The City of Alvin currently has five hundred sixty-six (566) active COVID-19 (confirmed) cases, and four hundred fifty-two (452) recovered cases. The Brazoria County COVID-19 Dashboard can be viewed here. 8/13/2020

7/2/2020 - Governor Abbott issues statewide face covering requirements, and issues Proclamation to limit gatherings. Read the Governor's Orders here.

6/30/20 - Mayor Horn on behalf of the Alvin City Council signs proclamation encouraging citizens to wear facial coverings and to continue to follow all of the CDC guidelines listed below to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. View proclamation here.

Stay Home when possible
Practice social distancing
Wash/sanitize your hands often
Clean frequently touched surfaces
Stay home and away from others if you are sick

6/26/20 - Governor Greg Abbott today issued an executive order limiting certain businesses and services as part of the state’s effort to contain the spread of COVID-19. The order includes the following:

All bars and similar establishments that receive more than 51% of their gross receipts from the sale of alcoholic beverages are required to close at 12:00 PM today. These businesses may remain open for delivery and take-out, including for alcoholic beverages, as authorized by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.
Restaurants may remain open for dine-in service, but at a capacity not to exceed 50% of total listed indoor occupancy, beginning Monday, June 29, 2020
Rafting and tubing businesses must close.
Outdoor gatherings of 100 or more people must be approved by local governments, with certain exceptions.

Read Governor Abbott's 6/26/20 Order.

6/22/20 - Over that last 10 days our region, including Alvin, has seen a significant rise in COVID-19 cases. While the state continues to re-open, it remains imperative that all residents continue to take preemptive measures to better help protect yourself and others by following CDC guidelines:

Stay Home when possible
Practice social distancing
Wear a mask when around others
Wash/sanitize your hands often
Clean frequently touched surfaces
Stay home and away from others if you are sick

Governor Abbott Expands Business Openings in Texas, Announces Surge Response Teams to Combat COVID-19. Click here for more information. 5/5/20

Governor Abbott's Report to Open Texas - 4/27/20

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The Brazoria County Health Department is currently investigating confirmed COVID-19 cases. They will contact anyone who could have been at-risk of exposure, and will release information via Brazoria County to the community if there is a larger impact.

Personal information will not be released about any COVID-19 as that would be in direct violation of HIPAA.

List of Brazoria County testing sites can be found here. Prior arrangements must be made at each facility in order to be seen. All visits are treated as regular provider visits. Evaluation includes appropriate testing based on patient symptoms.

If you have additional questions, Brazoria County has established a hotline for health related questions - 979.864.2167. For all NON HEALTH related questions, please call 979.864.1898, Monday - Friday 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

For other Brazoria County information, please visit their website.

Brazoria County map of COVID-19 cases.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Economic Development Information for local businesses:

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP ) Loan Forgiveness Guide from the US Chamber of Commerce.

Small Business Administration SBA Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness application.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

City of Alvin Response by Date - March 2020 - May 2020

5/14/20
4/8/20
4/2/20

5/14/20 COVID-19 INFO - 8:45 a.m. - All City of Alvin Governmental offices (excluding the Senior Center) will re-open to the public beginning Monday, May 18, 2020 for normal business hours: Monday - Thursday 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Patrons should practice social distancing, are highly encouraged to wear facial coverings, and should not enter buildings if sick.

The City of Alvin Utility Billing drive-thru window will be re-open for city business. Payments can now be made in person through our drive-thru window or inside the building. Payments can still be made by phone, online or by dropping into the night drop. Credit card fees have been reinstated and there is a 2.5% credit card processing fee (paid to a 3rd party processor) and a $1.50 convenience fee for making any payments by phone or online. All cut offs and penalties for non-payment have been reinstated.

All service fees associated with credit card transactions on-line or over the phone for any city service will resume May 18th.

4/8/2020 - COVID-19 (Coronavirus) INFO - 3:30 p.m. - Effective Monday, April 13, 2020, the City of Alvin Utility Billing drive-thru window will be closed for city business. Payments can be made by phone, online or by dropping into the Night drop. Credit card fees have been waived as a courtesy during this time. All penalties and cut offs have been suspended through April 30, 2020. Please visit us at https://www.alvin-tx.gov/page/ub.info for more information.

Thank you all for your continued support and understanding as we navigate this uncharted territory in fighting this virus together. #alvintx #covid19 #StaySafeBC

4/2/2020 - COVID-19 (Coronavirus) INFO - 8:00 p.m. - The City Council of the City of Alvin adopted Ordinance 20-J, extending the Stay Safe at Home Order through April 30, 2020.

4/2/2020 - COVID-19 (Coronavirus) INFO - 1:30 p.m. - Small Businesses - check out this link to SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loan Guidelines for more information on what the SBA has to offer during this time.

Week of March 22, 2020

3/27/2020
3/26/2020
3/25/2020
3/23/2020
3/22/2020

3/27/2020 - COVID-19 (Coronavirus) INFO - 10:30 a.m. - Despite rumors, at this time Alvin Police are NOT asking for paperwork as you travel on area roadways. They encourage citizens to follow the orders issued at the national, state and local levels which include remaining at home when possible. If your employer has issued letters or identification badges you are encouraged to keep it readily available.

Alvin PD remains focused on enforcing traffic laws, serving the community, and their normal business of keeping Alvin safe.

3/26/2020 - COVID-19 (Coronavirus) INFO - 8:30 p.m. -The City of Alvin enacted Ordinance 20-I on Thursday, March 26, 2020 which mirrors the Brazoria County Stay Safe at Home Order issued by the Brazoria County Judge on March 25, 2020. This Ordinance supersedes all previous Emergency Declaration Orders issued by the City of Alvin City Council and also includes a provision limiting the number of people in a funeral home or parlor to a maximum of 10 people.

3/25/2020 - COVID-19 (Coronavirus) INFO - 9:30 a.m. - The City of Alvin Utility Billing Department is taking precautionary measures to minimize the possibility of exposure to COVID-19. The health and well-being of our community, residents and utility billing staff remain a top priority. The City's Emergency Management team will continue to monitor and communicate with local and state health officials so that we may provide up to date information.

The City of Alvin will be suspending cut offs and penalties for non-payment through April 30, 2020. Water bills will still need to be paid, even though water service disconnections will be temporarily suspended. Water bill payments can be made online, through the automated phone system at 1-866-249-0553, through mail, or our drive through night drop box by check or money order. All credit card convenience fees have been temporarily waived.

3/23/2020 - COVID-19 (Coronavirus) INFO - 8:30 a.m. - There have been NO changes to normal garbage collection schedules.

However, Waste Connections has asked that customers secure waste in plastic garbage bags and place them in the container as normal in an effort to minimize employee contact with household garbage.

Loose recycling materials may still be placed in containers.

3/22/2020 - COVID-19 (Coronavirus) INFO - 11:30 a.m. - for facilities Capable of COVID-19 Testing in Brazoria County, click here.

Prior arrangements must be made at each facility in order to be seen. All visits are treated as regular provider visits. Evaluation includes appropriate testing based on patient symptoms.

BRAZORIA COUNTY HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOMS *These facilities are for medical emergencies ONLY* Click here for list.

Important: SBA Loan Application Now Available!

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.

March 13-20, 2020

3/20/2020 - COVID-19 (Coronavirus) INFO - 8:30 p.m. - The City Council of the City of Alvin adopted Ordinance 20-H this evening extending the Mayor's Local Disaster Declaration and instituting the following rules and regulation to help prevent the spread of COVID-19:

Social gatherings in groups of more than ten (10) people is prohibited. This does not include:

Office spaces or residential buildings, so long as Social Distancing Guidelines are maintained to reduce the transmission of COVID-19.
Grocery stores, banks, gas stations, parks, state licensed daycare centers, shopping malls, or other retail establishments, so long as Social Distancing Guidelines are maintained to reduce the transmission of COVID-19
Hospitals and medical offices and facilities.

Eating or drinking in bars or restaurants, including outdoor seating, or visiting gyms or massage parlors is prohibited. Restaurants and bars may only provide take-out, delivery, or drive-thru services as allowed by law. The use of drive-thru, pickup, or delivery options is allowed and highly encouraged.

Visiting nursing homes, retirement homes, or long-term care facilities is prohibited, unless providing critical assistance and authorized by the facility staff.

In every setting described above, and for businesses and workplaces that remain open, all should continue to practice good hygiene, including providing hand sanitizer and facial tissues, and increase the cleaning of commonly and frequently touched surfaces.

3/20/2020 - COVID-19 (Coronavirus) INFO - 12:30 p.m. -The City of Alvin is taking preemptive safety measures in response to COVID-19. Beginning Monday, March 23, 2020 through Thursday, May 14, 2020, the City of Alvin will modify public access to City Hall, Public Services Facility, Alvin Senior Center, and the Alvin Animal Adoption Center.

City Hall

Public access into City Hall will be closed to the public. Citizens are encouraged to call or use online services to conduct city business. The drive-thru window will be available for making utility payments and submitting other necessary documents during normal business hours. Utility payments over the phone can be made by calling: 1-866-249-0553. Regular business hours: Monday -Thursday 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 281-388-4200. Click here for Utility Billing.

Public Services Facility (PSF)
Public access to the Public Services Facility (PSF) building, which houses the Public Services, Engineering, Parks and Recreation Departments, will be closed to the public. Permits and plans may be submitted by email and/or via phone 281-388-4271. A drop-box will be placed by the front door of the building during regular business hours for the drop-off of paper submittals. Permit payments can be made over the phone, by credit card, or by check or money order, mail, or drop-off box during normal business hours. Monday - Thursday 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Click here for permitting information.

Alvin Animal Adoption Center
The AAAC will be open Tuesday-Friday 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. 281-388-4331. Click here for the Alvin Animal Adoption Center.

Senior Center
The Senior Center is closed to the public.

3/19/20 COVID-19 INFO - 12:30 P.M. - The SBA presented a webinar this morning on SBA Disaster Relief Loans and the process it entails. The City will continue to share resources for our local businesses and community. The City of Alvin's Economic Development is available to assist local businesses in any way possible, and can be reached at 281-388-4242 or 281-388-4281. See information presented from the webinar here.

Visit the COVID-19 SBA Guidance & Loan Information.

3/18/2020 - COVID-19 (Coronavirus) INFO - 1:30 p.m. - From Mayor Paul Horn - yesterday guidelines were issued for the City of Alvin by Mayor Horn in an effort to help prevent the community spread of COVID-19. The President of the United States, the Governor, and our County Judge have provided good recommendations but have stated that specific regulations should be administered at the local level, as each City has different risks. The institution of social distancing has been strongly encouraged and is described as keeping individuals in public settings more than six feet apart from each other. Health officials continue to say that the spread of this virus is mainly from person to person contact.

In order to support social distancing, the City is limiting the gathering of people inside buildings with set building occupancies (as set by fire code) to 50% of their current building occupancy. For example, if a restaurant has a current occupancy of 80 people, under this order, the restaurant could not exceed more than 40 people in that building at one time. Other examples of buildings where people gather include bars, theaters, skating rinks, funeral parlors, and event centers.

For all other areas, gatherings of more than 50 people are prohibited. Grocery stores and large box stores are not included in these restrictions, since their density is low by definition, meaning people are more spread out and do not tend to congregate in one area of the building. Schools and daycares are exempt from this order since they follow the guidelines as recommended by the State of Texas. Privately owned office buildings, shops, etc. where the general public does not tend to gather are also exempt from this order.

Local businesses are asked to use preventative measures as prescribed by the CDC in an effort to protect their employees.

This seems to be a reasonable way to spread out the density of the Alvin public, while still allowing our lives to continue.

All programs sponsored events and programs put on by the City of Alvin have been suspended until further notice.

We know that this is a hardship for everyone. However, these measures have been put in place to protect the health and safety of all residents.

3/17/2020 - COVID-19 (Coronavirus) INFO - 4:45 p.m. If you are a business who has been negatively affected by COVID-19 and you are interested in submitting an Estimated Disaster Economic Injury Worksheet for a low-interest loan through the Small Business Administration, please call the City’s Economic Development Department at 281-388-4281 or 281-388-4242 for assistance and details. More info here.

3/17/2020 - COVID-19 (Coronavirus) - Update/Info - 4:00 p.m. - Mayor Horn issues Declaration of Local Disaster Order - full Order can be read here.

3/16/20 - COVID-19 (Coronavirus) - UPDATE - Municipal Court Dates Cancelled - 3:23 P.M. - All City of Alvin Municipal Court dockets scheduled for the following dates will be postponed: March 17th, March 18th, March 24th, March 25th, and April 1st

Court staff is working diligently to notify all defendants of a new date/time of court hearings by mail, phone, and email. If you have any questions, please feel to contact the court at 281-388-4250.

The court is taking precautionary measures to minimize the possibility of exposure to COVID-19. The health and well-being of our community, defendants, and court staff remain a top priority.

The City's Emergency Management team will continue to monitor and communicate with local and state health officials to provide up to date information.

3/14/20 COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Update/Info - 1:23 P.M. - On Saturday March 14th the City of Alvin was notified by the Brazoria County Health Department (BCHD) that there are two “presumptive positive” cases COVID-19 in the Alvin area. The two individuals reside in a single household in the Alvin area. The individuals self-reported and were tested at a Harris County health facility. The results came back for both as presumptive positive cases. These two individuals have not reported travel outside of the Houston area but did attend the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Cook-Off and Events. The Brazoria County Health Department is conducting an epidemiological investigation and is working to identify any contacts they may have had.

An investigation is underway to identify potential contacts exposed to the virus. BCHD will provide close contacts guidance about the virus and monitor them for the development of systems.

For the general public, who are unlikely to be exposed to the virus at this time, the immediate health risk from COVID-19 remains low. Those who have not been around anyone with COVID-19 or have not visited an ongoing outbreak area, are currently not considered to be at risk. Residents are encouraged to remain calm and vigilant to follow the recommendations from the CDC about hygiene habits and to stay at home if you are feeling ill.

The best way to protect yourself and loved ones is to take preventive actions to avoid exposure to this virus.

Preventive actions include:

*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 with at least 60% alcohol content.

*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, with EPA approved disinfectants.
*Preventive actions include:
*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 with at least 60% alcohol content.
*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, with EPA approved disinfectants
*It is recommended to avoid mass gatherings

For residents who may have question concerning COVID-19 can now call the Brazoria County COVID-19 Information Line at 979-864-2167, Monday – Friday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM and Saturday 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM.

The health and well-being of our community remain a top priority. The City's Emergency Management team will continue to monitor and communicate with local and state health officials so that we may provide up to date information. Information will continue to be uploaded to the homepage of the City’s website www.alvin-tx.gov, and will be pushed out via the City’s social media accounts.

All media questions are directed to Brazoria County.

3/13/2020 - COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Update/Info - 3:00 p.m. - Our Alvin senior community is dear to us, and given that seniors are more at risk of contracting COVID-19, we are taking precautionary measures to minimize the possibility of exposure. As a result, the Alvin Senior Center programs and events will be suspended until further notice.

City staff will work with ActionS to deliver food to senior citizens who rely on the Alvin Senior Center for daily nutrition.

In addition, all city sponsored recreational activities scheduled at the Senior Center are also suspended until further notice. The City will honor all reservations that are paid in full.

To our knowledge, there has not been any presumptive or positive cases of COVID-19 reported in Alvin or Brazoria County. The health and well-being of our community remain a top priority. The City's Emergency Management team will continue to monitor and communicate with local and state health officials in order that we may provide up to date information.