Another Richardson resident dies from coronavirus, plus a case update and what’s closed or canceled in the city

To help contain and mitigate the spread of the coronavirus outbreak, Richardson is under an order through April 30 that aligns with the Dallas County ordinance requiring all individuals to shelter in place at home.

“We are taking steps to ensure we continue to responsibly approach this situation in a way that is consistent with the CDC, North Texas region and neighboring cities,” Mayor Paul Voelker has said. “The parameters of these safety precautions follow the advice of health professionals at all levels of government and I ask for everyone’s continued understanding and patience as we join the North Texas community in fighting the spread of this disease.”

Schools in Richardson ISD and across the state will remain closed for the rest of the academic year, Gov. Greg Abbott said on April 17.

The following week, though, Texas will resume retail “to go” service, let health care providers perform more elective procedures and reopen state parks, Abbott said.

Coronavirus cases

Dallas County’s case counts for the city are updated Tuesday and Friday, and Collin County’s are updated daily.

Richardson residents are allowed to leave their residences only to operate what is deemed to be an essential business, provide essential government functions or to conduct essential activities. Essential businesses that are still allowed to operate must still comply with social distancing guidelines.

All businesses may continue to operate by having employees or contractors work at home. Private gatherings at homes are not restricted, but any number of people gathering outside a single housing or living unit is prohibited.

While outdoors, individuals are required to practice social distancing as “reasonably as possible.”

Religious services are permissible only through video and teleconferencing. Staff of religious organizations must be limited to 10 people working in-person.

Finally, all elective medical, surgical and dental procedures are prohibited anywhere in the city. The definition of “elective” will be determined by health care providers and medical professionals, according to a handout distributed at a city council meeting.

Only takeout, delivery and drive-through services are allowed at restaurants, microbreweries, micro-distilleries or wineries.

Bars, lounges, taverns, arcades and private clubs are closed. Organizations that serve high-risk populations are “strongly urged” to cancel gatherings.

Collin County stay-home order

In Collin County, residents have been ordered to stay home except for essential activities because of the coronavirus outbreak. The order went into place Tuesday, March 24.

City closures and cancellations

Richardson has modified, delayed or canceled a number of scheduled programs, projects and services through April 20.

On its website, the city invites residents who have questions to contact the appropriate department or program.

Sherrill Park Golf Course reopened but is under new guidelines.

Richardson Civic Center, 411 W. Arapaho Road: All events are canceled. 972-744-4090, askrichardsonciviccenter@cor.gov

Eisemann Center, 2351 Performance Drive: All events scheduled through April 30 have been canceled or postponed. 972-744-4650, askrichardsoneisemann@cor.gov

Richardson Library, 900 Civic Center Drive: The library building is closed to the public, but curbside book drop-off is available. 972-744-4350, askrichardsonlibrary@cor.gov

Richardson Municipal Court, 2100 E Campbell Road: Jury trials are postponed. The court facility and the customer service area are open, and courtroom hearings and bench trials are continuing. 972-744-4500, askrichardsoncourt@cor.gov

Parks and Recreation: Through April 30, all Parks and Recreation programs, classes, athletic leagues, trips, camps and events have been suspended or canceled. All Richardson Senior Center programs and activities are also canceled. There will be no recreation center and civic center reservations or rentals. 972-744-4300, askrichardsonparks@cor.gov

Other canceled events include:

• Richardson Neighborhood Leadership Workshop (April 21)
• The annual spring Cottonwood Art Festival (May 2-3)

Richardson ISD

Schools are closed and all school and district meetings, events and activities are canceled or postponed.

The district will continue online lessons via the recently issued electronic devices for students in grades 3-8, as well as lessons on the website for all students in grades kindergarten through 12, the announcement states. All students in grades Pre-K through 12 will be able to access learning materials at RISD.org.

The district is providing meal services and recently reduced the number of pickup days. also decided to enact a pass-fail system for grades through the end of the school year.

Parents are reminded to ensure their child’s school has a current and accurate email address. The school district will primarily use email for all communications in the event of further updates.