As the economic development agency that serves the City of San Marcos and Hays and Caldwell counties, the Greater San Marcos Partnership (GSMP) is working diligently during this time of uncertainty to support the business community throughout the Greater San Marcos region.
GSMP is operating remotely in the coming weeks, but is available to help address your needs and concerns. Please contact any member of the GSMP team if we can be of assistance.
Got questions not answered by the information on this site? Feel free to ask us.
GSMP is tracking the spread of the virus throughout Texas. Click here for daily data updates.
Hays County COVID-19 Business Impact Survey
To better understand the impact of COVID-19 on the business community in Hays County, please take a few minutes to complete this survey. Your participation will help identify the challenges and needs of the region. Please share this website and link with your business contacts in the region, so that we have strong representation reflected in this survey.
-- Take Survey --
Hays County Task Force
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 continuallly update this website with useful information to help ensure the business continuity while offering any available resources from the federal and state governments.
Hays County Task Force Members
Ruben Becerra, Hays County Judge
Lon Shell, County Commissioner
Mark Kennedy, General Counsel
Alex Villalobos, Hays County Emergency Management Coordinator
Julie Snyder, President – Kyle Chamber of Commerce
J.R. Gonzales, President – Buda Chamber of Commerce
Jason Mock, President – Greater San Marcos Chamber of Commerce
Susan Kimball, President – Dripping Springs Chamber of Commerce
Michaelanne Hurst, President – Wimberley Valley Chamber of Commerce
Paul Fletcher, CEO - Workforce Solutions Rural Capital
Rachael McGuire, Coordinator – Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area (Hays and Caldwell County)
Jason J. Giulietti, President – Greater San Marcos Partnership
Caldwell County, in partnership with the GSMP, is contributing helpful information to this website on an ongoing basis to assist and support the business community during this unprecidented time as deal with the challenges associated with COVID-19.
CALDWELL COUNTY
U.S. Small Business Administration: Assistance & Guidance
Learn more about the resources provided to small businesses as well as the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program provides small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million.
Workforce Solutions (Hays & Caldwell Counties)
Concerns about the #coronavirus are impacting our local economy. If you are a Rural Capital Area business facing a layoff or closure, or a local worker whose employment has been disrupted by economic changes caused by #COVID19 concerns, we stand ready to assist you. Please visit our website: workforcesolutionsrca.com, or call us toll free at 1-866-518-0576 for support. #WeAreRuralCapitalArea
For our business community, Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area (WSRCA) can assist with customized proactive outplacement services or layoff aversion strategies at no cost. Rapid Response provides early business-focused intervention assistance designed to transition affected workers to their next employment. Our services are tailored to each company, based on the needs of the affected employees. Please email rapidresponse@ruralcapital.net, for more information on Rapid Response services for employers.
For Families in Child Care:
Many families and child care programs that participate in our child care services have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. We are taking the following steps to mitigate the impact:
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Effective March 1, 2020, children may accrue absences without impacting ongoing eligibility for services or provider reimbursements. Providers will continue to be paid, if children are absent, or if the provider is temporarily closed due to COVID-19. Texas Workforce Commission is monitoring the situation and will make a future determination on when this policy will conclude.
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WSRCA is authorized to make supplemental payments to child care providers to cover lost parent share of cost payments. More information on how supplemental payments will be calculated is forthcoming.
If you have questions, please contact our WSRCA Child Care Services team toll free 1-877-223-0404, or by email at rcachildcareservices@ruralcapital.net
Workforce Solutions of Hays County
4794 Transportation Way Building 5
San Marcos, TX 78644
512-392-1291
Workforce Solutions of Caldwell County
1711 S. Colorado St. Suite G
Lockhart, TX 78644
512-398-3491
Helpful Articles
What kind of stimulus should Congress pass to rescue the economy?, USA Today.
Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers, CDC.gov
Safety and Health Topics, United States Department of Labor
Economic Injury Disaster Loans
The State of Texas is preparing an application for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan declaration that would give the state access to small business disaster assistance loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration through the economic injury disaster loan program.
Economic Injury Disaster Loans provide small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses until normal operations resume.
This worksheet is to qualify the State of Texas for assistance just as other states such as Massachusetts and Kentucky are in the process of doing.
This is the first of several economic relief tools that are being developed and will not be the last. We ask that you partner you’re your Chambers of Commerce and EDC’s or in some cases directly with your small businesses to complete the worksheet so that Texas may qualify for this assistance. Business that don’t participate in the survey at this time will still be eligible for benefits. This initial effort is to begin the economic loss documentation so that Texas can start qualifying for assistance.
Once the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program is activated for Texas, all small businesses within affected counties will become eligible to apply directly through the Small Business Administration. Counties not included in the original disaster declaration can also be added at a later time, but from previous disasters the earlier you report the more advantageous it can be.
-- Dowload the Economic Injury Worksheet Here --
All completed worksheets need to be e-mailed to TDEMPARecovery@tdem.texas.gov
State of Texas
Dear Fellow Texans and Economic Development Partners,
Please share this information with small businesses and non-profits in your area.
Today, Governor Abbott announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has now granted Texas’ Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) assistance declaration, making loans available statewide to small businesses and private, non-profit organizations to help alleviate economic injury caused by the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Next Steps: Small businesses who believe they may be eligible for an SBA EIDL should visit the SBA’s website where they can directly apply for assistance. The online application is the fastest method to receive a decision about loan eligibility.
For additional information on Texas business-related COVID-19 resources, including a list of required documentation for the SBA Loan process, visit gov.texas.gov/business/page/coronavirus.
We know this is a difficult time for all Texans. Please don’t hesitate to contact our office if we can provide any additional information.
Stay safe, keep healthy and continue to check in with us as we provide the latest updates and resources.
#TexasBizStrong
-Office of the Governor, Economic Development Team
For additional information on Texas’ response to COVID-19, visit gov.texas.gov/coronavirus, and for business-related resources, visit gov.texas.gov/business/coronavirus.
Waivers Issued by the Governor
Waivers Issued by the Governor
- Allowing Restaurants To Sell Bulk Products To Consumers
- Increasing Occupancy Of Hospital Rooms
- Creating Supply Chain Strike Force
- Expanding Nursing Workforce In Texas
- Postponing May 26 Runoff Primary Election To Mitigate Spread
- Allowing Phone Consultations By Pharmacists
- Allowing Event Permit Refunds For Businesses
- Suspending Residential Eviction Proceedings (Texas Supreme Court)
- Waiving Health Care Fees For Incarcerated Texans
- Temporarily Closing DPS Driver License Offices
- Allowing Delivery of Alcoholic Beverages With Food
- Allowing For Postponement Of May 2 Local Elections
- Extending Driver License Renewal Deadlines
- Speeding Payment Of New Unemployment Benefits
- Expanding Patient Access to Telemedicine Care
- Expanding Hospital Capacity
- Vehicle Registration, Titling, And Parking Placard Regulations
- STAAR Testing Requirements
- Ensuring Students Receive Work-Study Funding
- Allowing Trucks From Alcohol Industry To Deliver Grocery Supplies
- Certain State Trucking Regulations
- State Of Disaster
Governor Issues Executive Order On COVID-19 Reporting
Governor Issues Executive Order Increasing Hospital Capacity
Governor Issues Executive Orders To Mitigate COVID-19 Spread
State Health Services Issues Public Health Disaster Declaration
Governor Abbott Declares State of Disaster In Texas Due To COVID-19
US Chamber of Commerce Coronavirus Response Toolkit
The U.S. Chamber has compiled CDC’s coronavirus recommendations for businesses and workers across the country. We continue to encourage American businesses to follow data-based guidance from the CDC and state and local officials. Within the toolkit, you’ll find a sharable graphics based on the CDC’s latest guidance for businesses and employees. We encourage you to share these assets on social media, websites, and other channels, and send them to your colleagues and employees.
Austin Chamber Resource Toolkit
COVID-19 Resources for Businesses
We urge Austin businesses to take precautions to protect their workforce while ensuring continuity of operations. We will continue to update this page with resources for businesses that need assistance in developing staffing, continuity, and other plans in light of this situation.
Texas State SBDC
COVID-19 Announcement
Governor Abbott has requested declaration of Economic Injury Disaster for all counties in the State of Texas. The request and subsequent declaration triggers Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance to small businesses for injuries caused by the Coronavirus (COVID-19). All action is being coordinated by the SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance. This assistance in a low interest potentially long-term working capital loan and as such requires eligibility and repayment ability. The application process for Economic Injury Disaster loan program Coronavirus (COVID-19) has not yet been made available, so pending those instructions, it is a reasonable assumption that the application will resemble that of previous Disaster Declarations. The following list of SBA Forms are part of the application packet in sequential order: SBA Form 5, 5C, ELA; SBA Form 413; IRS Form 4506-T; SBA Form 2202; SBA Form 1368; SBA Form p-003; SBA Form 912.
https://sbdc.mccoy.txstate.edu/Disaster-Recovery.html
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Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
These are challenging times for businesses all over the nation. The Texas Comptroller’s office knows that during periods of economic hardship, paying or remitting taxes and fees on time can feel like an extra burden when there’s so much uncertainty. We’re thankful to those businesses that were able to remit state and local sales taxes they collected from customers in February on the March 20, 2020, due date.
We understand that virtually all of our taxpayers are doing their best to remain in compliance and be responsible in submitting the taxes they collected from their customers. With that in mind, our agency is here to offer assistance to those businesses that are struggling to pay the full amount of sales taxes they collected in February.
For businesses that find themselves in this situation, our agency is offering assistance in the form of short-term payment agreements and, in most instances, waivers of penalties and interest.
We ask that you contact our Enforcement Hotline at 800-252-8880 to learn about your options for remaining in compliance and avoiding interest and late fees on taxes due.
In addition, we have a variety of online tools for businesses seeking assistance. See our COVID-19 emergency response webpage for access to online tools, tutorials and other resources for tax services, and to establish 24/7 online account access with Webfile.
We’re standing by to help Texas businesses during these difficult times.
Additional Business Resources
*U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION:
Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
*ASSOCIATION OF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EXECUTIVES:
*CDC:
*DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY:
CISA Identifying Critical Infrastructure During COVID-19
*TEXAS HOTEL & LODGING ASSOCIATION:
ADDITIONAL HEALTH RESOURCES:
Messages from Regional Resources
SBA Disaster Assistance for Businesses
On March 12, 2020, the Small Business Administration (SBA) designated COVID-19 as a qualifying event for the provision of Economic Injury Disaster Loans for businesses and private non-profits in affected communities. Texas is currently working with the Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM) and the SBA to qualify for this declaration and we need your assistance to facilitate the declaration and certification process.
Small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and some private non-profit organizations that have suffered substantial economic injury due to COVID-19 may be eligible for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) of up to $2 million, which will provide the necessary working capital to help businesses survive until normal operations resume after a disaster. EIDL assistance will only be available to small businesses when the SBA determines they are unable to obtain credit elsewhere.
In order for Texas to receive an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Declaration, the following must occur:
- Affected businesses will need to fill out an Estimated Disaster Economic Injury Worksheet certifying the business has suffered substantial economic injury as a result of COVID-19 and are in need of financial assistance.
- The Economic Injury Worksheet should be submitted via email to the Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM) at TDEMPARecovery@tdem.texas.gov.
- Once Texas has received five SBA validated Economic Injury Worksheets, Governor Greg Abbott will request the Economic Injury Disaster Declaration. A county will need to submit at least one valid Economic Injury Worksheet in order to be included on the declaration. If a business in your jurisdiction is unable to prove economic injury at this time, additional counties can be added to the declaration at a later date.
When the declaration is granted for the SBA EIDL program, applicants will receive information on how to apply for their loan. We will continue to keep you updated as additional details are released.
For more information, please see the SBA Economic Injury Loan Program Declaration Process Overview. Should you have any questions regarding this process, please contact your local emergency management office, your TDEM District Coordinator for your area, or email the TDEMPARecovery@tdem.texas.gov.
Please forward this information to small businesses and non-profits in your area who may qualify and encourage the submission of an application to determine eligibility. Your assistance in this effort is critical in order to facilitate the declaration and certification process.
San Marcos
Downtown Association of San Marcos - Restaurant Pickup / Curbside / Delivery Options
Mayor’s Order Now Prohibits Gatherings Over 10 Persons
Following yesterday’s order by San Marcos Mayor Jane Hughson to prohibit public or private community gatherings of 50 persons or more anywhere within the city limits, she signed a new Order today that reduces that number to 10 persons. The new Order also adds new closures including common dining areas at food establishments, as well as bars, and is in effect until April 1, 2020.
Food establishments are ordered to take measures to reduce occupancy levels to ensure that no more than 10 people occupy the same space or dining room at the same time, and are encouraged to provide take-away or no-contact delivery food service designed to limit exposure between individuals.
The holder of a mixed beverage permit for on-premise consumption, commonly known as a bar, is ordered to close common bar spaces open to the public and is prohibited from allowing consumption on the bar premises until April 1, 2020.
The new Order is effective as of 5:00 p.m. today, Tuesday, March 17, 2020, and continues for the next 15 days, until April 1, 2020, when it will be reevaluated. This Order in its entirety is attached to this press release for public review and is also available on the city’s website at www.sanmarcostx.gov/covid19info.
“San Marcos is coordinating and collaborating with the Hays County Health Department, which is following the guidelines and protocols from The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) which were adjusted again early today,” Mayor Jane Hughson said. “This is a rapidly changing and fluid situation. We are diligently working with our local, regional and state partners to enact decisions that make the most sense and help protect the public.”
She added that her decision to issue a new 15-day Order stemmed from newly revised guidelines enacted by the CDC, following new Whitehouse guidelines issued Monday, Mar. 16, that more strictly limit people’s interactions.
The Hays County Health Department recommends following social distancing protocols, including cancelling, postponing, or not attending events or community gatherings with 10 people or more. In addition, the Hays County Health Department urges individuals who are at the highest risk from COVID-19, as determined and defined by the CDC, to not attend and to avoid community gatherings or events that will have or will likely have 10 or more people.
This Order does not apply to the following facilities:
(i) critical infrastructure, including airport facilities and operations, transit, and transit facilities;
(ii) government buildings providing essential services;
(iii) schools or institutions of higher learning;
(iv) grocery stores and pharmacies; and
(v) hospitals and medical offices and facilities.
“Critical city infrastructure, including communications, emergency services, energy, transportation systems, and water and wastewater systems, are ordered to continue operating,” Hughson said. “Those departments are encouraged to implement screening precautions to protect employees.”
A Frequently Asked Questions document is also attached to this email and available on the City’s website at www.sanmarcostx.gov/covid19faqs. The FAQ provides clarification and definitions of the terms within the Order and provides answers to questions of interest to the public. It also details new limited access services available at the Library during this public closure.
As a reminder, the Mayor’s new Order also applies the April 1 date to the closure of the San Marcos Public Library, Activity Center, Senior Center, Discovery Center, and to the adjusted operations at the San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter. All City sponsored public gatherings, board and commission meetings, 50+/Senior Programs, and programs of more than 10 people will also be canceled, with the remainder of City facilities and parks remaining open for normal business hours.
The City offers many online resources for San Marcos residents; a complete list of those with links are available at www.sanmarcostx.gov/remotebusiness. The public is encouraged to practice social distancing and to utilize phone and computer access to services whenever possible.
Contact your healthcare provider or the new COVID-19 hotline, 512.972.5555 if you have any non-life-threatening questions about COVID-19. If you are concerned that you have been exposed or if you are experiencing symptoms, call your health care professional to determine next steps.
San Marcos will continue to follow the guidelines set forth by the State Department of Health Services, the Hays County Health Department and the Centers for Disease Control. Current updates and helpful links may be found at www.sanmarcostx.gov/covid19info.
Kyle
City of Kyle is closely monitoring information from regional and national outlets regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
This webpage will be updated as additional information is received and will serve as official information from the City of Kyle and provide links to other official sources.
Information and updates will also be shared through the City of Kyle social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
City of Kyle's Mayor Travis Mitchell declared a state of local disaster on March 17, 2020 due to imminent threat from COVID-19.
This declaration implements necessary mitigation for the spread of infection may pose a risk for the spread of infectious disease including limiting public gatherings to 10 people.
The City of Kyle has also lifted requirements to encourage businesses to find creative and safe ways to continue serving the community.
Details of this limitation and recommendations for businesses are included in the link below.
https://www.cityofkyle.com/communications/information-regarding-public-gatherings-city-kyle
Buda
Buda Area Chamber Members and Friends
As we all grapple with the new reality that has enveloped our community due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), please rest assured that your Buda Area Chamber of Commerce will remain steadfast in supporting your business.
The Chamber office is open and will continue to be so in order to provide service to our members, clients, and businesses. We will do everything possible to help our members, especially those most affected by the Coronavirus (COVID-19), by providing the best information possible and assisting you in navigating the maze of both information and resources available to you.
We are also doing everything possible to keep our visitors and staff safe so you will find hand sanitizing stations set-up for use in the office. Further, we have enhanced our cleaning procedures to ensure a sanitary environment for anyone who visits or has business in our office.
If you should need assistance for your business, but do not feel comfortable with physically coming into the office, we are happy to meet with you via a conference call, teleconference or webinar. Simply reach out to us at 512-295-9999 so we can schedule a virtual meeting for you.
Together, we will navigate this unprecedented time.
Take care and take care of each other
What is the City of Buda doing in response to the coronavirus?
City of Buda Working With Limited Staff on Wednesday, March 18
On Wednesday, March 18, 2020 the City of Buda will test it’s remote work capabilities to ensure continuance of operations. City Hall will be open during its regular business hours, but with a limited number of staff.
City of Buda Issues Disaster Declaration
BUDA, TX — March 15, 2020 - In light of the COVID-19 outbreak across Texas, and now with a presumptive case in Hays County, Mayor George Haehn has issued a Disaster Proclamation for the City of Buda.
“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.
The City’s proclamation comes on the heels of Governor Abbott’s State of Disaster Proclamation and Hays County’s Disaster Declaration.
“I do not want Buda citizens to panic. What a proclamation does is allows funds and resources to be allocated to states and cities should the need arise.”
As a precautionary measure the City of Buda recently canceled all City-sponsored events through April 12. The Buda Public Library has suspended all programming through March 28. As this situation evolves, the City will make additional decisions on future events/meetings as warranted.
In the meantime, City of Buda Emergency Management Coordinator Mike Beggs has been working with regional partners, including the Hays County Health Department, to monitor the outbreak.
“The City of Buda’s Office of Emergency Management will continue to monitor the situation and meet regularly within its organization, and with County, State, and Federal partners as necessary,” said Beggs.
Beggs is also leading the charge when it comes to internal measures being taken to keep City operations functioning.
“We have boosted our janitorial services to include disinfecting of all surfaces, canceled large staff gatherings and retreats, restricted employee travel, and our development services department will move to video conferencing with developers. We are doing everything we can to keep the public and City employees safe and healthy.”
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.
The City of Buda has created a website page with prevention tips and information on the coronavirus at
https://www.ci.buda.tx.us/coronavirusinformation. The City will continue to update this page with the latest information from the Hays County Health Department, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Texas Department of State Health Services, and the World Health Organization.
Closures/Cancellations/Facility Rental Suspensions/Other Suspensions
As a precautionary measure the City of Buda has decided to cancel/postpone all City-sponsored events for the next month (March 12 - April 12).
The Buda Public Library will close Tuesday, March 17 at 1:00 pm. We appreciate your understanding as we adjust our services during this evolving situation. We will continue our curbside service and computers will available by appointment (details coming soon). No fines will accrue on any items while we are closed. Please stay updated on services and online activities through our social media pages and website: https://www.budalibrary.org/
City of Buda notary public notarizations are currently suspended.
All park rentals and City of Buda facility rentals are suspended for the time being.
City of Buda Animal Control - Microchip appointments and in person pet registration has been suspended until further notice. Animals that already have a microchip can still be registered online using the Animal Registration Form: https://tinyurl.com/vlv24cp
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 our seniors. The Center will be serving a take-out lunch on Thursday, March 19, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Hays CISD Updates: www.hayscisd.net/coronavirus
Utility Billing and Municipal Court Payments
While we do remain open, we are encouraging social distancing. Did you know that you can pay your utility bill and municipal court payments online? It’s quick and easy! https://www.municipalonlinepayments.com/budatx. Here are some other options. You can pay online through your bank, we have a drop box at the front entrance of the building and near the library drop box, you can mail your payments (405 E. Loop St. Building 100), and you can pay over the phone at 512-295-8845).
Online Resources
We also wanted to remind everyone that there are several ways that you can conduct City business online:
Pay Utility Bills or Citations (Municipal Court): https://www.municipalonlinepayments.com/budatx
Stream City Council Meetings and Other Board/Commission Meetings:
https://www.ci.buda.tx.us/390/Council-Board-Commission-Meetings---VIEW
Buda Public Library Electronic Resources: https://buda.biblionix.com/catalog/
Buda Library Curbside Service: https://www.budalibrary.org/281/Buda-Library-at-Home
Message From Mayor George Haehn - March 13, 2020
I know many of you are worried and anxious about the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak that is occurring across Texas, the nation, and the world. It is normal to feel concerned. The City of Buda is working with its regional partners and meeting daily to monitor this evolving situation. All reasonable steps are being taken to keep you and your family safe. Most patients will have mild symptoms of a low-grade fever and a cough with chest congestion. People who are over 65 with an underlying medical condition or a weak immune system are the individuals that are most at risk. The virus spreads by person-to-person transmission, much like the flu. Therefore, the Hays County Health Department is encouraging that you avoid large gatherings like concerts, plays, and sporting events. The City has canceled/postponed all City-sponsored events through April 12 and the Buda Public Library has suspended programming through March 27. This is not to create panic, but rather to reduce the risk of anyone spreading the virus.
Buda is a great place to live and we know all of you care deeply about our wonderful community and your neighbors. I ask that you remain vigilant, by washing your hands, disinfecting surfaces that are frequently touched, not shaking hands, etc. Please follow the recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, along with our local health professionals. Most of all, I ask that you remain calm during this time. There is no need to stockpile supplies. For those worried about empty grocery store shelves, these supplies will be replenished by grocers and retailers. By taking the necessary preventative measures and working together, we will get through this challenging time.
Mayor George Haehn
Wimberley
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As the Chamber continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation we want everyone to know that we are mindful of the potential loss of business revenue through this period of time. We are also mindful and concerned for the needs of our community, especially our senior citizens, which represent over 51% of our entire Wimberley population.
For up to date information, we have posted a COVID-19 tab on our website at www.wimberley.org.
The City of Wimberley website address for the most up to date information from the City of Wimberley.
A Public Health Emergency for the City has been officially declared by Wimberley Mayor Susan Jaggers, effective 8 AM, Tuesday, March 17, 2020. The action follows the announcement by Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra of a second confirmed case of COVID- 19 in the County and is in keeping with similar declarations at the County and State levels.
In addition, all public events sponsored by the City of Wimberley will be canceled for the next eight weeks (through May 9), said City Administrator Shawn Cox today. The City’s Community Center, located at 14068 Ranch Road 12, also will be closed, effective immediately.
“The health and safety of our citizens and visitors is our number one concern,” said Cox. “These measures ensure the necessary social distancing that has been shown to be effective in limiting exposure to the virus.”
Wimberley City Hall will remain open during regular business hours. City Council and the Planning & Zoning Commission will meet as scheduled; all other Board, Committee and Commission meetings will be cancelled for March and April. As with all City business and activities, the situation will continue to be monitored on a daily basis, Cox noted. In keeping with the social distancing approach, citizens who need to conduct business with the City or who have questions, should contact the City via phone or email. A full list of department contacts is available at www.cityofwimberley.com.
Dripping Springs
Dripping Springs Business Community & Partners:
As we move through dealing with the outbreak of COVID-19 in our community and beyond, please know we are committed to monitoring information from various sources in order to provide you with useful materials as we move forward.
Each day, news and recommendations on COVID-19 continue to change and evolve. We understand the urgent nature of working quickly to manage challenges and mitigate losses for your business. We are committed to supporting you, providing necessary resources and keeping you informed with current & accurate information.
The creation of the Hays County Task Force affords us a public-private partnership with area leaders in order to best support the business community in our region. We are working with federal, state and local entities to gather data and disseminate information quickly as the region adjusts.
Please visit our website or contact us, for information and assistance for you and your business. For local Dripping Springs information, please see the resources below.
Susan Kimball, President/CEO
DRIPPING SPRINGS RESOURCES:
*DRIPPING SPRINGS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FACEBOOK PAGES:
Dripping Springs Chamber Main Page
Dripping Springs Small Business Updates
*CITY OF DRIPPING SPRINGS EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT/CITY COVID-19 UPDATES:
www.cityofdrippingsprings.com/page/city.emergency
Email: emergencymanagement@cityofdrippingsprings.com Phone: 512-858-4725
*DESTINATION DRIPPING SPRINGS COVID-19 INFO INCLUDING TOURISM/RESTAURANT INFO:
www.destinationdrippingsprings.com/p/aboutus/covid-19-tourism-information
Email: info@destinationdrippingsprings.com
*DRIPPING SPRINGS INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT CORONAVIRUS UPDATES:
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS RESOURCES:
*U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE:
The U.S. Chamber continues to work closely with the White House, U.S. government agencies and foreign government officials to monitor and provide updates on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
The U.S. Chamber has launched Member Task Forces focused on four areas of response to help the American business community and policymakers undertake responsible, fact-based planning:
· Employee Support: How to assist individuals who are unable to earn their normal income for a sustained period.
· Business Operations and Revenue Disruption: How to assist businesses, including through regulatory relief, who are closed or experience significant revenue disruption.
· Supply Chain and Trade Disruption: How to manage and mitigate supply chain and trade disruptions.
· Small and Medium Enterprises: How to address the unique needs of small and mid-size businesses.”
Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers
*U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION:
Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
*ASSOCIATION OF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EXECUTIVES:
*CDC:
*DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY:
CISA Identifying Critical Infrastructure During COVID-19
*TEXAS HOTEL & LODGING ASSOCIATION:
ADDITIONAL HEALTH RESOURCES:
Hays County
Interested in Donating Personal Protective Equipment? Here are some resources of where to donate.
As of March 25th
Hays County Courthouse, San Marcos, TX (March 19, 2020) – On March 19, 2020, Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra signed a 2nd Order related to COVID-19 that in ways mirrors one signed earlier in the day by Governor Greg Abbott, with some differences.
Governor Abbott’s Order begins at 11:59 PM on March 20, 2020 and ends at 11:59 PM on April 3, 2020, subject to extension, as does the County’s. The Governor’s Order limits social gatherings to no more than 10 people, and closes bars, gyms, restaurants (to-go and delivery still allowed), and schools statewide. It also bans visits to nursing and retirement homes unless there is a critical need. Read the entire Order from the Governor.
The Judge’s Order includes closing daycare centers throughout the county for the time period and encourages social distancing for events that are exempted from the gathering requirement. Read the entire Hays County Order here.
“The County’s new COVID-19 Order was a collaborative effort with mayors of cities within Hays County,” Judge Becerra, said. “We met via conference call to discuss and gathered input on these serious changes to our way of life. We came to agreement on what would best serve all our residents.
COVID-19 Hotline
COVID-19 Hotline Available for Hays County Residents
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.
If you are experiencing symptoms or concerned that you have been exposed to the virus, please call your health care professional to determine next steps. If you are experiencing an emergency, call 9-1-1.
Lockhart
The City of Lockhart is monitoring developments pertaining to the new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that is causing an outbreak of respiratory illness worldwide. All information in this section is sourced from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).
Luling
A local state of disaster is hereby declared for the City of Luling. The state of disaster shall continue for a period of not more than seven days from the date of this declaration unless continued or renewed by the city counci.
Caldwell County
DECLARED: a local state of disaster within Caldwell County based on the thread posed by COVID-19. This state of disaster will ontinue until rescinded in accordance with the above-cited statue, but in no instance will this declaration continue for more than seven days without being continued, renewed, or authrotized by the commissioners court.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
AdThe U.S. Chamber continues to work closely with the White House, U.S. government agencies and foreign government officials to monitor and provide updates on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
The U.S. Chamber has launched Member Task Forces focused on four areas of response to help the American business community and policymakers undertake responsible, fact-based planning:
· Employee Support: How to assist individuals who are unable to earn their normal income for a sustained period.
· Business Operations and Revenue Disruption: How to assist businesses, including through regulatory relief, who are closed or experience significant revenue disruption.
· Supply Chain and Trade Disruption: How to manage and mitigate supply chain and trade disruptions.
· Small and Medium Enterprises: How to address the unique needs of small and mid-size businesses.”
Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers
