is $150 For uninsured patients who are low-income and do qualify for our discount program, the cost of their office visit can be as low as $45. Patients will need to bring a photo ID, proof of income or unemployment letter, and proof of residence, to apply for our discount program. Discount Program details: To qualify for the discount program in Kyle, TX clinic or other location, you must have a total family income that is less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. You can visit communicaresa.org/become-a-patient/ for guidelines.
  • Blanco ISD: COVID-19 Info Page
    Find the Blanco ISD Information Page here, or copy this URL into your browser: https://www.blancoisd.org/264614_2
  • Access to County Buildings
    Effective immediately and until further notice, all Blanco County buildings will have limited public access due to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus). The County asks that you call the department you need to speak with and reserve on-site visits to a minimum. If you cannot handle your affairs via phone or online, access to the Courthouse is only available through the East entrance. The Blanco County Court is closed through April 30, 2020. The Court staff will be in the office but will only hear essential proceedings. These include, but are not limited to, juvenile detention hearings and family violence protective orders. If you have any questions, please call 830-868-4266 or visit the Blanco County website by following the link here.
  • Ascension Seton Hays
    6001 Kyle Pkwy, Kyle, TX 78640 Phone number: 866-633-2064 Website: https://healthcare.ascension.org/covid-19 For this location, a physician referral is required and testing is by appointment only. What this means is that if you have a fever, cough or shortness of breath, please call your personal physician or you can video chat with a physician 24/7 through Ascension Online Care without leaving home. In the online urgent care visit, you can explain your symptoms and if it is something more, Ascension Seton Hays will advise you what to do next. Ascension Seton Hays support team can be reached at 866-633-2064, the Ascension Online Care portal, or at ascensionsupport@americanwell.com
  • County Judge Issues Guidance on Grocery Stores
    Blanco County, TX — March 20, 2020 - Judge Bray has provided additional guidance relating to the earlier disaster declaration: Every Blanco County grocer and non-prepared food retailer is authorized and encouraged to give preference to shoppers who can show Blanco County residency; and, Every Blanco County grocer and non-prepared food retailer is authroized and encourage to impose quanitity limits on items.
  • Austin Regional Clinic - Kyle Plum Creek
    4100 Everett Street, Kyle, TX 78640 Phone number: 866-453-4525 Website: https://www.austinregionalclinic.com/clinics/arc-kyle-plum-creek Hours: Everyday, 8am - 5pm For this location, an ARC physician referral is required. All those wishing to be tested must have a lab test order from an ARC physician which can be received from an initial evaluation by an ARC physician in the clinic or via telemedicine. A “telemedicine” appointment with an ARC doctor can be scheduled by calling ARC’s 24/7 COVID-19 Hotline at 866-453-4525. Telemedicine appointments will be made at drive-up sites for those who do not have a lab order.
  • Campus Service Locations
    Website: https://www.hayscisd.net/eat All meals will be served curbside, Monday - Friday, from 7:00 am to 10:00 am, no building entry is allowed. Drivers or passengers may be asked to pick up their items from a table or tray instead of an attendant placing items into each car. Walkers will be directed to keep proper social distances. Please follow the instructions of the attendant on duty. Campus Service Locations Campus service locations are open Monday - Friday from 7:00 am - 10:00 am at the following locations: Blanco Vista Elementary Camino Real Elementary Fuentes Elementary Kyle Elementary Science Hall Elementary Simon Middle School Uhland Elementary
  • Kyle ER & Hospital
    5615 Kyle Center Dr., Kyle, TX 78640 Phone number: 512-504-9950 Website: www.KyleER.com Hours: Open 24 hours per day, 7 days per week For this location no physician referral is needed. Drive-up Testing is provided with no appointment required. A physician consultation is provided for patients who may have concerns relating to any symptoms they are having. Test results return within 48 hours. The test provided at this location does not involve a swab. The test provided is the Sputum/Saliva real-time Reverse Transcriptase PCR (rRT-PCR) test for COVID-19 through MicroGen Diagnostics for the specific detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. For patients with insurance, the costs are specific to their benefits/copay level. However, Kyle ER also has a self-pay option of $275 for the test.
  • Care Now Urgent Care
    301 N. Guadalupe, Suite 144 Phone number: 512-960-2545 Website: https://www.carenow.com/patient-services/medical-tests/covid-19.dot Hours: Monday-Saturday 8am-6pm, Sunday 8am-5pm CareNow Urgent Care clinics can provide COVID-19 testing for those experiencing coronavirus-like symptoms. Just like other diagnostic tests, our providers will review your history and examine your symptoms before ordering a test. For your safety, you will be asked screening questions, asked to put on a mask and may have your temperature taken. If it is determined you qualify for a test, your healthcare team will give you instructions. Who can be tested? This test can help determine if you have been exposed to the COVID-19 virus. The test is most effective if performed at least 14 days after onset of any symptoms or exposure to someone with confirmed COVID-19. Older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions may be at higher risk for more serious complications from COVID-19. However, any person exhibiting symptoms consistent with COVID-19 should discuss testing with their provider. Some surgeons may require a negative test prior to certain elective surgical procedures, so check with your surgeon. What should you expect with a COVID-19 test? The provider or our trained clinical staff will put on protective clothes, mask and face shield, and then collect samples. Collecting a sample is usually taken from the nose but in some cases may be obtained from the back of the throat just like a strep test. This mildly uncomfortable process, the same used to test for influenza, takes just a few seconds. The provider then packages the samples according to guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and then the samples are shipped to a laboratory. The laboratory tests the specimens for the presence of the new coronavirus, which causes COVID-19. The provider reports the test results to the patient. If the test is positive, the provider also reports this to the public health authorities. COVID-19 test results We anticipate your test results will be available within 48 hours. After your screening, you should self-isolate at home. If your test shows that you have been infected, we will advise you on next steps. What to bring Bring your driver's license and insurance card, if you have one. If you have an order from a doctor to be tested, you should bring that as well, but it is not required. If you have insurance, please consult your insurance plan According to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), plans or issuers are not imposing out-of-pocket expenses for COVID-19 testing. Any patient responsibility (copays, coinsurance, deductibles) collected for a medical visit that results in a COVID test will be refunded after the claim is processed by your medical insurance benefits. For self-pay patients, the cost is $150 for the exam plus $100 fee from the lab ($250 total fee). As a result of the FFCRA as amended by the CARES Act, funding was secured to cover cost for uninsured. CareNow will not collect for the exam bill or lab service fee for the COVID-19 at the time of service. CareNow can help If you have symptoms of COVID-19 please Web Check-In® to wait safely from home and we will call you when it's time to come in. You can also call the clinic when you arrive and choose to wait from your car to ensure additional social distancing.
  • Pop-Up Mobile Service Locations
    Website: https://www.hayscisd.net/eat Pop-Up Mobile Service Locations To provide convenient community locations, the Hays CISD food service department will provide mobile service at the following locations and times: Early Morning Locations: Champions Crossing Apartments (front entrance) 345 Champions Blvd., San Marcos, Texas 78666 7:30 am -7:50 am Intersection Green Pastures Drive at Country Lane, Kyle, Texas 78640 7:30 am - 7:50 am Intersection (In Cul-de-sac) Thomas Place at Huber Lane, Kyle, Texas 78640 7:30 am - 7:50 am Roadway (In Cul-de-sac) Dustins Drive, Uhland, Texas 78640 8:00 am - 8:20 am Mid-Morning Locations: Saddlebrook Mobile Home Park (club house parking lot) 289 Silver Peak Drive, San Marcos, Texas 78666 8:20 am - 8:40 am Intersection Skyview Terrace at Cresthill Causeway, Kyle, Texas 78640 8:20 am - 8:40 am Intersection Mathias Lane at Running Bull Lane, Kyle, Texas 78640 8:20 am - 8:40 am Late Morning Locations: Intersection (In Cul-de-sac) Mercedes Lane at Railyard Drive, Kyle, Texas 78640 9:10 am - 9:30 am Intersection (In Cul-de-sac) Prairie Wind Drive at Sea Cove, Kyle, Texas 78640 9:10 am - 9:30 am Intersection (In Cul-de-sac) Blue Jay Circle at Red Bird Drive, Buda, Texas 78610 9:10 am - 9:30 am
  • Any Lab Test Now - Antibody Testing
    1941 S. IH 35, Suite 113, San Marcos, TX 78666 Phone number: 512-754-5227 Website: http://www.anylabtestnow.com/san-marcos-78666/ Operational Hours: M-F 7:30-6:00 pm ----- No physician referral required; Testing by appointment only Test type: Antibody Test (the SARS-CoV-2 AB test using the Abbott CMIA) Call for an appointment. Must be two weeks past any symptoms before testing for Antibody Testing.
  • Baylor Scott & White - Buda
    5330 Overpass Road, Buda, TX 78610 Phone number: 737-999-6200 Website: https://www.bswhealth.com/Pages/coronavirus-information.aspx Hay County residents can visit here. There are no restrictions for those living outside of Travis County. For this location a Baylor Scott & White physician referral is required (and can be attained by an eVisit with a Baylor Scott & White provider as detailed below) and testing is by appointment only. Steps to Getting a Test: Visit MyBSWHealth or download app Take 5-minute online screening Following your screening, you may be prompted to complete an eVisit, which will be evaluated by a Baylor Scott & White provider. You will be required to create a MyBSWHealth account to begin eVisit. Following your eVisit, you will be provided the appropriate next steps For more information, please visit the test collection site provider's website or call (512) 654-3000.
  • MedPost Urgent Care
    155 Wonder World Dr., San Marcos, TX 78666 Phone number: 512-504-9950 Website: https://www.carespot.com/medpost-urgent-care/san-marcos-tx/ Operational Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week ----- Testing by appointment only; No drive-through testing; Most insurances accepted.
  • Total Men's Primary Care - Kyle - Antibody Testing
    5401 FM 1626 #150, Kyle, TX 78640 Phone number: 512-759-8385 Website: https://totalmens.com/ Operational Hours: 8am-5pm-----No physician referral required; Testing by appointment only; No drive-through testing
  • FastMed Urgent Care - Kyle
    135 Bunton Road, Kyle, TX 78640 Phone number: 512-256-1154 Website: https://www.fastmed.com/urgent-care-centers/kyle-tx-walk-in-clinic/ Operational Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Saturday – Sunday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM ----- No physician referral required; Testing by appointment only; No drive-through testing
  • Total Care Primary Care
    164 Belterra Village Way, Suite Y200, Austin, TX 78737 Phone number: 512-759-8385 Website: https://total.healthcare/ Operational Hours: 8am-5pm ----- No physician referral required; Testing by appointment only; No drive-through testing
  • Updates
    March 27, 2020 — The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act allocated $350 billion to help small businesses keep workers employed amid the pandemic and economic downturn. Known as the Paycheck Protection Program, the initiative provides 100% federally guaranteed loans to small businesses. Importantly, these loans may be forgiven if borrowers maintain their payrolls during the crisis or restore their payrolls afterward. For more information and to find out if you are eligible visit the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's website here. March 20, 2020 —The Small Business Association has included all counties in Texas in its Economic Injury Disaster Declaration and granted access to its Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. Texas small businesses who believe they may be eligible for an SBA EIDL should visit www.sba.gov/disaster where they can directly apply for assistance. The online application is the fastest method to receive a decision about loan eligibility. March 18, 2020 — The Families First Coronavirus Response Act was signed into law and will go into effect on April 2, 2020. The legislation responds to the growing health and economic crises with provisions that include: Paid emergency leave with two weeks of paid sick leave and up to three months of paid family and sick leave for businesses with less than 500 employees; A new tax credit to small employers to cover the now-required payments to employees who take time off; Free testing for COVID-19 — The law seeks to make testing for the coronavirus free to the public (without having to use deductibles or copayments). It includes a variety of waivers in order for testing costs to be covered by either insurance or government programs; and, Expansion of federal funding of Medicaid — The law includes a temporary 6.2% increase in federal payments to Medicaid for states. March 17, 2020 — The Governor Greg Abbott requested designation from the Small Business Administration (SBA) for an Economic Injury Disaster Declaration to access the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program for the entire state of Texas. March 6, 2020 — The President signed a $7.8 billion emergency cornavirus spending plan into law. The plan provides funding for the local, state, national and international levels. Among other provisions, the legislation includes: An estimated $500 million provision to allow Medicare beneficiaries to access telehealth programs that will let them remotely see providers to assess symptoms potentially tied to the coronavirus. More than $300 million to ensure that when a vaccine is developed — which some estimate could be a year or more away — that Americans will be able to access it regardless of their ability to pay, according to a congressional aide involved in the negotiators
  • How to Visit
    Ascension is working to keep the community healthy during this time and prevent the spread of infection while also offering options for easier access to care. If you have a fever, cough or other respiratory symptoms, please call (833) 919-1680 prior to visiting an Ascension facilities, so you can be screened by a nursing professional. Ascension Online Care is also offering video urgent care visits at a discounted rate of $20, so you can talk to a doctor from home. No insurance required. Use the code HOME at Ascension Online Care Ascension is implementing temporary visitor restrictions, in both inpatient and outpatient settings, to minimize the spread of viral respiratory infections including COVID-19. Please contact your site of care for instructions. For more updates, please visit the Ascension Seton website here.
  • Hays County Food Bank
    The Hays County Food Bank is open and can be reached at (512) 392-8300. Starting the week of March 23rd, Hays County Food Bank will shift their food distribution schedule. They will re-evaluate at the beginning of May. Distribution Schedule Tuesdays at 12:00 PM: Kyle - St. Anthony's Catholic Church (801 N. Burleson) Wednesdays at 6:00 PM: San Marcos - San Marcos Recreation Center (170 Charles Austin Dr.) Thursdays at 12:00 PM: Buda - Connection Church (1235 S. Loop 4) Please limit the amount of people in your vehicle and have a clear space ready for your food items. Precautions Hays County Food Bank is following: All distributions will be bagged, open-air, and drive through with limited interpersonal contact. If you are sick, do not go to a distribution. Designate a proxy to pick up on your behalf. If you are at a higher risk for contacting this virus, please designate a proxy to pick up on your behalf. The food bank's offices are closed to the public. They are accepting donations, but please call to schedule a drop-off time at (512) 392-8300 x230. All nutrition classes are cancelled until the end of April. Hays County Food Bank needs usable totes to distribute food in. They can be dropped off at the food bank. Check Hays County Food Bank's phone system, social media, and website for any changes in distributions.
  • Locations
    Ascension Seton Hays 6001 Kyle ParkwayKyle, TX 78640 (512) 504-5000 Ascension Seton Southwest 7900 Farm to Market Road 1826 Austin, TX 78737 (512) 324-9000 Ascension Seton Downtown 1201 West 38th St Austin, TX 78705 (512) 324-1000
  • Blanco Good Samaritan Center
    The Blanco Good Samaritan food pantry is open Monday - Friday from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. The food pantry is located at 607 Chandler Drive, Blanco, Texas 78606. They can be reached at (830) 833-5269 or its affiliate, the Central Texas Food Bank, at (512) 282-2111. As of March 19, the thrift store is closed and the center cannot accept donations at this time.
  • Dripping Springs Helping Hands
    PANTRY HOURS curbside/car service only Wednesdays 1:30PM-3:00PM Thursdays 5:00PM-6:30PM If you need financial assistance, call (512) 820-0476 Rules and regulations For more information, go to https://www.helpinghands-drippingsprings.org
  • COVID-19 Toll Free Hotline
    833-919-1680
  • How to Get Tested for COVID-19
    Video chat with a physician 24/7 through Ascension Online Care without leaving home. Ascension is offering online urgent care visits (also called telehealth or telemedicine) at a discounted rate of $20 through Ascension Online Care with the code HOME. No insurance is required. In the online urgent care visit, explain your symptoms and if it is something more, we'll advise you what to do next. If you are unable to use Ascension Online Care, please call your local 24/7 Ascension COVID-19 hotline at 833-919-1680. Our nurses and care teams have the most up-to-date screening information and can guide you to the best options for care and testing. Test Appointments Information: Physician referral required Screening is not provided curbside. Test collection by appointment only If you are concerned about potential exposure or want to better understand possible symptoms, use our COVID-19 self-assessment as a first step. If you have a fever, cough or shortness of breath, please call your personal physician or you can video chat with a physician 24/7 through Ascension Online Care without leaving home. In the online urgent care visit, you can explain your symptoms and if it is something more, we'll advise you what to do next. If you have any other questions, please call Ascension Seton Hays at 866-633-2064. You can also email their support team at ascensionsupport@americanwell.com.
  • Central Texas Food Bank
    Get Help: https://www.centraltexasfoodbank.org/get-help Find Food Now: https://www.centraltexasfoodbank.org/food-assistance/get-food-now?clicked-modal
  • Wimberley Meals on Wheels
    How to get Meals on Wheels: If you would like to receive meal delivery or participate in congregate meals or if you know someone who would benefit from this program, please call (512) 847-1781 More information here.
  • Wimberley Crisis Bread Basket
    For assistance, call 512-847-5323. Find more information here.
  • St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church
    For assistance, call (512) 858-5667. Provides a food pantry onsite and grocery store vouchers (when funds are available) that can be used for food, prescription drugs, and hygiene products. Find more information here.
  • Live Blog
    Follow the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's live blog here.
  • Hays County Schools
    Find more information about school lunches that are available for pickup here.
  • How to Get Tested for COVID-19
    For your safety and convenience, if any of the following apply to you, please visit the MyBSWHealth mobile app or website to take a free COVID-19 screening questionnaire. Please do this before scheduling an appointment or visiting a BSWH facility. Fever Cough Shortness of breath Sore throat Weakness Muscle pain Diarrhea Vomiting Loss of smell To install the app on your mobile device, simply text BETTER to 88408 to have it sent to your phone. Baylor Scott and White asks that you complete this prior to scheduling an appointment or walking into a clinic, urgent care or hospital emergency department. Following your screening questionnaire, you may be prompted to complete an eVisit, which will be evaluated by a Baylor Scott & White provider who can advise you on appropriate next steps. As always, if you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911. Notify the dispatch personnel that you have or are being evaluated for COVID-19. If available, put on a face mask before emergency medical services arrive. In adults, signs of a medical emergency may include: Difficulty breathing Persistent pain or pressure in the chest New confusion or inability to arouse Bluish lips or face Beginning Monday, March 16, at 8 a.m., visitors and patients will use designated entrances and be screened upon arrival. For the latest updates, visit their website here.
  • PPE
    The State of Texas is seeking critical equipment and capacity for medical providers, such as personal protective equipment (PPE), alternate care sites, and infection-control products. If you have products, sites, or equipment available for the state to consider procuring, please visit the State of Texas' website.
  • Federal and State Updates to Housing
    March 20, 2020 — The Texas Supreme Court has issued an emergency order suspending residential evictions in the state until April 19 unless there is a threat of physical harm or criminal activity. According to the court’s latest order, landlords who have obtained a court-ordered eviction cannot follow through until after April 26, when legally required notices can once again be posted on a rental unit’s front door advising tenants about the specific time and date that possession of the property will end. March 18, 2020 — President Trump directed the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to suspend evictions and foreclosures through April. This applies only to homeowners with mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration, a HUD agency that backs affordable home loans issued through private firms. Additionally, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) also announced that it would suspend foreclosures and evictions for homeowners with mortgages backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.
  • Message from Mayor Haehn
  • Message from Superindendent Washburn: Remote Learning & Grading
    DSISD Superintendent Todd Washburn announced details about the transition to remote learning, as well as the program itself. Find the full announcement here.
  • Small Business Administration
    The Small Business Administration is providing guidance and loan resources to support businesses. Visit their website here.
  • Blanco County Emergency Management
    Anyone who lives in Blanco County and is in need of COVID-19 testing should register online at BlancoCOVIDTest.org. Once registered, someone will call the individual registered as soon as possible and set up a time for our mobile testing personnel to complete the test.
  • Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs
    Help for Texans Tool: Select the type of help you need — including reduced rent apartments and emergency and homeless services — enter your city or county, and get a list of organizations that may be able to help you. Haga clic aquí para obtener información en español. For homeowners struggling to make payments due to COVID-19 who have Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac backed mortgage loans, Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) recommends contacting your lender to see if you qualify for reduced/suspended payments. For more information, click here. To contact TDHCA, visit their website for a complete list of phone numbers. En español: https://www.tdhca.state.tx.us/au_offices-es.htm
  • Blood Banks
    Many blood banks across Texas are running low on blood supplies, and blood drives across the nation have been cancelled. If you are able and interested in helping, visit the We Are Blood website. You can also locate an AABB-accredited blood donation center near you using this tool.
  • Locations
    Baylor Scott and White Medical Center — Buda 5300 Overpass Dr Buda, TX 78610 (737) 999-6200 Baylor Scott and White Clinic — Kyle 4036 Cromwell DrKyle, TX 78640 (512) 654-4600 Baylor Scott and White Clinic — Dripping Springs 170 Benney Ln Suite 204 Dripping Springs, TX 78620 (512) 654-4550 Baylor Scott and White Clinic — San Marcos 1340 Wonder World DrSuite 2300San Marcos, TX 78666 (512) 654-4900 Baylor Scott and White Clinic — Austin Southwest 9521 Highway 290 WSuite 105Austin, TX 78736 (512) 654-4300
  • Texas Workforce Commission
    The Texas Workforce Commission is providing information regarding unemployment benefits, taxes, precautions, mass claims, and shared work programs. Visit their website here.
  • City of Buda FAQ
    Find frequently asked questions for the City of Buda here.
  • DSISD Update - 3/26
    Dear DSISD Families, You may have seen the announcement that Hays County has issued a “Stay at Home, Work Safe” order, which will go into effect at 11 p.m. on March 26. To fully support county, state and national efforts and do our part to slow the spread of Coronavirus and keep our community safe, Dripping Springs ISD will be extending our school closure/remote learning format through at least Monday, April 13, 2020. We will continue to follow new developments related to the pandemic and evaluate our status on an ongoing basis. This order does not impact our transition to remote/virtual learning. I’d like to thank our instructional leaders and teachers for doing an amazing job preparing a plan and creating lessons and learning activities for our students. While it will look and feel differently than our normal school days, I know that we can continue to support the academic and social-emotional needs of our students through this time. The order does not impact the essential services the district is providing such as mobile meals for our Free and Reduced Lunch program participants. The Child Nutrition Department will provide updates regarding those services. We appreciate the understanding and adaptability from our staff, students, parents and community during these unusual times. Thank you for your support and stay safe.
  • City of Buda Disaster Declaration
    BUDA, TX — March 20, 2020 - The Buda City Council voted today (March 20, 2020) in a special meeting to extend the disaster declaration issued by Mayor George Haehn on March 13 until further notice. On March 13, 2020, Mayor George Haehn issued a Disaster Proclamation for the City of Buda in light of the COVID-19 outbreak across Texas, and with cases in Hays County. “After deliberation, to ensure our City will also have access to Federal and State resources, as Mayor, I issued a Disaster Proclamation for the City of Buda as well. I did so to get ahead of things, be proactive rather than reactive,” said Mayor Haehn. While this is a challenging time, Mayor Haehn is asking everyone to remain calm and follow the recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Plans, protocols and procedures are in place. We are constantly getting updates and addressing them if/and when needed. Buda City services will continue to be provided. I believe the citizens of this City come together in times of need. We rise to the occasion. We do not hesitate to help one another. I witnessed this type of action during the flooding we had not too long ago. Be courteous and kind to one another. We will get through this, just as we have done so in the past,” said Haehn. To view the city's response to COVID-19, click here for more nformation.
  • DSISD Update - 3/17
    En Espanol: https://www.dsisdtx.us/Page/2635 Link to this Info: https://www.dsisdtx.us/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=4&ModuleInstanceID=23&ViewID=6446EE88-D30C-497E-9316-3F8874B3E108&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=10805&PageID=1 March 17, 2020 Dear DSISD Parents and Students, Yesterday, we made the announcement to close schools from March 23, 2020-April 3, 2020, for the health and safety of our staff, students, and community. In addition, the Board conducted an emergency meeting, granting me the authority to make some key expenditure decisions during this period of school closure to provide me with the ability to take care of our DSISD staff and provide the resources necessary to continue to meet the needs of our students. I want to take this opportunity to clarify how we will be providing instruction to our students during this closure period. Testing Update Governor Greg Abbott announced that he has waived the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) testing requirements for the 2019-2020 school year (no STAAR test this Spring). Additionally, Governor Abbott is requesting that the Department of Education (DOE) waive federal testing requirements for the 2019-2020 school year. We are continuing to follow updates from the College Board considering ACT, SAT, and AP testing. Instructional Support District administrators have and will continue to meet this week to develop plans and guidelines for the delivery of instruction remotely. On March 23 and March 24 we will have instructional planning days for our teachers to collaborate and develop instructional resources (remotely) for our students. We have determined that Grades K-3 students’ primary resources will be in the format of paper/pdf files and they also will be able to access enrichment resources on their Classlink accounts. Primary resources for students in Grades 4-12 will be in an online format using Canvas. Teachers will be creating both online and paper resources for all grade levels. Our goal is to roll out these resources to our students by Wednesday, March 25. Providing instruction remotely for our students creates a few logistical challenges. We recognize that some of our families have access to technology (device(s) and internet access), while others may not. Even our families that have access to technology at home may need additional resources because they have multiple children. We are preparing to provide access to technology as needed through a device check-out system. In preparation for this rollout, we need your feedback to determine each student’s needs. We have created a brief survey to collect your feedback. Please complete this survey by March 22. We will provide details of this process in our next update next week. Additional Support We are developing support systems to create a “help-desk type of remote assistance” for our staff, students, and parents. We also are creating a process to provide continuing meal service (breakfast and lunch) for our eligible students. We want to make sure you continue to practice healthy habits from the CDC, including social distancing recommendations. We recognize that this is a new instructional delivery model for us and we will need your support and partnership to make this time as valuable as we can for our students. The key to student success will be our ability to be collaborative, creative and connected. Thank you for your ongoing support of our students, staff and community! Take Care, Todd Washburn Superintendent of Schools
  • Hays County Task Force & Survey
    Hays County public and private leadership have formed a taskforce to address the growing concerns around COVID-19. This team will work to better understand the impact of the virus on employers, employees, and residents to ensure current and future needs are met. The team will continually update this website with useful information to help ensure the business continuity while offering any available resources from the federal and state governments. For more information, click here. If you are a business in Hays County that has been impacted by COVID-19, you can complete this survey here.
  • Housing & Urban Affairs
    Visit the Deparatment of Housing and Affairs website to access resources for individuals and providers in need of assistance. Haga clic aquí para obtener información en español.
  • City-Sponsored Events Canceled
    March 13, 2020 - Mayor Haehn announced all city events will be canceled/postponed until April 12th to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.
  • DSISD Closure Notice - 3/16
    En Espanol: https://www.dsisdtx.us/Page/2632 Link to this Update: https://www.dsisdtx.us/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=4&ModuleInstanceID=23&ViewID=6446EE88-D30C-497E-9316-3F8874B3E108&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=10805&PageID=1 March 17, 2020 Dear DSISD Parents and Students, Yesterday, we made the announcement to close schools from March 23, 2020-April 3, 2020, for the health and safety of our staff, students, and community. In addition, the Board conducted an emergency meeting, granting me the authority to make some key expenditure decisions during this period of school closure to provide me with the ability to take care of our DSISD staff and provide the resources necessary to continue to meet the needs of our students. I want to take this opportunity to clarify how we will be providing instruction to our students during this closure period. Testing Update Governor Greg Abbott announced that he has waived the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) testing requirements for the 2019-2020 school year (no STAAR test this Spring). Additionally, Governor Abbott is requesting that the Department of Education (DOE) waive federal testing requirements for the 2019-2020 school year. We are continuing to follow updates from the College Board considering ACT, SAT, and AP testing. Instructional Support District administrators have and will continue to meet this week to develop plans and guidelines for the delivery of instruction remotely. On March 23 and March 24 we will have instructional planning days for our teachers to collaborate and develop instructional resources (remotely) for our students. We have determined that Grades K-3 students’ primary resources will be in the format of paper/pdf files and they also will be able to access enrichment resources on their Classlink accounts. Primary resources for students in Grades 4-12 will be in an online format using Canvas. Teachers will be creating both online and paper resources for all grade levels. Our goal is to roll out these resources to our students by Wednesday, March 25. Providing instruction remotely for our students creates a few logistical challenges. We recognize that some of our families have access to technology (device(s) and internet access), while others may not. Even our families that have access to technology at home may need additional resources because they have multiple children. We are preparing to provide access to technology as needed through a device check-out system. In preparation for this rollout, we need your feedback to determine each student’s needs. We have created a brief survey to collect your feedback. Please complete this survey by March 22. We will provide details of this process in our next update next week. Additional Support We are developing support systems to create a “help-desk type of remote assistance” for our staff, students, and parents. We also are creating a process to provide continuing meal service (breakfast and lunch) for our eligible students. We want to make sure you continue to practice healthy habits from the CDC, including social distancing recommendations. We recognize that this is a new instructional delivery model for us and we will need your support and partnership to make this time as valuable as we can for our students. The key to student success will be our ability to be collaborative, creative and connected. Thank you for your ongoing support of our students, staff and community! Take Care, Todd Washburn Superintendent of Schools
  • City of Buda Conducting Business Virtually
    As of Thursday March 19th, all City offices will be conducting business virtually to follow the social distancing guidelines set out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This means there will no be walk-ins, with all business being done via telephone and computer. Additionally, park rentals, library programs and all City-sponsored events are suspended until further notice. You can contact City Departments directly at the numbers below: Public Works (512-312-2876) Buda Police Department - Non-Emergency (512-393-7896) Parks (512-523-1083) Utility Billing (512-295-8845) Municipal Court (512-295-2562) Library (512-295-5899) Planning, Permitting, and Engineering (512-312-5745) Utility billing and municipal court payments may be paid online here. Additional ways to make utility payments include online through your bank, over the phone at 512-295-8845, and by mail to 405 E. Loop St., Building 100, Buda, Texas. Customers can also utilize the utility payment drop boxes at the front entrance of the building and near the library book drop. The utility billing e-mail that residents should use to communicate with utilities is utilitybilling@ci.buda.tx.us
  • DSISD COVID Page
    Follow regular DSISD updates here. https://www.dsisdtx.us/domain/1014
  • Message from City of Buda Water Utility
    Dear City of Buda Utility Customers: As you are aware, there is a growing concern over the coronavirus (COVID-19) as it continues to evolve. Please know that the City of Buda remains committed to providing safe drinking water to our customers. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) drinking water regulations require treatment of public water systems to remove or kill pathogens, including viruses. The City of Buda uses chlorine as a disinfectant for bacteria, viruses and other pathogens. City operators perform daily chlorine testing in accordance with EPA regulations to ensure chlorine levels remain within an acceptable range. The City of Buda is also taking precautions to protect our staff from any illness that would disrupt service. We have operations staff that are cross-trained and licensed in both water and wastewater operations to ensure safe and reliable treatment of water and wastewater in the areas we serve. In order to promote the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) social distancing recommendations, we are encouraging utility customers to pay bills online or by phone using a credit card, or by mail. To pay by phone, call (512) 295-8845, or please visit the following website: https://www.municipalonlinepayments.com/budatx. Two drop box locations are available at City Hall located at the front entrance, and near the library book drop. Checks can be mailed to 405 E. Loop Street, Building 100, Buda, Texas 78610. Beginning on, March 18, 2020, the City of Buda will be crediting customer accounts after the transaction for credit card processing fees on payments made online or by phone. The City of Buda is also temporarily halting late payment fees and disconnections due to non-payment. The City will continue to monitor State and Federal health agencies’ guidance and recommendations for potential impacts in order to serve you. The City of Buda remains committed to providing safe and reliable service to you during this time. If you have any questions or need any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact either Public Works at 512-312-2876 or Utility Billing at 512-295-8845.
  • Municipal Courts Closed
    Buda Municipal Court is closed to the public starting March 20th. The decision is made in an effort limit the number of individuals gathering in a confined space to reduce the risks to public health. Although operations are closed to the public, individuals may still contact the Court by phone and email to get information and handle their cases; many options are available that do not require a personal appearance. All court dockets are cancelled. Cases that are set on dockets will be rescheduled to a date after May 8th; individuals will be notified by mail of their new court date. All individuals are encouraged to call 512-295-2562 or email the Court at budamunicipalcourt@ci.buda.tx.us in lieu of making personal appearances to take care of their court business.
  • Buda Library Closed Until Further Notice
    As of 3/12/2020 the Buda Public Library is closed to the public and volunteers until further notice. The library will continue curbside services. No fines will accrue on any items while the library is closed. The library hours for curbside service and phone questions are Monday-Thursday from 11:00-7:00 pm and Friday from 10:00-5:00 pm. This decision was made after careful consideration for the public’s health and well-being. The Buda Public Library has many resources that can be accessed from home. Check out their webpage: Buda Library at Home often for updates with activities, programs, databases, and more. Electronic resources from the Buda Public Library can be found here.
  • Onion Creek Senior Center Closed
    The Board of Directors of the Onion Creek Senior Center in Buda has made the decision to close the Senior Center to all activities – exercise classes, dances, games, etc. -- during the week of March 16 – 22, 2020, due to concerns with the Covid-19 coronavirus and the safety of seniors.
  • Still Budaful Stimulus Program
    In response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus), the Buda City Council authorized the Still Budaful Stimulus Program to assist businesses negatively affected by the pandemic. The Still Budaful Stimulus is a local economic development program authorized under Chapter 380 of the Texas Local Government Code to help reduce the resulting economic strain on local businesses. Find more information about the program and how to apply here.
  • En Español
    Para la versión en español de esta página, seleccione "herramientas del sitio" en el banner azul en la esquina superior derecha. En el menú desplegable, seleccione traducir página. Este será el ícono del globo.
  • City of Buda COVID-19 Helpful Information
    Find the City of Buda COVID-19 Helpful Information page here.
  • Marble Falls - NextCare Urgent Care
    1701 US-281, North Marble Falls, TX 78654 Phone number: 830-798-1122 Website: https://nextcare.com/coronavirus-covid-19/ Operational Hours: Mon: 8:00AM - 8:00PM Tues: 8:00AM - 8:00PM,Wed: 8:00AM - 8:00PMThur: 8:00AM - 8:00PM, Fri: 8:00AM - 8:00PM,Sat: 9:00AM - 5:00PM, Sun: 9am-5pm ----- Testing by appointment only; Drive-through testing Testing is done through the Curbside Care program, which allows you to drive up, stay in your vehicle and let us come to you. We especially encourage patients experiencing COVID-19 or viral symptoms to utilize this service. This will allow us to perform an evaluation and, should it be necessary, testing collections from the comfort and safety of your vehicle. We recommend all patients book a time online www.nextcare.com
  • Fredericksburg - Hill Country Memorial Hospital
    1020 S State Hwy 16, Fredericksburg, TX 78624 Phone number: 830-997-4353 Website: https://www.hillcountrymemorial.org/covid-19-updates/ Operational Hours: 10am-12pm, 1pm-3pm ----- Physician referral required; Testing by appointment only; Drive-through testing
  • Spring Branch - Quest Diagnostics - Inside Singing Oaks Walmart Store
    305 Singing Oaks, Spring Branch, TX 78070 Phone number: 866-MYQUEST Website: http://patient.questdiagnostics.com/covid-testing-options Operational Hours: M-F 7:00 AM-3:00 PM ----- Physician referral required; Testing by appointment only; No drive-through testing With QuestDirect, an individual can request the test and purchase it online. Each test request is reviewed and, if appropriate, an order for testing is issued by a licensed physician. Individuals have the opportunity to speak with a licensed physician about their results. After purchasing the service online, an individual will be prompted to schedule an appointment for a blood draw at one of the 2,200 patient service centers Quest Diagnostics operates around the United States. For the safety of our patients and employees, individuals must not have experienced symptoms of COVID-19 for at least 10 days; wear a face mask; and pass a contact-less temperature check.
  • American Nurses Foundation
    The American Nurses Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the American Nurses Association. If you would like to find out how you can help support nurses, please visit their website.
  • Volunteer
    If you are an active or retired health care provider, a medical or nursing student, or just a Texan who wants to help, visit the State of Texas' website to volunteer.
  • Child Nutrition
    For any member of the DSISD community whose employment/financial situation has changed as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, applications for the Free and Reduced Breakfast and Lunch program are available (see links below). If you feel you qualify, please complete an application and either mail it, email it, or scan a copy and send to the following address: Mail to: DSISD Child Nutrition Services, 510 W. Mercer St., Dripping Springs, TX 78620 Email or scan a copy to: nanci.freeborg@dsisdtx.us DSISD is providing weekly breakfast and lunches for qualifying students each Monday morning from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm. Meals are distributed in a grab and go pick-up fashion, delivered by a Child Nutrition Specialist directly to your vehicle. PICKUP LOCATION: Dripping Springs High School 940 Highway 290 W The back side of the school near the kitchen service area. Breakfast meals consist of an entree, fruit or fruit juice and milk. Lunch meals consist of an entree, fruit, vegetables and milk. FREE/REDUCED LUNCH APPLICATIONS https://www.dsisdtx.us/Page/472
  • San Marcos Housing Authority
    Friday, March 20, 2020 — Following the lead from the City of San Marcos, the San Marcos Housing Authority (SMHA) will close its doors to the public at 12 p.m. and will not reopen until further notice. The San Marcos Housing Authority is committed to providing a safe and healthy housing community for all residents, staff, contractors, and visitors during this pandemic coronavirus COVID19. The Housing Authority can be contacted by phone at 512-353-5058 or online. All payments can be placed in the night drop slots at Allen Woods, Springtown Villa, C. M. Allen, and Chapultepec as appropriate.
  • Utility Late Fees/Disconnects, Credit Card Transactions, and Mobile Food Vendor Fees"
    Utility late fees and disconnects will be waived for the months of April and May. All in person or over the phone City-processed credit card transaction fees will be waived for two months beginning on April 8, 2020. In order to provide relief to the City’s mobile food vendors, the mobile food vendor fee paid by vendors who operate in Buda will be waived for April, May, and June. Find more information here.
  • National & Local Chambers of Commerce
    For updates on how the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is responding to COVID-19 and links to resources, visit the Chamber's website. Visit the local chambers of commerce here: Blanco Chamber of Commerce Buda Area Chamber of Commerce Dripping Springs Chamber of Commerce Kyle Chamber of Commerce Johnson City Chamber of Commerce San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce and the Greater San Marcos Partnership. Wimberley Valley Chamber of Commerce
  • Meals on Wheels
    If you are interested in supporting Meals on Wheels, please visit their website.
  • How the CARES Act Impacts You
  • Austin-Travis County COVID-19 Risk-Based Guidelines
    Austin Public Health (APH) has published a color-coded chart to help residents of Austin-Travis County understand the stages of risk and provide recommendations on what people should do to stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. APH is currently exploring the most effective indicators to help determine the level of risk in the local community. Provisional triggers are being modeled based on the number of hospitalizations because of their general correlation with numbers of cases, use of ventilators, deaths, and availability of effective treatment and vaccination. The new risk-based guidelines set out five distinct stages of risk, from the lowest threat, Stage 1, through the most serious, Stage 5, along with recommended behaviors for each stage. For lower-risk individuals, defined as those with no substantial underlying health conditions who have a lower risk of complication and death from COVID-19, the recommendations are as follows: Stage 1: Practice good hygiene, stay home if sick, and avoid other people who are sick. APH is working on recommendations for maximum sizes of gatherings. Individuals are advised they are safe to return to work at all businesses. Stage 2: Includes the recommendations for Stage 1 and adds: Maintain social distancing and wear fabric face coverings in public. Individuals are urged to avoid dining and shopping except with precautions, and to avoid gathering in groups of more than 25 people. They are advised they are safe to return to work at essential and reopened businesses. Stage 3: Includes the recommendations for Stage 2 and also urges individuals to avoid non-essential travel, all social gatherings, and any gatherings of more than 10 people. Stage 4: Includes the recommendations for Stage 3 and advises individuals they are safe to return to work, and dine and shop, only at “expanded essential businesses”. This category will be defined shortly. Stage 5: Includes the recommendations for Stage 4 and urges individuals to avoid all gatherings outside of the household and avoid dining and shopping except as essential. In this stage it is considered safe to return to work at essential businesses only. Austin-Travis County is currently in Stage 3. Updates can be found here.
  • All Chronic Conditions
    Underlying Health Conditions and COVID-19 Preliminary Estimates of the Prevalence of Selected Underlying Health Conditions Among Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 United States, February 12–March 28, 2020 Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) MMWR Chronic Disease and COVID-19: What You Need to Know (PDF) Tips and information to protect yourself and your family Source: National Association of Chronic Disease Directors Underlying Medical Conditions and People at Higher Risk PRESENTATION: Underlying Medical Conditions and People at Higher Risk for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Presentation Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COCA
  • Answers from the Experts
  • Update 4/8/2020
    Dear Hays CISD Family, Here are some important items to tell you about: Graduation We’re still doing our best to hang on to having an in-person graduation ceremony for our Class of 2020 students. This includes our Hays, Lehman, and Live Oak Academy graduation ceremonies that had been scheduled for May 26th, and then June 26th, at Strahan Arena at the University Events Center at Texas State in San Marcos. Texas State has extended its coronavirus response plan into July, which means June is no longer an option for our graduations. They have been very good in working with us through this crisis. The university has rescheduled its own spring commencement ceremonies to the first week in August and they are offering us a date during the second week in August. As soon as we have a specific new tentative date, we’ll get that information to you. In case you had been making plans with family, we want you to know that June 26th is no longer an option for us. Thank you again for your patience on this. We know this is a mile-stone event for our students and families. Grades and GPAs Our curriculum team is finalizing a recommendation to present to the Board of Trustees later this month regarding student grades, grade-point-averages (GPAs), and class rank. We’ll share that recommendation with you as soon as it is complete. It will be a plan that does not penalize students because of the coronavirus. We also want to ensure that students who may have been failing classes will have a chance to bring their grades up to passing for the school year. Superintendent Dr. Wright wants parents and students to do the best they can with our virtual and other at-home learning opportunities, but not to worry. Rather, he wants us all to focus on staying healthy and safe. We know that at-home learning is not the same as in-class learning with our awesome teachers. Once we are able to return to class, whether that’s later this year or next, we will be ready to help students catch up with any concepts or skills they may have missed during our suspension of operations. Meal Service Sites Added Based on increasing demand, the district has added Fuentes Elementary and a 10th mobile meal distribution site that will open after this upcoming holiday weekend on Tuesday, April 14, 2020. Visit the Hays CISD meal service webpage for specifics at www.hayscisd.net/eat. Meal distribution days will follow what would have been our normal school calendar this year. That means meals service won’t occur this Friday and Monday. Our child nutrition staff continue to do hero’s work, serving nearly 6,000 meals a day! Devices Needed at Home Thanks to our campus staff and technology department staff. In round 1, they have deployed 3,000 devices to students and families who need them at home. Round 2 will follow with additional devices. If you need a device, please reach out to your teacher(s) or campus principal. BVES Viral Post Here is a bright spot of news in case you haven’t seen it yet. A post from Coach Spradling on the Blanco Vista Elementary School PE website has gone viral with nearly a half-million shares and more than 40,000 comments! The Daily Mail newspaper in the United Kingdom event did a story about the post: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-8139473/School-goes-viral-fun-mural-kids-tape-chalk.html. Check out the BVES PE Facebook Page for updates and photos now coming in to the school from around the world. Way to go Coach Spradling! The US Census Please remember to take a few minutes while you may be at home to fill out your United States Census form. Families that complete the online census will not receive in-person visits from census workers later in the year. An accurate census count matters to Hays CISD, Hays County, your city, and the entire state. Be counted. More information at: https://2020census.gov. Stay safe! Tim
  • COVID-19 Hotline
    Hays County Courthouse, San Marcos, TX — March 23, 2020 - To address a rising tide of questions and concerns about the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), the Hays County Local Health Department, in conjunction with the City of San Marcos, has established a call center to respond to questions from Hays County residents. Residents may call the hotline at 512.393.5525 with non-emergency COVID-19 questions from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Spanish speakers will be available. You can also check online for symptoms, prevention, and treatment at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html in English and Spanish. Callers will be placed into an automated system when calling in to the hotline. If you are a Hays County resident, select one (1). You will then be placed in the queue for the next available operator to assist in answering any questions. Call Center personnel will answer frequently asked questions about symptoms, possible testing, and self-isolation.
  • Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Austin
    5251 West, US-290 Ste 200, Austin, TX 78735 Phone number: 512-654-3000 Website: https://www.bswhealth.com/Pages/coronavirus-information.aspx Hay County residents can visit here. There are no restrictions for those living outside of Travis County. For this location a Baylor Scott & White physician referral is required (and can be attained by an eVisit with a Baylor Scott & White provider as detailed below) and testing is by appointment only. Steps to Getting a Test: Visit MyBSWHealth or download app Take 5-minute online screening Following your screening, you may be prompted to complete an eVisit, which will be evaluated by a Baylor Scott & White provider. You will be required to create a MyBSWHealth account to begin eVisit. Following your eVisit, you will be provided the appropriate next steps For more information, please visit the test collection site provider's website or call (512) 654-3000.
  • Alzheimer's Disease
    Coronavirus (COVID-19): Tips for Dementia Caregivers Source: Alzheimer’s Association COVID-19 Guidance for Older Adults Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19: What Older Adults Need to Know (Video) Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  • Hays CISD Meal Service
    Hays CISD will continue to offer breakfast and lunch during the coronavirus emergency, even though normal school operations are suspended. Meals will be served at select locations, but are free of charge to anyone 18 years old or younger (regardless of home campus or school district) Children are no longer required to be present to receive the meals Daily breakfast and lunch will be provided together All meals will be served curbside, Monday - Friday, from 7:00 am to 10:00 am, no building entry is allowed Drivers or passengers may be asked to pick up their items from a table or tray instead of an attendant placing items into each car. Walkers will be directed to keep proper social distances. Please follow the instructions of the attendant on duty. CAMPUS SERVICE LOCATIONS are open Monday - Friday from 7:00 am - 10:00 am at the following locations: Blanco Vista Elementary Camino Real Elementary Fuentes Elementary Kyle Elementary Science Hall Elementary Simon Middle School Uhland Elementary POP UP MOBILE Service Locations To provide convenient community locations, the Hays CISD food service department will provide mobile service at the following locations and times: EARLY MORNING LOCATIONS: Champions Crossing Apartments (front entrance) 345 Champions Blvd., San Marcos, Texas 78666 7:30 am -7:50 am Green Pastures/ Country Lane Intersection Green Pastures Drive at Country Lane, Kyle, Texas 78640 7:30 am - 7:50 am Thomas Place/ Huber Lane Intersection (In Cul-de-sac) Thomas Place at Huber Lane, Kyle, Texas 78640 7:30 am - 7:50 am Dustin Drive Roadway (In Cul-de-sac) Dustins Drive, Uhland, Texas 78640 8:00 am - 8:20 am MID MORNING LOCATIONS: Saddlebrook Mobile Home Park (club house parking lot) 289 Silver Peak Drive, San Marcos, Texas 78666 8:20 am - 8:40 am Skyview Terrace/ Cresthill Causeway Intersection Skyview Terrace at Cresthill Causeway, Kyle, Texas 78640 8:20 am - 8:40 am Mathias Lane/Running Bull Lane Intersection Mathias Lane at Running Bull Lane, Kyle, Texas 78640 8:20 am - 8:40 am LATE MORNING LOCATIONS: Mercedes Lane/ Railyard Drive Intersection (In Cul-de-sac) Mercedes Lane at Railyard Drive, Kyle, Texas 78640 9:10 am - 9:30 am Prairie Wind/ Sea Cove Intersection (In Cul-de-sac) Prairie Wind Drive at Sea Cove, Kyle, Texas 78640 9:10 am - 9:30 am Blue Jay Circle/ Red Bird Drive Intersection (In Cul-de-sac) Blue Jay Circle at Red Bird Drive, Buda, Texas 78610 9:10 am - 9:30 am Information is deemed correct, but may be subject to change at any time. Please check with the district for up to date information: www.hayscisd.net/eat Need Additional Assistance? Contact the Hays CISD meal service hotline at: 512-268-7919, ext. 57919, or, email: mealstogo@hayscisd.net
  • Message from St. David's CEO
    The two patients confirmed by Austin Public Health this morning as presumptive positive cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Austin-Travis County were tested at St. David's HealthCare facilities. One of the patients was tested on March 11, 2020, at St. David's Emergency Center-Bee Cave and was subsequently released and sent home for self-quarantine that same day. The other patient arrived via EMS at St. David's Medical Center on March 11, 2020, and was placed in isolation. Our hospitals are safe. Everyone entering our facilities—patients, visitors, employees, physicians and vendors—undergoes a verbal screening before entering to ensure that people coming into our facilities are safe and appropriately triaged. In addition, we have infection prevention protocols in place within our facilities to ensure that our staff are wearing personal protective equipment, when needed, and that any patient suspected of having COVID-19 is isolated and separated from other patients and visitors in the facility. We are also continuously evaluating our supply of personal protective equipment, and we are confident in our inventory. As the COVID-19 scenario continues to unfold, it is important that we reserve our emergency departments for patients with emergent medical conditions. We are encouraging patients to access the most appropriate site of care for their medical needs. If a patient has flu-like symptoms or thinks they may have been exposed to COVID-19, they should call their primary care doctor or go to an urgent care clinic. If they are having trouble breathing, or have some other type of related emergent condition, they should go to an emergency department. The community can feel confident in this region's healthcare system, our level of preparedness, the quality of care and the spirit of collaboration. We all train for scenarios like this every day. This is what we're called to do. The community needs us, and we're answering that call to care and serve. David Huffstutler President and Chief Executive Officer St. David's HealthCare
  • Remedy, Austin-based Telemedicine"
    3200 Jones Rd, Austin, TX 78745​​​​​​​ Phone number: 844-736-3395 Website: https://myremedy.com/blog/covid19-drive-through-testing Hours: Daily, 8 am - 5pm Hay County residents can visit here. There are no restrictions for those living outside of Travis County. Please note – this is by appointment only, and not a “first come, first serve” process. For this location, in accordance with CDC and Public Health guidelines, all potential patients must first book a 24/7 Video Visit, where providers will assess, diagnose and recommend testing. Patients will be directed to the new testing center with an appointment time, and provided further instructions. Payment & Insurance: Remedy is in-network with most major insurers + Medicare. For those uninsured, the video-visit cost is a flat rate of $49. Additional costs for the labs vary based on availability of testing supplies and the laboratory used. Currently, the total cost can range from $65 – 75. If you have questions, feel free to call at 844-REMEDY-5 Remedy has always been committed to delivering care in whatever way is safest and most convenient. We’re eager to keep serving in this new capacity for as long as our neighbors need it.
  • Hays County COVID-19 Information
    For an updated list of reported cases in Hays County and General COVID-19 information, plese visit the website, https://hayscountytx.com/covid-19-information-for-hays-county-residents/. Hays Informed is providing updated emergency information related to COVID-19.
  • Am I Eligible for Unemployment Assistance Benefits?
    Texas AFL-CIO prepared this graphic to help individuals determine if they are eligible for asssistance:
  • Asthma
    COVID-19 and Asthma Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): People with Moderate to Severe Asthma Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Asthma & COPD Asthma & Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): COVID-19 Myth Busting with Dr. Juanita Mora Source: American Lung Association COVID-19: What People with Asthma Need to Know The risks and how to protect yourselef if you have asthma. Source: Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
  • Hays CISD Latest Update - Tobias Elementary Exposure - 3/18
    March 18, 2020 Important Hays CISD Coronavirus Update Dear Hays CISD Family, In keeping with our promise to be completely transparent regarding coronavirus, we must report to you today that a person who was at Tobias Elementary School last Wednesday, March 11th, has since tested positive for the coronavirus. We notified the teachers, staff, and parents of Tobias Elementary just a few minutes ago and have posted the email we sent to them, with additional information, online at our coronavirus webpage: www.hayscisd.net/coronavirus. We are in close consultation with the Hays County Health Department regarding this matter. The Health Department wants us to stress that while there remains a low risk of transmission to people at Tobias Elementary, it is prudent for everyone to continue to take preventative measures, such as social distancing and hand washing. Additionally, Tobias Elementary is now closed to all personnel to allow time for any virus in the building to die on its own. Prior to any return to activity in the building, we will disinfect it using special cleaning equipment. The person who had contact with Tobias Elementary and later tested positive to coronavirus is, along with that person’s entire family, self-quarantined at home and recovering. The health department asked us to remind you that most people who show symptoms of coronavirus will not need to be hospitalized, but that those who do should contact their primary care physician for direction on what to do next. We do not believe the person who had contact with Tobias Elementary had any contact with other campuses in Hays CISD within the window that the person could have been contagious for the virus. Given the spread of the virus and the interconnectivity of our community, we have expected that there would eventually be a connection between one or more of our campuses to the coronavirus. We anticipate that future cases of people who test positive will also likely have some connection to our schools. Please continue to practice social distancing, hand washing, and other safe hygiene practices. We are all in this together and, together, we will make it through this health emergency and time of change to our normal routines. Sincerely, Tim Savoy Chief Communication Officer Link: https://www.hayscisd.net/coronavirus
  • Hays County COVID-19 Update - 05/19/2020
    Hays County Local Health Department reports an additional nine (9) new COVID-19 cases today, up from 270 on May 24 (there was no report on May 25). That puts the total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County at 279. The number of those considered recovered increased by three, putting that number at 161. There were no new hospitalizations overnight and today, and one additional person is now out of the hospital. Epidemiologist Eric Schneider said 115 cases are currently active. The number of negative tests is at 3,588. He is awaiting results on 41 tests. Results from testing at nursing homes around the county were all negative. Total hospitalizations to date for Hays County is 28, with five (5) persons currently hospitalized. Find more information here.
  • Hays County COVID-19 Update - 04/26/2020
    Hays County Courthouse, San Marcos, TX (April 26, 2020) – The Hays County Local Health Department reports no new COVID-19 lab-confirmed positive cases overnight and today. The total remains at 149, with 71 of those affected already recovered and out of quarantine (the same number as yesterday) and 77 current active cases. The number of hospitalizations remains the same: 4 current and 14 total. Ten additional negative lab tests were received bringing that total to 1,501. Find more information here.
  • Safety Precautions
    Here are just a few of the steps St. David's is taking to assure uninterrupted care: Limiting entry into hospitals and clinics so anyone who enters into patient care areas can be carefully screened, and masks can be provided to those who need them. Every employee, caregiver, and physician has been asked to follow a self-screening procedure, because protecting our patients starts with protecting our people. Precautions taken to treat patients with COVID-19 are similar to those taken to treat patients with influenza, with restricted visitation to limit exposure. This is commonplace procedure for us during any flu season. As this latest threat evolves, St. David's is collaborating with federal and local health agencies, providing timely and practical updates that will help contribute to accurate reporting and consistent guidelines. The hospital's immediate priority remains on the well-being of our patients and people, we know that sharing insights can impact care far beyond the communities we serve. For more information, visit the St. David's website here.
  • Austin Emergency Center South Lamar
    4014 South Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704 Phone number: 512-774-5780 Website: https://austiner.com/ ​​​​​​​Hours: Daily, 8am - 8pm Hay County residents can visit here. There are no restrictions for those living outside of Travis County. For this location a physician evaluation is required. Steps to Getting a Test: Call from parking lot before coming inside. Most patients will be able to be evaluated in a minimally invasive manner from the privacy of their own cars. Those who are found to be seriously ill will be brought inside the ER for further evaluation. Some evaluations may take place by video, but a doctor will see each patient in person during the visit. Pay will be ER copay if you have insurance.
  • Guidance Based on Work Status
    1099 employees can collect umemployment insurance. The Dramatists Guild prepared the chart below for individuals applying for unemployment insurance.
  • TWC is Hiring
  • Cancer
    Coronavirus: What People with Cancer Should Know Source: National Cancer Institute Common Questions About the New Coronavirus Outbreak Source: American Cancer Society
  • Information for Visitors
    En Español For the safety of patients, visitors, physicians, colleagues and community, along with hospitals across the country, St. David's has implemented visitor restrictions within all facilities to control the spread of the virus. These changes are necessary given the recent presumptive positive cases in our community. Visiting hours are restricted to 6:00am – 8:00pm. Only one adult per patient is allowed in the building at a time during these hours. All visitors must be 18 years of age or older. One person may remain overnight in these services only: Pediatrics NICU Laboring Mothers Patient Advocates Pre/Post Surgery End-of-life Care Exceptions may be granted for extraordinary needs. Please notify the screening staff.
  • Austin Regional Clinic - South 1st
    3828 1st Street, Austin, TX 78704 Phone number: 866-453-4525 Website: https://www.austinregionalclinic.com/services/covid-19-care#testing Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8am - 5pm Hay County residents can visit here. There are no restrictions for those living outside of Travis County. For this location a physician evaluation is required. Steps to Getting a Test: 24/7 COVID-19 Hotline & Telemedicine Visits Patients who suspect COVID-19 illness due to fever, couth, and shortness of breath or other viral symptoms should call the ARC 24/7 COVID-19 Hotline at 866-453-4525 to book a telemedicine visit with their doctor or an ARC doctor available after hours during the evenings and weekends. If the patient’s symptoms indicate a test is necessary, the ARC physician will order the test from the ARC lab and instruct the patient to visit the nearest ARC drive-up testing site. Drive-Up Testing An ARC clinician will screen each patient at the drive-thru testing site to ensure they are not experiencing breathing difficulties. For those who do not require immediate medical attention, a nasal swab will be obtained and sent to the lab for COVID-19 testing. Currently it takes 2-10 days to receive results from any of the labs. Drive-Up Telemedicine Visit If someone drives up without first having an initial physician evaluation, we will offer to schedule them for the next available telemedicine appointment so a physician can determine whether a test is indicated. That consultation may occur in the same parking lot, without much waiting time, via ARC’s telemedicine service. If patients meet the testing criteria, they will be instructed to return to the drive-up testing tent. Costs Drive-up Testing Currently, state labs are not charging patients for this test and most insurance companies have agreed to cover costs for tests at commercial labs. For patients without insurance, the cost of the test at commercial labs is about $70, but that should always be confirmed with the lab as prices can vary. Telemedicine Visits Most insurance companies are waiving copays for COVID-19 related telemedicine visits. If you have questions about the cost of the visit, please check with your health plan. For patients without insurance, ARC offers the same 25% discount as all other visits. The cost depends on what is covered in the visit.
  • Hays CISD COVID-19 Info Page
    You can find information from Hays CISD directly here.
  • How to Visit
    It’s important that patients access the most appropriate site of care. If you have flu-like symptoms or think you may have been exposed to COVID-19, call your primary care doctor or go to an urgent care clinic. If you are having trouble breathing, or have some other type of related emergent condition, go to an emergency department. Only patients who meet CDC criteria for COVID-19 are being tested. If you need to seek care, call the healthcare facility ahead of time so that they can ensure the safety of their patients, visitors and staff. Visit the St. David's website, by following the link here.
  • Hays CISD Closure Announcement - 3/16
    March 16, 2020 Dear Hays CISD Family, Hays CISD schools and offices will suspend normal operations through Sunday, April 5, 2020, at which time we will determine our next steps. This means all in-person classes and activities are canceled through that date. The district believes this action is necessary to help the community slow the spread of coronavirus. We want to stress the importance of social/physical distancing and preventative measures such as hand washing during this time. Additional information about specific topics will be provided to individuals and posted at www.hayscisd.net/coronavirus on the following topics: Online and at-home instruction: Teachers and campuses will provide specific information after spring break to students. Look for this information around March 25th. Child nutrition school breakfast and lunch: The district will continue to provide meal service to students on free and reduced lunch plans. Information will be forthcoming on how meal distribution will occur. Meal service will begin no later than March 25th. Employee work schedules and pay: The district intends to continue paying employees and staff during the emergency suspension of school and March paycheck direct deposits will occur as scheduled. Under the plan, staff would not have to use leave days and employees who work would receive premium pay. Additional information will be provided to employees through school district email regarding work duties and pay. Teacher and staff access to school buildings: To limit large gatherings at school facilities, additional information will be provided to staff regarding access to school buildings through school district email. The district is developing a plan for teachers to be at school in small groups immediately following spring break to prepare at-home and online lessons for students. Information about this will be provided to teachers through district email. Critical staff will be on duty: All critical operation district staff will be on duty to assist with emergency operations. Critical staff includes campus and district administrators and employees at campuses and in departments as assigned by supervisors. School Board meetings: The Board of Trustees will hold an emergency meeting today, Monday, March 16, 2020, to address immediate needs of the district related to COVID-19. It is anticipated that the normal March meetings of the Board of Trustees scheduled for later in the month will be canceled. The Hays CISD coronavirus webpage has been updated to provide additional links and sections related to specific topics: www.hayscisd.net/coronavirus. All official information related to Hays CISD and the coronavirus will be posted on this page, so the it may serve as the trusted source of information regarding Hays CISD and the coronavirus. Hays CISD is prepared to navigate this emergency and will be making decisions based on the best interests of community safety and health. Because this is new and uncharted territory for our school district and community, information and decisions may be changing on short notice, or not available right away. However, please try not to worry. Now more than ever, Hays CISD employees and leadership will hold steadfast to our mission, which includes the word “nurture” in the very first sentence. The district will make decisions and address concerns with caring for everyone as the primary driving factor. We will all do our best and do what is right by our students, parents, employees and community. Sincerely, Tim Savoy Chief Communication Officer Link: Hayscisd.com/coronavirus
  • Hays County Stay Home Order - 03/26/2020
    Hays County issued a stay home order effective Thursday, March 26, 2020 at 11:00PM. You can find the full order here. If you have any questions/concerns, they can be directed to the county at publiccomments@co.hays.tx.us. Note: The Hays County Sheriff's office announced on March 26th that they will not be using the curfew as a basis for traffic stops.
  • Diabetes
    Telemedicine and Diabetes Using Telemedicine To Improve Care for Patients With Diabetes Source: Diabetes in Control- News and Information for Medical Professionals Understanding and Preparing for Coronavirus (COVID-19) Source: Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists What people with diabetes need to know about COVID-19 Source: American Heart Association
  • Governor and TWC Waive Requirements to Receive Unemployment
    March 17, 2020 — Governor Greg Abbott waived the 10-day waiting period that is usually required before an individual may receive unemployment benefits. Additionally, TWC is exercising its authority to waive Unemployment Insurance work search provisions, which requires individuals to register with the state jobs site and show they are actively applying for new jobs.
  • Heart Disease
    COVID-19 and High Risks with Heart Disease Coronavirus Precautions for Patients, Others Facing Higher Risks Source: American Heart Association High Blood Pressure and COVID-19 What People with High Blood Pressure Need to Know About COVID-19. Source: American Heart Association Heart, Stroke, and COVID-19 Coronavirus: What Heart and Stroke Patients Need to Know (Video) Source: American Heart Association American Heart Association: Coronavirus (COVID-19) American Heart Association Coronavirus homepage Source: American Heart Association
  • How to Apply for Unemployment Benefits
    Those filing for unemployment can submit an application on the Texas Workforce Commission's website or by calling 800-939-6631 from 8 AM - 6 PM, Monday through Friday. Here's what information you will need to apply, according to the commission: Last employer's business name and address First and last dates you worked for your last employer Number of hours worked and pay rate if you worked this week Information on your normal wage Your A-number, if not a U.S. citizen or national After filing your claim, electronic notifications related to your unemployment benefit application are available. Here's more information on how to apply for benefits.
  • Hays County COVID-19 Task Force
    MDBox announced the formation of the Covid Task Force Initiativewhich will bring more than 50-thousand Covid-19 test kits to Hays County now, withadditional kits arriving this week and throughout the crisis. The kits will be sold anddistributed online only through H-E-B. Find the press release and more information here.
  • F-1 Students
    F-1 students who are experiencing Severe Economic Hardship because of COVID19 may request employment authorization to work off-campus by filing an I-765 & I-20. For more information visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration's website.
  • Additional Resources
    For more information regarding unemployment, visit the Texas Workforce Commission's COVID-19 Resources page for jobseekers here. Those in need of work can search for jobs at WorkInTexas.com.
  • Be Aware of Price-Gouging, Scams During the COVID-19 Pandemic"
    Hays County Courthouse, San Marcos, TX — March 23, 2020 - The Texas Attorney General’s Office is on the lookout for price-gouging and the Federal Trade Commission wants to help you make the wise choice when people call, text, or email you with offers of money from the government or an agency. There are many scams already being reported in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic. While governments have discussed offering compensation to those affected, there are no government programs currently in effect. Anyone who tells you they can get you the money now is a scammer. As always, don’t click on links or attachments in emails or texts unless you are certain that they are from a valid source and you are expecting that email. Many scam emails look very much like those from legitimate people and businesses. There is one scam email going around right now that pretends to be from WHO (the World Health Organization). It is from a scam operation that wants your money and personal information. Remember that the government will never ask you for fees upfront, nor for your credit/debit card, bank account number, gift cards, or Social Security Number. Be aware of scams offering coronavirus advice. The best current preventions of social distancing, frequent cleaning, and proper hand-washing, etc., have been widely disseminated, and there are no cures, vaccinations, or other credible preventions available at this time. More information on scams and how to spot them is at https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/03/checks-government. Price gouging is selling or leasing necessary items at an exorbitant or excessive price. Some examples include fuel, food, medicine, lodging, building materials, construction tools, etc. Visit https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/consumer-protection/disaster-and-emergency-scams/how-spot-and-report-price-gouging to learn all the details or make a report of price gouging, or call 1-800-621-0508 to report it.
  • En Español
    Haga clic aquí para obtener información en español.
  • Alert Hays Text Updates
    To receive COVID-19 updates via text message, text AlertHays to 888-777
  • County Judge Issues Disaster Declaration
    Hays County Courthouse, San Marcos, TX — March 15, 2020 - Judge Becerra issued an emergency disaster declaration, which allows Hays County goverments access to funds and resources that may be required to combat COVID-19. This order was extended for 120 days on March 16, 2020 by the Hays County Commissioners Court. For rolling updates, follow www.HaysInformed.com
  • Veteran Services Office
    March 19, 2020 — Hays County Veterans Office has ended in-person meetings. Hays County Veterans and families who need assistance are encouraged to email the Hays County Veteran Services Office at veteranservices@co.hays.tx.us or call 512-392-8387 and leave a message for assistance. Veterans enrolled in the South Texas VA Health Care System (San Antonio VA Hospitals and New Braunfels clinic) please be aware of changes in check in, telecare and call-ahead procedures. NO VISTORS ALLOWED. Contact info: https://www.southtexas.va.gov/ or call 210-617-5300. Veterans enrolled in the Central Texas VA Health Care System (Temple VA Hospitals and Austin Outpatient clinic) please be aware of changes in check-in, telecare and call-ahead procedures. NO VISTORS ALLOWED. Contact info: https://www.centraltexas.va.gov/ or call 512-823-4000. Veterans enrolled and currently using the VA Health Care System can use local ER clinics for urgent health care needs. Please use the VA Urgent Care Locator tool to find local ER clinics partnering with the VA Healthcare System. https://www.va.gov/communitycare/programs/veterans/Urgent_Care.asp.
  • Tax Office
    March 19, 2020 — The Hays County Tax Offices are closed for lobby walk-in services as of March 19. Employees are onsite answering mail and phones. All online services, mail and drop-boxes can still be used to conduct business with the Tax Office. The phone number is 512-393-5545.
  • Hays Central Appraisal District
    Monday, March 23, 2020 Thank you for your excellent leadership during this unprecedented emergency. For the safety of the public and my staff, appraisal district offices are currently closed to public access, though we are assisting property owners through email, by phone and online services. Please feel free to contact me if I can be of any special assistance to you. As you know the appraisal district is required to appraise property as of January 1 each year. As of January 1, 2020, there was no implication of the scope of the situation we are now in. While we are sympathetic to the economic distress experienced in our communities now, the impact on market values cannot be reflected until the 2021 appraisals based on data gathered this year. There are at present no known provisions in the Property Tax Code that allow for reduced values for 2020 based on an event such as we are experiencing. It is our counsel’s opinion that Section 23.02 of the Property Tax Code creating reappraisal protocols for property “damaged” during a natural disaster is not applicable. We expect a higher than ever number of appeals this year as taxpayers suffer mid-year financial struggles. The appraisal district is exploring options on how best to handle administration of Appraisal Review Board hearings. Considering the official ordered restrictions in our area and state-wide, the uncertainty we face could mean that appraisal roll certification is delayed beyond July 25th. I will do all that I can to avoid delays. Our plan is to mail 2020 Notices of Appraised Value on April 3rd, with a May 15th protest deadline. The plan includes having certified estimates out by the end of April. My hope is that we all stay healthy and safe so we can continue to provide excellent service to the people in our community. Best regards, Laura Raven, RPA Chief Appraiser Hays Central Appraisal District (512) 268-2522 www.hayscad.com
  • Locations
    St. David's Medical Center 919 E 32nd St Austin, TX 78705 (512) 476-7111 St. David's Emergency Center — Bee Cave 12813 Galleria CircleBee Cave, TX 78738 (512) 816-2100
  • Austin-Travis County Emergency Operations Center
    Note: Some Austin residents have a Hays County address. The Intergovernmental Relations Office would like to inform you that as part of the ongoing response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Austin-Travis County Emergency Operations Center has established a social services branch. The branch includes multiple strike teams and task forces, such as: Homelessness Task Force: develops short-term strategies (food access, personal hygiene) and long-term strategies (additional shelter beds, identification of quarantine facility) to address gaps in the homelessness response system related to COVID-19 Food Access Task Force: collaborates with community partners to address food system issues related to the response, in addition to working on a longer-term strategy for addressing the anticipated increase in food access needs throughout the community Behavioral Health Task Force: coordinates with the local mental health authority, other mental health and substance abuse providers to address emerging community needs. The City launched an interactive online map to help people find the nearest site for services. The resource map includes information on where individuals can access showers, food, handwashing, restrooms, and locations to charge personal devices. The City also handed out flyers and is doing verbal education for individuals who may not have access to the internet. According to the City, the map is regularly updated as additional services become available. The City also said Saturday that APH Neighborhood Centers will begin providing emergency rent and utility assistance starting on Monday, April 6, in addition to their emergency food delivery services. Clients may call (512) 972-5780 for assistance.
  • COVID-19 Resources & Hotline
    Austin Regional Clinic remains updated about COVID-19 and will continue to add new information to its website as it becomes available, including FAQs. ARC recommends preparedness and prevention and is practicing that advice in its clinics and with physicians, clinicians, and staff. The ARC COVID-19 Information and Advice Hotline is open 24/7 at 866-453-4525. The hotline provides advice on self-care and treatment recommendations.
  • JCISD COVID Info Page
    For information about how Johnson City ISD is handling the COVID-19 pandemic, visit https://www.jc.txed.net/site/Default.aspx?PageID=10022
  • Dripping Springs Emergency Management
    Find all city updates for COVID-19 here.
  • Dripping Springs Coronavirus Update
  • City of Dripping Springs Cancels all Events
    Dripping Springs, TX — March 18, 2020 - Following an order by Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra and the recently released guidelines from the Center for Disease Control, the City Council complied with the Judge’s order and cancelled all city-sponsored events and all events at City facilities, including all events at Dripping Springs Ranch Park until May 14, 2020. This includes the City’s Annual Founders Day Festival. It also includes the Farmers Market. Future Farmers Markets will be evaluated to see if that event can comply with guidelines. The City will work with the Founders Day Commission to help with the cancellation of the event. All craft and Cook-off vendors, along with sponsors, will be contacted by the Commission. The organizers of events scheduled at Ranch Park will be contacted and where the City can accommodate, new dates will be determined. The city will work with each organizer on logistics and monetary obligations. It is the city’s intent to work with each business to help as much as possible. Vendors of the Farmers Market will be contacted by the City’s Farmers Market manager and will continue to keep them updated on the status of that weekly event. For more information, please visit the City's COVID-19 Updates page, by following the link here. For general questions, contact the City at 512-858-4725 or email the Emergency Management Department at emergencymanagement@cityofdrippingsprings.com.
  • Changes to City Trash Pick-Up
    Beginning Monday, March 23rd, there will be some temporary changes to bulk waste collection for City of Dripping Springs residents. The City's provider for waste collection, Waste Connections of Texas, has announced they will begin temporary suspension of residential bulk and brush services and will limit their Residential Recycle and Trash Services to collection of only contents within the carts.
  • COVID-19 and City FAQs
    For emergency management FAQS, click here. For city event cancellation FAQs, click here.
  • Dripping Springs Chamber of Commerce
    The City of Dripping Springs prepared a document that contains some helpful resources for the business community and partners.
  • 3/18 Message from Dripping Springs Mayor
  • JCISD Update - 3/19
    March 19, 2020 Dear JCISD Community, The district is working diligently to prepare for the next two weeks of school closure; including ongoing instruction delivery and providing meals for our students. Please look for an update tomorrow regarding breakfast and lunch distribution. A technology survey will be sent out to check availability and internet access in our student’s homes. The survey can also be accessed at the following link: Technology Survey UIL Update: All activities suspended through May 4 and practices suspended until further notice. https://www.uiltexas.org/press-releases/detail/uil-announces-extended-suspension-of-all-uil-activities Our community support has been amazing, and I am asking everyone to continue to support our teachers, staff, students, and each other as we navigate through this crisis. Respectfully, Richard Kolek Superintendent of Schools Johnson City ISD Link: https://www.jc.txed.net/cms/lib/TX02215591/Centricity/Domain/34/JCISD%20COVID-19%20Update%20-Action%20Requested-%20March%2019%202020.pdf
  • Precautions
    To prevent the spread of the germs, ARC is asking all patients with a cough or respiratory symptoms to wear a face mask. ARC is continuing to disinfect exam rooms and all other clinic areas. This includes surfaces, door handles, grab bars, and stethoscopes. ARC also asks that you use eCheck-in through ARC MyChart to fill out necessary paperwork before your visit to avoid transmitting germs with pens at the front desk.
  • How to Visit
    Book an appointment by phone or online, and notify the schedulers about your symptoms and why you suspect COVID-19. You will be asked to place a mask when arriving to the clinic unless you have one already. If you are deemed high risk, your ARC care team will swab your nose and throat in our offices and send the samples to one of the labs that run the test. You do not have to be an established ARC patient to make an appointment. We have availability during the day, in the evenings, and on weekends. Phone schedulers are available 24/7. Call any clinic and press “1” to schedule an appointment. Upon arrival, ARC staff will greet you at the entrance and screen you for symptoms
  • Locations
    ARC Buda 3420 FM 967Buda, TX 78610 (512) 295-1608 ARC Dripping Springs 27600 Ranch Road 12 Bldg 1 Dripping Springs, TX 78620 (512) 829-9118 ARC Kyle Plum Creek 4100 Everett Street Suite 400 Kyle, TX 78640 (512) 295-1333 ARC Southwest 1807 W Slaughter Lane Suite 490Austin, TX 78748 (512) 282-8967
  • Message from Superintendent Richard Kolek - 3/31
    Find the full message here.
  • ARC Drive-Thru Testing
    Drive-up COVID-19 testing is now available in Kyle, Austin, Cedar Park and Round Rock. Austin Regional Clinic (ARC) opened the first of five drive-up testing sites at the South First Street Austin location. The other four locations, including Kyle, will be open by Thursday, April 2. Those who want to be tested must have a lab test order from an ARC physician, which can be ordered through an evaluation in the clinic or via telemedicine. The physician will look for symptoms of COVID-19 to determine eligibility for testing: fever, persistent cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing. You can find more information here.
  • How to Get Tested for COVID-19 at ARC Kyle Plum Creek
    Drive Thru COVID-19 Test Collection Site Call first Physician referral required Screening is not provided curbside. No appointment required Drive-Thru test collection All those wishing to be tested must have a lab test order from an ARC physician which can be received from an initial evaluation by an ARC physician in the clinic or via telemedicine. A “telemedicine” appointment with an ARC doctor can be scheduled by calling ARC’s 24/7 COVID-19 Hotline at 866-453-4525. Telemedicine appointments will be made at drive-up sites for those who do not have a lab order. Hours: 8am to 5pm.
  • CommuniCare Updates
    Despite the presence of Coronavirus (COVID-19), Communicare is open and operating under normal business hours to continue caring for our patients. CommuniCare is increasing the frequency of all cleaning and safety protocols. To protect the health and safety of the community, and to assure continued care for our patients due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, we have made temporary changes to our services and appointment schedules to include: We are now offering Curbside Services for patients presenting with upper respiratory conditions so that we can isolate them within their vehicles (with the exception of our Metropolitan Women’s Campus and our Medical Center Campus) and we are now offering Telemedicine Services when appropriate. These changes are to limit exposure to our patients and reduce infection risk at our facilities. Should any changes apply to your currently scheduled appointment, you will be contacted. Beginning Monday, March 30th – CommuniCare Health Centers will change the hours of operations for all of our clinic locations from 8AM-5PM until further notice. If you're experiencing COVID-19 symptoms such as a fever of 100.4 degrees or greater, a dry cough, congestion, or shortness of breath, please isolate yourself and avoid public places. If you need medical attention, please call your clinic at (512) 268-8900 before visiting. For more information please visit Communicare's website at https://www.communicaresa.org/covid19/
  • How to Get Tested for COVID-19
    Patients who are experiencing a fever, cough, and/or difficulty breathing will be assessed by a clinician during a curbside appointment, and under the clinician's discretion, will be offered a COVID-19 test. Screening is provided curbside. COVID-19 tests are free, but the patient will have to pay for their office visits and costs can vary: For privately insured, Medicaid, or Medicare patients, they will need to pay their insurance co-pay for the office visit, if applicable. For uninsured patients who do not qualify for our discount program, the cost of the office visit is $150 For uninsured patients who are low-income and do qualify for our discount program, the cost of their office visit can be as low as $45. Patients will need to bring a photo ID, proof of income or unemployment letter, and proof of residence, to apply for our discount program. Discount Program: To qualify for the discount program in Kyle, TX clinic or other location, you must have a total family income that is less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. You can visit communicaresa.org/become-a-patient/ for guidelines. For more information, call 512-268-8900.
  • No Updates at this Time
    We will update this page if anything changes.
  • SMCISD Latest Update - 3/19
    En Espanol Aqui: https://docs.google.com/viewerng/viewer?url=https://www.smcisd.net//cms/lib/TX02215324/Centricity/Domain/459/March+19.pdf March 19, 2020 San Marcos CISD Families, The San Marcos CISD Board of Trustees met today, March 19 at San Marcos HS to discuss district programs as we navigate through the suspension of normal district operations. At this time, the district is suspending normal district operations until April 5, but the district is planning in case we have to remain suspended for a longer period. Please read the following items discussed at the March 19 meeting: Child Nutrition At this time, we will be providing “Grab & Go” Free Curbside Meals beginning March 23 at the following locations and times: Breakfast: 8AM-9:30AM (Travis ES & San Marcos HS) Lunch: 11:30AM-1PM (Travis ES, San Marcos HS, Allen Wood Housing, C.M. Allen Housing, and Redwood Baptist Church) The meals are for children 18 and under, and must be in the vehicle to receive a meal. The district is currently considering additional sites and delivery options. Human Resources Update Today, the Board of Trustees passed a motion to not modify the school calendar and work days for SMCISD students and staff. This motion allows the district to maintain our current academic and work calendar as originally scheduled. To be abundantly clear, there will be no extension to either the academic or the work calendar because of this crisis. The Board of Trustees passed a resolution that there would be no pay disruption for all San Marcos CISD staff. The motion guarantees that all SMCISD employees will be paid throughout the 2019-2020 academic year. Online Learning/At-Home Learning Update SMCISD is dedicated to ensuring that students continue to receive access to learning opportunities through the elementary and secondary curriculum. Beginning Monday, March 30, 2020 you will receive specific information from your child's teacher(s), and campus principals, on how to access specific assignments and instructional resources. If access to technology is limited, or unavailable, you will be provided with directions on how to pick up hard copies of instructional materials from your child's campus. We will also make contact in the future to discuss options for the school district to provide and assist with technology and Wi-Fi. Today, the Board of Trustees allowed for the purchase of Wi-Fi hotspots for SMCISD households. We are asking for families in need of internet access at home to contact your campus principal to coordinate a plan. If your child receives special education support, the special education department will be in direct contact regarding your child's accommodations, modifications, and specialized lessons in accordance with your child's Individualized Education Plan. The time allotted for learning activities should be approximately three hours daily. We will send weekly links from our website via district communication platforms beginning March 26, 2020. The first set of lessons you will receive on March 26, 2020 are review lessons. This allows students to review previous learning. The first set of activities do not need to be returned, but allows for students and families to become accustomed to the remote learning. On our website, we will provide the lessons in two different formats. The first format will include a list of the lessons by grade level. The second format includes the same lessons but in a structured format (i.e. when to include breaks, physical movement, etc.). Your campus principal and student’s teacher will guide you and your student through this process beginning the week of March 30, 2020. Consistent communication with your child's classroom teacher(s), and principal, will help us all navigate this unique learning experience. We are here to assist you in any way. Key Dates Monday, March 23 – Essential staff members physically return to work. Teachers remotely work from home. “Grab & Go” Free Curbside Meals begin. Thursday, March 26 – SMCISD families will receive review lessons via district communication platforms. Lesson plans will also be available on district website. Monday, March 30 – SMCISD families will receive specific information from your child's teacher(s), and campus principals, on how to access specific assignments and instructional resources.
  • Updates to Scheduled Appointments
    TEMPORARY Changes to CTMC Services Due to COVID-19 To protect the health and safety of the community, and to assure continued care for our patients due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, CTMC has made temporary changes to its services and appointment schedules. These changes are to limit exposure to patients and reduce infection risk at CTMC facilities. Should any changes apply to your currently scheduled appointment, you will be contacted. Please review the new temporary guidelines by following the link here.
  • Locations & Contact
    CommuniCare Kyle Campus 2810 Dacy Lane Kyle, TX 78640 CommuniCare San Marcos Campus 1941 South I-35 Suite 101 San Marcos, TX 78666 CommuniCare Wimberley Campus 203 Stillwater Road Suite 6Wimberley, TX 78676 Book an appointment online or call (512) 268-8900
  • SCISD COVID Info Page
    https://www.smcisd.net/Page/4250
  • SMCISD Meal Service
    En Espanol: https://docs.google.com/viewerng/viewer?url=https://www.smcisd.net//cms/lib/TX02215324/Centricity/Domain/459/Free+Meals.pdf San Marcos CISD Free Curbside Meals Parents may pick up meals without their children present at any San Marcos CISD feeding site. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is requiring parents to provide a form of documentation when picking up a meal without the child present. Below are the approved types of documentation: Child's birth certificate (born 2001-present) Student report card Student ID card• Student Bus Tag Student Carpool Tag The documentation can be held up to the window for staff to inspect. There must be one piece of documentation for each child not present to receive a meal. Documentation is not required when a child is brought to the meal site. San Marcos CISD Families can pick up both breakfast and lunch meals from 10:00AM-12:30PM at the following locations: Mendez Elementary School 1805 Peter Garza Drive Serving from the bus loop behind the campus Travis Elementary School 1437 Post Road Serving from the bus loop behind the campus San Marcos High School 2601 Rattler Rd. Allen Wood Homes 1201 Thorpe Lane C.M. Allen Homes 820 Sturgeon Redwood Baptist Church 2050 Poplar Street For More Information: https://www.smcisd.net/Page/4273
  • SMCISD Closure Notice - 3/16
    En Espanol: https://www.smcisd.net//cms/lib/TX02215324/Centricity/Domain/459/Spanish%20Final.pdf March 16, 2020 San Marcos CISD Families and Staff, I know San Marcos families are searching for answers regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19). I am keenly aware that our decisions impact students and their extended family who may be susceptible to illness. My team is in daily contact with local, county, and state officials. My focus is to ensure that our students, staff, and families are safe. Right now, try not to worry about academics, the calendar, graduation or trips. In a time like this, it is more important to take care of one another by practicing healthy habits and social distancing. Everything else will take care of itself. San Marcos CISD has created four stages of response. Stage 1: Daily operational procedures with intensified sanitizing protocols; all students and staff report to school. Prior to spring break, we were in Stage 1. Stage 2: All staff report to work. Parents have the choice to send children to school or keep them at home without penalty. Over the last few days, we were anticipating to be in Stage 2 when we returned from spring break. Stage 3: All teachers and all students stay at home and SMCISD moves to at-home learning. Essential staff reports to work. The Superintendent’s Cabinet will determine essential staff and will contact the employees. Stage 4: All students and all staff stay home, and SMCISD would not be in operation. There would be no instruction during this time. On March 15, Hays County and the City of San Marcos declared a state of disaster. I understand that proactive measures are better to reactive measures in terms of controlling the number of new cases. Therefore, because of the County’s first presumptive case of COVID-19 and out of an abundance of caution for the health and safety of our students and staff, I am moving San Marcos CISD to Stage 3 on March 23 and will be suspending normal school operations through April 5 to help prevent exposure to students, staff, and the community. Please understand that this is the minimum that school may be suspended. The reality is that this is not a short-term solution and more information will be forthcoming. The district is finalizing logistics on distance learning options for students. More information and guidance will be made available on our website this week and will be messaged to SMCISD families. Beginning Monday, March 23 meals will be provided at the following times and locations: Breakfast: 8AM-9:30AM (Travis Elementary and San Marcos HS) Lunch: 11:30AM-1PM (Travis Elementary, San Marcos HS, and Redwood Baptist Church) Anyone 18 years old and under are free. Adult meals will be $3.50 This is a rapidly-developing issue and continues to change daily. We remain in close communication with health authorities and we will communicate an update with our community as quickly as possible. I want to thank our students, parents, teachers, administrators, and central office staff members as we deal with this unprecedented issue. Together, wehttps://www.smcisd.net//cms/lib/TX02215324/Centricity/Domain/459/Website%20March%2016%20Final.pdf #StrikeAsOne. Sincerely, Michael Cardona Superintendent of Schools Link:
  • San Marcos High School Distance Learning FAQ
    For frequently asked questions about distance learning at SMHS, click here.
  • WISD Update 4/17/2020
    In an announcement made earlier Friday Texas Governor Abbott closed all schools through the end of the 2019-20 school year to keep students and staff safe from the Coronavirus pandemic. To comply with this order Wimberley ISD will keep all its campuses closed through the end of our scheduled school year (May 21). WISD teachers will continue providing at-home instruction through the end of the school year. Learn more about that news and other updates in this video message from Superintendent Dwain York: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSWWXqVucj0
  • Updates
    CTMC does not have onsite testing capabilities for COVID-19. Please refer to the CDC guidelines for the latest information. To ensure the safety of all those involved, CTMC is canceling its HealthCheck event on May 1, 2020 as well as all community and business blood draws and additional screenings leading up to the event. If you have already had your blood drawn, you will receive your results by mail in the coming weeks. For paid exhibitors, CTMC will work with you on reimbursement for the cost of your booth. If you have any questions, please call (512) 753-3818.
  • Disaster Declarations and Event Cancelations
    Kyle, TX — March 18, 2020 - Following Mayor Mitchell's disaster declaration, all city-sponsored events are canceled, including, but not limited to, Easter Egg-Stravaganza and all library programing. From March 21st through April 5th, the following restrictions apply: Public gatherings limited to 10 people. Dining in restaurants and bars is prohibited, including outdoor dining. However, drive-thru, curbside, and delivery are encouraged. Offices are limited to 10 people per room. Movie theaters, daycare, gyms, and bowling alleys are closed.
  • Guidance from the CDC
    The CDC has prepared interim guidance for businesses and employers to plan and resond to COVID-19. Please follow this link for the most up to date guidance.
  • Contact CTMC
    (512) 353-8979 1301 Wonder World Drive San Marcos, TX 78666
  • City of Kyle Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
    Find details, restrictions, recommendations and resources for the the City of Kyle here.
  • WISD Closure Notice
    Wimberley ISD will be extending Spring Break and closing our campuses for an additional two weeks through the week of March 30-April 3 as we assess the situation in our community. All meetings, campus events, practices, and extracurricular activities will be suspended. This decision is being made in coordination with surrounding school districts for the well-being of the broader community. District officials will continue to communicate with local and state health officials throughout the coming weeks as we work to minimize health and safety risks to the WISD community. During Spring Break WISD administrators will finalize plans for other considerations during this closure, such as alternate learning opportunities and providing meals to students who receive free or reduced breakfast and lunch. Details regarding online learning and the distribution of educational materials and meals will be emailed to parents and guardians via the email address listed on file in Skyward Family Access by Thursday, March 19. Individuals may update their email address by logging into Skyward. Updates will also be provided online at www.wimberleyisd.net/coronavirus. WISD leadership will continue to remain in constant communication with state and local health officials and the Texas Education Agency. The District would like to thank our parents, staff, and community members for their patience and understanding during this time. Please continue to care for yourself, family, and those around you Dwain York Superintendent Link: https://www.wimberleyisd.net//cms/lib/TX50000220/Centricity/Domain/266/CORONAVIRUS%20EBLAST%203-16-2020.pdf
  • Guidance on Applying for Disaster Loans
    The San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce has provided guidance for small businesses on how to apply for one of these loans. Visit their website here. The City of Dripping Springs share this three-step chart from the Small Business Administration on applying for disaster loans.
  • Common Issues Encountered by Small Businesses
    The Small Business Administration has prepared a list of issues and guidance that small businesses may be experiencing in the face of the COVID-19 outbreak: Capital Access – Incidents can strain a small business's financial capacity to make payroll, maintain inventory and respond to market fluctuations (both sudden drops and surges in demand). Businesses should prepare by exploring and testing their capital access options so they have what they need when they need it. See SBA’s capital access resources. Workforce Capacity – Incidents have just as much impact on your workers as they do your clientele. It’s critical to ensure they have the ability to fulfill their duties while protected. Inventory and Supply Chain Shortfalls – While the possibility could be remote, it is a prudent preparedness measure to ensure you have either adequate supplies of inventory for a sustained period and/or diversify your distributor sources in the event one supplier cannot meet an order request. Facility Remediation/Clean-up Costs – Depending on the incident, there may be a need to enhance the protection of customers and staff by increasing the frequency and intensity by which your business conducts cleaning of surfaces frequently touched by occupants and visitors. Check your maintenance contracts and supplies of cleaning materials to ensure they can meet increases in demand. Insurance Coverage Issues – Many businesses have business interruption insurance; Now is the time to contact your insurance agent to review your policy to understand precisely what you are and are not covered for in the event of an extended incident. Changing Market Demand – Depending on the incident, there may be access controls or movement restrictions established which can impede your customers from reaching your business. Additionally, there may be public concerns about public exposure to an incident and they may decide not to go to your business out of concern of exposing themselves to greater risk. SBA’s Resources Partners and District Offices have trained experts who can help you craft a plan specific to your situation to help navigate any rapid changes in demand. Marketing – It’s critical to communicate openly with your customers about the status of your operations, what protective measures you’ve implemented, and how they (as customers) will be protected when they visit your business. Promotions may also help incentivize customers who may be reluctant to patronize your business. Plan – As a business, bring your staff together and prepare a plan for what you will do if the incident worsens or improves. It’s also helpful to conduct a tabletop exercise to simulate potential scenarios and how your business management and staff might respond to the hypothetical scenario in the exercise. For examples of tabletop exercises, visit FEMA’s website at: https://www.fema.gov/emergency-planning-exercises
  • Updates to City Services
    City facilities will be closed to the public with most services still available by phone, (512) 262-1010, and online. Payments, applications, permits, service requests, and more will be available online and by mail. Please note that in most cases, documentation submitted via mail will be delayed in processing. No notary service to walk-in customers will be available at City Hall. In-person staff will follow CDC guidelines, maintain necessary distance, and other safety measures to ensure public safety. For the department directory, click here, or call (512) 262-1010 BUILDING INSPECTIONS Building inspectors will continue without interruption, as practicable, but extra steps may be implemented to ensure public safety. Inspections for alterations and improvements to occupied residences will be suspended until further notice to protect both city staff and residents. Inspectors will move to a primarily direct report, out-of-office operation. Plan reviews will occur through EnerGov (the CSS portal) exclusively. LIBRARY All incoming books will be sanitized and quarantined for 3+ days. Library will continue to check out books at our exterior window on the east side of the building. People can reserve items online for pick-up and/or call and we will retrieve the items and have them ready for pickup. The limit will be three items per person. There is curbside parking along Scott street. Check out laptop computers for emergency use on-site for communications and printing. You can reserve items in the following ways (Maximum (3) items per account.): Online: https://kyle.biblionix.com/catalog/ E-mail: circulation@cityofkyle.com Text: 512-675-2442 Phone: 512-268-7411 All library items will be renewed automatically and do not have to be returned until April 5 To access e-books and audiobooks online, click here. MUNICIPAL COURT All weekly Court sessions to be canceled. This will include Show Cause Hearings, Pre-Trial and Trial settings, Warning Letter Hearings. The Court will reschedule all the above proceedings to avoid the gathering of large groups of people. Notifications to reappear will be mailed out when those setting have been rescheduled. Please call 512-262-3994 or email court@cityofkyle.com for any questions or concerns. For municipal court payments, click here. PARKS Parks and public restrooms will remain open but residents are encouraged to bring sanitizer and practice social distancing. Playground equipment will be closed to the public. POLICE No civilian ride-outs will be conducted.Lobby only open for drop box to assist with records requests and will refer citizens to call dispatch or use online services. Civil Service Exams have been canceled. Extra steps may be implemented to ensure public safety when responding to calls for service. UTILITY BILLING AND SERVICE REQUESTS / CONNECTIONS All late payment penalties will be deferred. All new service requests, service terminations, and service transfers will be handled through online, email, or by phone/fax. Click here for utiity bill payments. WATER AND WASTEWATER SERVICES Water and Wastewater services are not affected in any way by these changes in operations. Water and Wastewater staff will be working without interruption.
  • WISD Child Nutrition Info - Food Pickup
    Students that Qualify for Free or Reduced Meals: FOOD PICKUP LOCATIONS: My Joy Lane Culdesac 10:45 a.m. Rhodes and Jewell Lane 10:45 a.m. Jacob's Well Elementary 11:00 a.m. Lange Rd @ Rockwood Rd 11:00 a.m. 1312 FM 32 Garza Mobile Home Park 11:10 a.m. Fischer Store Rd. (near intersection with Fischer Trail) 11:15 a.m. Cedar Oak Mesa Swimming Pool Area 11:15 a.m. 1315 FM 32 Garza Mobile Home Park 11:25 a.m. Circle Dr. (near entrance to Serenity Farmhouse Inn) 11:30 a.m. Lone Man Mountain Rd. (approximately 1.2 miles from RR12/Lone Man Mountain Rd. intersection) 11:55 a.m. Students must be present to pick up meals. If a student can not be present, the parent/guardian will need to present one of the following: Official letter/email/electronic school application from school listing children enrolled Individual student report card(s) Attendance record from parent portal of the school website, printed or electronic, that includes the child's name(s) Birth certificate(s) Student ID card(s) Food will be delivered in a grab and go method. Lunch and breakfast can be picked up at the same time. We are continuously identifying new areas of service and adding them to our routes, if you arrive at your location and the WISD vehicle has not arrived yet, please be patient and it will arrive soon. If you have any questions regarding times, please contact Heather Baldwin at 512-847-2414, ext. 2022 or email heather.baldwin@wimberleyisd.net. For up to date information, please visit https://www.wimberleyisd.net/Page/1346 Meals can be picked up by anyone in the Wimberley community at First Baptist Church after 1:15 p.m.
  • Coronavirus Response Toolkit
    The U.S Chamber of Commerce has prepared a Coronavirus Response Toolkit for businesses and employees. View the toolkit here.
  • Access to Wifi
    Wifi is available for free outside of City Hall, on the lawn at City Square Park and outside of the Public Library.
  • Apply for Free or Reduced Meals
    March 27, 2020 — Superintendent York provided the following update: "It has come to my attention that due to a variety of circumstances related to the pandemic, some of our families’ financial situations have changed and would now likely qualify for free and reduced price meals at Wimberley ISD. Families can apply anytime within the year for this program. To begin the application process to receive free and reduced price meals at WISD go online to: https://www.mealappnow.com/manwim/splash.php The online application is a quicker option, but for those who need to use the printed applications, you can return it to us at 951 FM 2325, Wimberley, TX 78676."
  • Rapid Response Program
    The Texas Workforce Commission administers the Rapid Response Program. Texas Workforce Solutions can provide immediate on-site services to assist workers facing job losses. Rapid Response provides early intervention assistance designed to transition workers to their next employment as soon as possible. Services are tailored to each company, based on the needs of the affected employees To learn more about the program, follow this link.
  • WISD COVID Info Page
    https://www.wimberleyisd.net/coronavirus
  • En Español
    Haga clic aquí para obtener información en español.
  • Barnabas Connection HELPline
  • FAQs Relating to COVID-19 for Texas Businesses and Community Economic Development Partners
    The City of Dripping Springs has prepared an FAQ's page for businesses in the region. View the page here.
  • Update from Mayor Mitchell 03/19/2020
  • WISD Graduation Update
    March 27, 2020 — Superintendent York provided the following update on graduation: "One of our priorities through the delays and closures of this situation has been to ensure that our Class of 2020 seniors are properly honored and congratulated. Several weeks ago we were informed that Strahan Coliseum has cancelled all of their graduation events, so we began to discuss other options. Several different ideas for a graduation celebration have been discussed, and on Monday I will meet with the WHS principal and several staff members to talk about the viability of these options. The hope is to have a final solution in place by the beginning of May so our families can plan and prepare."
  • Update from Mayor Mitchell 03/13/2020
  • Guidance from the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives
    View resources and best practices from the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives by following the link here.
  • Information on Online & Curbside Orders
    Seller Community has prepared guidance on how to help your business stay afloat by enabling you to take orders online for in-person pickup. For more information, follow this link.
  • Update from Mayor Mitchell 04/03/2020
    ORDER NUMBER 4 AND PROCLAMATION BY THE MAYOR. Read the full Order here.
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