Governor Abbott ordered today that all schools remain closed through May 1, unless otherwise extended. For that reason, and in the interest of public health and doing everything in our power to limit the spread of COVID-19, Plano ISD is extending the closure of schools through May 1. Read more at https://www.pisd.edu/covid-19updates
Plano Independent School District
Governor Abbott ordered today that all schools remain closed through May 1, unless otherwise extended. For that reason, and in the interest of public health and doing everything in our power to limit the spread of COVID-19, Plano ISD is extending the closure of schools through May 1. Read more at https://www.pisd.edu/covid-19updates
Announcing Essential Services & Activities Protocols to minimize non-essential gatherings & in-person contact with people who aren't in the same household.
These protocols follow decisions by President Trump and CDC to enhance & extend social distancing guidelines.
https://bit.ly/3bF8NR7
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Governor Abbott Issues Executive Order, Implements Statewide Essential Services And Activities Protocols
AUSTIN - Governor Greg Abbott today issued an Executive Order implementing Essential Services and Activities Protocols for the entire state of Texas. The protocols direct all Texans to minimize non-essential gatherings and in-person contact with people who are not in the same household. The Governor’s Executive Order renews and amends his previous order enforcing federal social distancing guidelines for COVID-19, including closing schools and instructing Texans to avoid eating or drinking at bars and restaurants. The protocols allow exceptions for essential activities and services based on the Department of Homeland Security’s guidelines on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce. Examples of these essential services include healthcare, grocery stores, banking and financial services, utilities, child care for essential service employees, and government services.
Today’s Executive Order follows the decision by President Trump and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to enhance social distancing guidelines and extend the deadline for these guidelines to April 30th.
Governor Abbott was joined for the announcement by Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, House Speaker Dennis Bonnen, Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Commissioner John Hellerstedt, MD, Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) Chief Nim Kidd, and Texas Education Agency (TEA) Commissioner Mike Morath.
“Social distancing is our best tool in the fight against COVID-19, and the actions we have taken thus far have proven to be effective in limiting the spread of this virus,” said Governor Abbott. “Now it is time to redouble our efforts to reduce further exposure as much as possible and flatten the curve. As with all the actions the state is taking, the Essential Services and Activities Protocols is informed by the expertise and guidance of the CDC as well as state and local health officials. I urge my fellow Texans to heed these heightened social distancing directives to protect their health and the health of those around them. By following these guidelines, we will limit the spread of COVID-19 and overcome this challenge together.”
The Executive Order renews and expands the Governor's previous directive to minimize social gatherings and minimize contact with people who are not in the same household. It also renews the Governor's directive to avoid eating or drinking at bars, restaurants, and food courts, and visiting gyms or massage establishments, and it expands the order to include tattoo studios, piercing studios, and cosmetology salons.
In accordance with federal guidelines, people are still prohibited from visiting nursing home, state supported living centers, assisted living facilities, or long-term care facilities unless to provide critical assistance. Additionally, schools will remain temporarily closed to in-person classroom attendance through May 4, 2020.
This Executive Order does not prohibit people from accessing essential services or engaging in essential daily activities, such as going to the grocery store or gas station, providing or obtaining other essential services, hunting or fishing, or engaging in physical activity like jogging or bicycling, so long as the necessary precautions are maintained to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 and to minimize in-person contact with people who are not in the same household. The order also includes exemption for religious services conducted in churches, congregations, and houses of worship. All critical infrastructure will remain operational, and government entities and businesses will continue providing essential services.
TDEM will maintain an online list of essential services specified in the Governor's Executive Order at www.tdem.texas.gov/essentialservices/. Other essential services may be added to this list with the approval of TDEM.
These orders will be effective on a statewide basis starting at 12:01 AM on April 2, 2020 and will end on April 30, 2020, subject to extension thereafter based on the status of COVID-19 in Texas and the recommendations of the CDC.
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These protocols follow decisions by President Trump and CDC to enhance & extend social distancing guidelines.
https://bit.ly/3bF8NR7
###
Governor Abbott Issues Executive Order, Implements Statewide Essential Services And Activities Protocols
AUSTIN - Governor Greg Abbott today issued an Executive Order implementing Essential Services and Activities Protocols for the entire state of Texas. The protocols direct all Texans to minimize non-essential gatherings and in-person contact with people who are not in the same household. The Governor’s Executive Order renews and amends his previous order enforcing federal social distancing guidelines for COVID-19, including closing schools and instructing Texans to avoid eating or drinking at bars and restaurants. The protocols allow exceptions for essential activities and services based on the Department of Homeland Security’s guidelines on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce. Examples of these essential services include healthcare, grocery stores, banking and financial services, utilities, child care for essential service employees, and government services.
Today’s Executive Order follows the decision by President Trump and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to enhance social distancing guidelines and extend the deadline for these guidelines to April 30th.
Governor Abbott was joined for the announcement by Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, House Speaker Dennis Bonnen, Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Commissioner John Hellerstedt, MD, Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) Chief Nim Kidd, and Texas Education Agency (TEA) Commissioner Mike Morath.
“Social distancing is our best tool in the fight against COVID-19, and the actions we have taken thus far have proven to be effective in limiting the spread of this virus,” said Governor Abbott. “Now it is time to redouble our efforts to reduce further exposure as much as possible and flatten the curve. As with all the actions the state is taking, the Essential Services and Activities Protocols is informed by the expertise and guidance of the CDC as well as state and local health officials. I urge my fellow Texans to heed these heightened social distancing directives to protect their health and the health of those around them. By following these guidelines, we will limit the spread of COVID-19 and overcome this challenge together.”
The Executive Order renews and expands the Governor's previous directive to minimize social gatherings and minimize contact with people who are not in the same household. It also renews the Governor's directive to avoid eating or drinking at bars, restaurants, and food courts, and visiting gyms or massage establishments, and it expands the order to include tattoo studios, piercing studios, and cosmetology salons.
In accordance with federal guidelines, people are still prohibited from visiting nursing home, state supported living centers, assisted living facilities, or long-term care facilities unless to provide critical assistance. Additionally, schools will remain temporarily closed to in-person classroom attendance through May 4, 2020.
This Executive Order does not prohibit people from accessing essential services or engaging in essential daily activities, such as going to the grocery store or gas station, providing or obtaining other essential services, hunting or fishing, or engaging in physical activity like jogging or bicycling, so long as the necessary precautions are maintained to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 and to minimize in-person contact with people who are not in the same household. The order also includes exemption for religious services conducted in churches, congregations, and houses of worship. All critical infrastructure will remain operational, and government entities and businesses will continue providing essential services.
TDEM will maintain an online list of essential services specified in the Governor's Executive Order at www.tdem.texas.gov/essentialservices/. Other essential services may be added to this list with the approval of TDEM.
These orders will be effective on a statewide basis starting at 12:01 AM on April 2, 2020 and will end on April 30, 2020, subject to extension thereafter based on the status of COVID-19 in Texas and the recommendations of the CDC.
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As students continue to work remotely this week, don't forget about the resources we've compiled for parents to use with their students during the school closure. Many of these are fun enough to count as a 'break' from schoolwork, but still be educational!
http://www.planopta.org/school-closure-resources
http://www.planopta.org/school-closure-resources
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: March 29, 2020 - 4:45 p.m.
COVID-19 Webpage: share.plano.gov/COVID-19Update
COVID-19 Full FAQs: share.plano.gov/COVID-19FAQs
COVID-19 Resources: share.plano.gov/COVID-19Resources
Updates from Collin County
Updated information on latest cases in Plano, Texas (note: We have just posted a revision to the information shared at 4:45 as we have new numbers from Collin County): Six new cases of COVID-19 were reported to the Collin County health authority this afternoon, Persons under Monitoring (PUM): 154 Collin County; 46 Plano
Updates from Texas Governor Greg Abbott
Governor Abbott has issued an executive order on drivers coming to Texas from Louisiana. Travelers must complete Texas DPS paperwork and self-quarantine for 14 days.
- This does not apply to commercial, emergency or medical.
The Governor has expanded the travel orders in place for those flying from New York, TriState and New Orleans to include:
- Miami, FL
- Atlanta, GA
- Detroit, Michigan
- Chicago, IL
- California and Washington state
The Governor emphasized Texas is preparing for “worst case challenges.” As such, he told Texans to expect to see more military support in communities and noted the Dallas Convention Center will be set up as a temporary healthcare facility if needed. He also issued an order stopping the release of dangerous inmates from jails and prisons.
Updates from the Federal Government
Find out how you can protect yourself and helpful resources on DOJ’s Coronavirus Fraud Prevention website: justice.gov/coronavirus
The Federal Trade Commission has also established a website with helpful information to help consumers avoid coronavirus-related scams: consumer.ftc.gov/features/coronavirus-scams-what-ftc-doing
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration’s (SAMHSA) Disaster Distress Helpline – 1-800-985-5990 (or text TalkWithUs to 66746) – provides 24/7, 365-day-a-year crisis counseling and support to anyone who is seeking help in coping with the mental or emotional effects caused by developments related to the coronavirus pandemic. Learn more about the Disaster Distress Helpline: samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline
On Friday, March 27, President Trump signed the CARES Act. In brief, this legislation provides assistance to families, workers, and businesses in need. A summary of the major provisions included in this package, along with details specifically for individuals, families, businesses, and seniors, can be found at Congressman Van Taylor’s website: vantaylor.house.gov/coronavirus/
Testing
Apple has released a virtual COVID-19 self-test. You do not need to download the app; the assessment questionnaire can be completed online: apple.com/covid19
COVID-19 Webpage: share.plano.gov/COVID-19Update
COVID-19 Full FAQs: share.plano.gov/COVID-19FAQs
COVID-19 Resources: share.plano.gov/COVID-19Resources
Updates from Collin County
Updated information on latest cases in Plano, Texas (note: We have just posted a revision to the information shared at 4:45 as we have new numbers from Collin County): Six new cases of COVID-19 were reported to the Collin County health authority this afternoon, Persons under Monitoring (PUM): 154 Collin County; 46 Plano
Updates from Texas Governor Greg Abbott
Governor Abbott has issued an executive order on drivers coming to Texas from Louisiana. Travelers must complete Texas DPS paperwork and self-quarantine for 14 days.
- This does not apply to commercial, emergency or medical.
The Governor has expanded the travel orders in place for those flying from New York, TriState and New Orleans to include:
- Miami, FL
- Atlanta, GA
- Detroit, Michigan
- Chicago, IL
- California and Washington state
The Governor emphasized Texas is preparing for “worst case challenges.” As such, he told Texans to expect to see more military support in communities and noted the Dallas Convention Center will be set up as a temporary healthcare facility if needed. He also issued an order stopping the release of dangerous inmates from jails and prisons.
Updates from the Federal Government
Find out how you can protect yourself and helpful resources on DOJ’s Coronavirus Fraud Prevention website: justice.gov/coronavirus
The Federal Trade Commission has also established a website with helpful information to help consumers avoid coronavirus-related scams: consumer.ftc.gov/features/coronavirus-scams-what-ftc-doing
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration’s (SAMHSA) Disaster Distress Helpline – 1-800-985-5990 (or text TalkWithUs to 66746) – provides 24/7, 365-day-a-year crisis counseling and support to anyone who is seeking help in coping with the mental or emotional effects caused by developments related to the coronavirus pandemic. Learn more about the Disaster Distress Helpline: samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline
On Friday, March 27, President Trump signed the CARES Act. In brief, this legislation provides assistance to families, workers, and businesses in need. A summary of the major provisions included in this package, along with details specifically for individuals, families, businesses, and seniors, can be found at Congressman Van Taylor’s website: vantaylor.house.gov/coronavirus/
Testing
Apple has released a virtual COVID-19 self-test. You do not need to download the app; the assessment questionnaire can be completed online: apple.com/covid19
Don't forget to scan your receipts as you are shopping. Even though we cannot be together, we can still use our Shoparoo and take a pic of those receipts!