NewsFlash
April 16, 2020
Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins amends order to require face coverings
Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins has amended his #SaferAtHome Order to require those patronizing an essential business or utilizing public transportation to wear a face covering that covers the nose and the mouth.
The Order reads:
Effective, 11:59 p.m., April 17, to the greatest extent possible, all persons over the age of two (2) shall wear some form of covering over their nose and mouth, such as a homemade mask, scarf, bandana or handkerchief, when patronizing an Essential Business or using public transportation pursuant to the rules outlined in Exhibit G. Parents and Guardians of children under the age of ten (10) shall be responsible for appropriately masking children pursuant to this Order. To the greatest extent possible, all non-medical employees who work at an Essential Businesses or perform services that are exempt under this Order must wear face coverings over their noses and mouths while performing their work. An owner or operator of an Essential Business may refuse admission or service to any individual who fails to wear face covering. Wearing a face covering is not a substitute for maintaining 6-feet social distancing and hand washing, as these remain important steps to slowing the spread of the virus.
The full Order is available on the Town's website.
For information on how to make a face covering: CDC Recommendations
West Nile Virus reported in Dallas County
DCHHS is reporting confirmation of the first positive West Nile Virus (WNV) mosquito trap for 2020 in Dallas County, which was collected April 14 in the area containing the zip code 75104. The detection of WNV in our mosquito population indicates a risk of infection to humans in our area. No confirmed human cases of WNV infection have yet been reported this year in Texas or Dallas County.
How can I protect myself?
Defend by using the four D's:
- DEET All Day Every Day; Whenever you’re outside, use insect repellents that contain DEET or other EPA approved repellents and follow instructions.
- Dress; Wear long, loose, and light-colored clothing outside.
- Drain; Remove all standing water in and around your home.
- Dusk & Dawn; Limit outdoor activities during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
Source: Dallas County Health and Human Services
COVID-19 community based testing sites expands criteria, provide self-testing kits
Both Dallas-area community based testing sites will open the criteria to include testing for anyone 65 years old or older and anyone with chronic health issues (diabetes, asthma, heart problems, etc.) beginning April 16. Both locations have transitioned to using the self-swab testing kits.
The sites operate daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and are located at:
• American Airlines Center, Parking Lot E, 2500 Victory Plaza, Dallas, TX 75201
• Ellis Davis Field House, 9191 S. Polk St., Dallas, TX 75232
Criteria for testing sites areas follows:
• Must have temperature of 99.6 or higher and shortness of breath or cough; OR
• Anyone 65 years of age or older; OR
• Anyone with chronic health issues (diabetes, asthma, heart issues, etc.)
For more information on the community based testing sites, visit dallascityhall.com/covid19.
Dallas County COVID-19 case report
- A man in his 60’s who was a resident of the City of Dallas and had been critically ill in an area hospital;
- A man in his 60’s who was a resident of the City of Dallas and had been critically ill in an area hospital;
- A man in his 70’s who was a resident of the City of Dallas and had been critically ill in an area hospital;
- A woman in her 70’s who was a resident of the City of Garland and had been critically ill in an area hospital;
- A woman in her 80’s who was a resident a long-term care facility in the City of Dallas and had been critically ill in an area hospital;
- A man in his 70’s who was a resident of a long-term care facility in the City of Dallas and had been critically ill in an area hospital;
- A man in his 80’s who was a resident of a long-term care facility in the City of Dallas and had been critically ill in an area hospital.
Of cases requiring hospitalization, most (69%) have been either over 60 years of age or have had at least one known high-risk chronic health condition. Diabetes has been an underlying high-risk health condition reported in about a third (30%) of all hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Most (69%) deaths have been male. 17 deaths have been associated with long-term care facilities.
"We must all limit unnecessary trips. Each trip carries some risk to you, your family, and the public at large. To better protect you and our front-line heroes, we are requiring all visitors to essential businesses, essential business employees and riders of public transportation to wear a cloth covering starting Saturday. There are a lot more cars on the roads this week. That’s a concern. If a few of us slack off on making good personal responsibility decisions we not only put #publichealth at risk but are prolonging this for ourselves and everyone,” said Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins.
Library remains closed to the public
Though the Doris Padgett Library remains closed to the public at this time, Library staff remain available to assist you! Please call (972) 226-4491 or email library@townofsunnyvale.org if you have questions or concerns....even if they are not Library related.
E-Books are available and may be checked out online through Overdrive via the Library's website.