LAREDO, Texas—The City of Laredo, along with Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) and representatives from the government, education and health care sectors held a press conference Friday morning to clarify concerns regarding novel coronavirus, or COVID-19.
At about the same time, Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared a state of disaster for all 254 Texas counties and President Trump declared a national emergency as it relates to the virus. These declarations will help in releasing funds to deal with preparation and response.
Laredo continues to be at low risk regarding COVID-19. Furthermore, the city reaffirms that there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Laredo.
Any rumors about closing the border at this time due to the virus are false.
During an emergency city council meeting Friday evening, City Manager Robert Eads presented on the City of Laredo COVID-19 City Action Plan, which calls for: 1) education of employees and the public by implementing measures to help prevent exposure to, as well as the spread of the virus; 2) communication with employees and the public with pertinent information and updates while maintaining city operations in a safe environment; 3) planning and preparation for a potential escalation of this situation and citywide continuity of operations; and 4) the tracking of financial expenditures for potential reimbursement.
Out of an abundance of caution, the city took the extraordinary action of suspending all non-essential travel, public events, and large meetings and conferences for city employees for a period of 30 days beginning Saturday March 14. Only advisory committee meetings will be suspended during that same time period. The suspension of events also includes the Run Way Run that had been scheduled for April 18 at the Laredo International Airport.
The council also voted to provide paid sick time for a period of two weeks to all city employees if they, their spouse or children become ill with the virus.
The council approved $150,000 from general fund reserves, and other funds as needed, to develop the action plan, as well as a waiver of late fees and online convenience fees for water utilities accounts for 30 days beginning March 16.
They also approved the closure of all public recreation centers, senior centers and public library branches from March 14-22 to disinfect those areas, with the option to extend that period if necessary. Furthermore, the council voted in favor of contracting with a private company to provide cleaning and disinfecting services for city offices.
El Metro Transit will not stop operations during this period. El Metro began implementing emergency management practices as of last week. Buses are sanitized each day and night while the transit center is cleaned and sanitized two to three times a day. The City of Laredo will also be installing temporary handwashing stations at the transit center.
Also approved was an item to allow the City of Laredo Municipal Court to suspend all non-essential court settings scheduled from Monday, March 16, 2020 to April 2 and reschedule them for a future date. The court will mail notices to all parties that have business in the court during those dates advising of the new court setting with a specific date and time. The court will remain open during this time. However, the use of online services for information and payments is strongly encouraged. Online fees will be waived for a period of 30 days beginning Monday, March 16.
In light of public health concerns, the city recommends the public to refrain from handshakes or unnecessary contact with other individuals. The public can further reduce their risk by following the preventative measures laid out below.
First, the city reminds the public that this is a novel, or new virus that no one has immunity to. However, the vast majority of cases in the United States and across the world have been mild. Those who are over 50 years old and those with chronic underlying conditions, or those who are not in general good health, are most at risk from developing complications from this virus.
At this time, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the city only recommend good hygiene, such as washing your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds, using hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol when soap and water aren’t available, covering your sneeze or cough, not touching your face in order to avoid potential infection, disinfecting frequently-used surfaces such as electronics and door knobs, avoiding close contact with those who are sick, not traveling to affected areas, staying home if you feel sick, and call your doctor if you exhibit symptoms such as high fever, cough and shortness of breath. Do not go to the hospital if you exhibit symptoms, first call your doctor to receive instruction.
While Laredo does not currently have kits to test for COVID-19, the City of Laredo and local health care providers do have capabilities to confirm diagnoses by collecting specimens and sending for testing. The City of Laredo has also asked for tests and more funding from the federal government to be prepared for all scenarios.
The U.S. House of Representatives passed a coronavirus aid package Saturday that will help address key public health concerns such as granting free testing for COVID-19, paid sick leave, broader unemployment benefits and additional SNAP funding.
The City of Laredo reminds the public not to go out and stock up on supplies. Only buy what you would normally consume. There is no need to buy bottled water unless you have a personal preference. City of Laredo Water utilities is 100 percent safe to drink and will not be affected by this situation. Overstocking on items can create a shortage that may affect the most vulnerable populations.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends only using a mask if you yourself are ill, or if you are caring for someone who is ill. If you are healthy, leave masks for health care workers and others. You can see general guidelines for mask use here: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/when-and-how-to-use-masks.
The public can call the City of Laredo Health Department 24/7 hotline at (956) 795-4954 for any questions regarding COVID-19 and get the latest updates from the CDC at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov, from the Texas Department of State Health and Human Services at www.dshs.state.tx.us/coronavirus, or from the WHO athttps://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters. The City of Laredo will also be providing updates as they become available on www.cityoflaredo.com and through the smartphone app LAREDOTX311.
