Richardson coronavirus case update and other updates related to new state orders

Richardson officials have recognized the expiration of Gov. Greg Abbott’s stay at home executive order on April 30.

An announcement on the city’s website notes several key points a new order issued by the state this week, including:

• The state allowing businesses to reopen at 25% occupancy this weekend. That includes retail stores, malls, restaurants, movie theaters; and museums and libraries without their interactive exhibits open.
• Churches and places of worship can expand their services.
• Outdoor sports are permitted, but with no more than four participants.
• Salons, bars, gyms may be able to reopen in mid-May.
• Doctors offices and dentists can start seeing patients.

The entire state report is available here.

“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.

Social distancing

Under the state orders, businesses that are allowed to operate must still comply with social distancing guidelines.

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

City closures and cancellations

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 until April 30, 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:

• The annual Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival (May 15-17).
• The annual spring Cottonwood Art Festival (May 2-3).

Richardson ISD

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the school district is planning to hold graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2020 online this year on Saturday, May 30.

School buildings are closed. 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.

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.