News Flash

General

Posted on: March 13, 2020

March 13 Town Update: COVID-19 Coronavirus

Good evening Westlake community members,

Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley issued a declaration of local disaster for public health emergency earlier today surrounding Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). Due to the recommendations of Tarrant County Public Health Department, we have closed Westlake Academy from March 16 to March 27, including all extracurricular activities and school events.

Additionally, Town leaders made the decision to cancel the Planning & Zoning Commission meeting for Monday, March 16. We will continue to keep you updated as we evaluate all Town programming and events to determine if postponing or canceling future events is necessary.

As reiterated by many of our local, state, and federal officials, we all have a role and responsibility to help in the prevention and spread of this coronavirus disease. Below are simple steps everyone can take to help limit the spread of respiratory viruses including COVID-19:

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (>60% alcohol)
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Stay home when you are sick
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
Stay home when feeling sick, running a fever, and/or have any flu-like type symptoms and avoid close contact with people who are sick
Contact your health care provider if you feel you may have COVID-19 for further directives

Additionally, Tarrant County Health Officials recommend "social distancing" as a key mitigation strategy to help contain the virus. This strategy includes steps such as avoiding large gatherings, especially in groups of 250 or more, and keeping approximately 6 feet away from others.

Minimizing exposure is especially important for people who are 65 or older or who have an underlying health condition like heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, high blood pressure or cancer. People in those groups have a higher risk of developing the severe disease if they do get COVID-19.

Town of Westlake elected officials and staff remain diligent in our work with local and state authorities to guide our operations and response to the recent spread of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), and minimize any disruption to our residents and stakeholders, while also ensuring the health and safety of our community. We will continue to stay on top of this evolving health issue and help keep you informed.

Respectfully,

Amanda DeGan

Westlake Town Manager

*Below are established and informative links to help navigate through this public health issue.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Texas Department of State Health Services

Tarrant County Public Health and video of the March 13, 2020, 1:30 pm News Conference

Denton County Public Health

Office of the Texas Governor