Some businesses can begin reopening in Plano under new state guidelines, plus new coronavirus case numbers

The city of Plano has had 224 confirmed cases of COVID-19, according to figures from Collin County. The city currently has 66 active cases, according to city figures.

City officials and businesses began sorting through an announcement by Gov. Greg Abbott this week that some businesses — malls, stores, restaurants, movie theaters and restaurants — can reopen with a 25% occupancy.

The governor also said that some outdoor sports such as golf and tennis can resume with no more than four participants per match. Social distancing guidelines must also be in effect.

In observation of the new rules, the Plano libraries plan to restore limited services on May 5.

City and county policies

Abbott said during his announcement that the state policies supersede any local ones. Businesses cleared to open under the state guidelines are free to decide whether or not to open, he said during the televised announcement.

Businesses not given the green light to reopen include barber shops, hair salons, gyms, massage establishments, tattoo parlors, video arcades and bowling alleys.

Plano previously noted that “extraordinary changes” are required in city operations to help contain the spread of the coronavirus in the community.

Plano ISD public school buildings remain closed for the rest of the school year and will continue to operate on an online learning system. Plans are also underway to hold virtual graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2020.

During the closure, students are accessing digital tools the district provides that support in-class learning. The tools are available through the PISD Webdesk and the student digital backpack, the district’s website states.

The district also approved grading changes and gave more powers to its superintendent to help deal with the crisis.

Abbott made the decision to keep schools closed for the remainder of the school year on Friday, April 17.

Here’s more information about the impact the coronavirus has had on Plano.

Coronavirus cases

Plano has had the most cases of coronavirus in Collin County, according to the data. Here are the city’s figures by ZIP code.

PPE litter causing problems

Residents and visitors in Plano are causing a problem by discarding personal protective equipment “everywhere,” according to Plano officials. Discarded masks and gloves are being tossed across parking lots, streets, parks and creeks, the city stated in an announcement.

If caught, litterers can face a fine of up to $500, according to the city. Residents are asked to carry a plastic bag in their car, to store PPE items until they can be properly discarded. Another option is creating a reusable cloth face covering.

Aside from being unsightly, leaving discarded PPE around the city can potentially spread disease to others, including essential workers who are required to remain on the job. It is also dangerous to wildlife and pets that swallow the material or become entangled in it. Finally, the plastic material takes “hundreds of years to decompose,” the announcement states.

Anyone who spots others littering may report it to the state. The Department of Transportation will send the alleged offender a letter reminding them to keep litter of the roads, along with a “Don’t mess with Texas,” litter bag. Those filing a report are asked to give the vehicle’s license plate number, make and model, what kind of litter it was and who threw it (the driver or a passenger).

Concerns about eviction, homelessness amid COVID-19 crisis

Plano city leaders note that requests to help the homeless and residents facing eviction could rise this year due to high levels of unemployment caused by the COVID-19 crisis. The city’s homeless prevention program assisted 137 Plano residents last year and 95 percent of the participants were still in stable housing 90 days after completing the program.

Through the program, Plano residents who are at risk of being evicted can ask for assistance in paying their rent and utilities when certain criteria are met. Case management is provided, participants complete a budgeting class and referrals to other services are also available.

The city’s homeless program is funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) programs.

The amount of funding the city receives for the program is directly tied to the Census count. Residents are asked to complete the 2020 Census form so the city can receive “its fair share” of federal funding.

National Guard in town

Texas National Guard members recently arrived at the North Texas Food Bank in Plano to help ensure the city’s most at-risk people have access to nutritious food during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to an announcement by the city and the food bank.

Before the pandemic, the mobile pantry was serving an average of 300 households. That number has skyrocketed to nearly 2,000, the announcement said.

“The Food Bank and their member agencies play a critical role in North Texas,” Plano Mayor Harry LaRosiliere said in a prepared statement. “The support from the National Guard will allow for them to continue to meet their mission. We know that as the weeks go on, the need for support will only continue to grow.”

One of the food bank’s employees tested positive for the coronavirus, the organization announced April 7.

Questions about COVID-19?

The city’s COVID-19 hotline may be reached at 972-941-5922, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Messages left after regular hours will be returned the next day.

During the pandemic, the city activated its emergency operations center, which is open during regular business hours.

Additional details are available on the city’s website.

The first Collin County death was a 64-year-old Plano man who died at a hospital. He had an underlying medical condition and had been infected with COVID-19, officials said.

Four of the city’s cases were Plano police officers who are doing well. One of the officers has returned to work and the others are expected to return soon.

City closures and news

• City Board and Commission meetings, with the exception of Plano City Council, Planning and Zoning and any other meeting required by law, are postponed until their regular May meetings.

• All youth sports leagues are suspended for practice and play. The Plano Sports Authority has also suspended league play.

• Citizens are encouraged to watch city council meetings online and submit comments of public interest or comments on agenda items electronically to the city secretary, Lisa Henderson, at lisah@plano.gov.

• Refunds are being extended for meetings at the Plano Event Center, including special events and facility rentals.

Preventive posters: City staffers posted posters across the city with smart health tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to thwart the spread of coronavirus and other respiratory diseases. Organizations and businesses are asked to display the posters in areas where the public and their employees gather.

The posters are intended to help schools, senior living facilities, the Chamber of Commerce, the faith-based community, other city partners and residents. Downloadable copies of the posters are also available and may be printed and displayed as needed.

Additionally, the city has prepared a video about COVID-19 and frequently asked questions. Information is also available on the Inside Plano Podcast.