New state guidelines allow Plano salons, other businesses to reopen, plus new coronavirus case numbers

Plano has had 294 confirmed cases of COVID-19, according to city figures, with 90 of them active.

Gov. Greg Abbott announced that salons, including hair and nail salons, could reopen May 8, and gyms and manufacturing plants can open May 18. A previous announcement by the governor allowed malls, stores, restaurants, movie theaters and restaurants to reopen May 1 at 25% capacity.

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

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

The governor has suggested, but not required, that Texans wear face masks to help thwart the spread of the coronavirus.

City closures

Plano libraries restored limited services May 5. The city has also announced that recreation centers and swimming pools, the Bob Woodruff, Jack Carter and Windhaven Meadows dog parks and the Carpenter Park Skate Park are closed through May 17. The closures will be reevaluated at that time.

All classes and activities scheduled at recreation centers and pools are canceled through May 31, and course fees are being refunded to customers. Reservations for park pavilion reservations and athletic fields that can be reserved are canceled through May 31.

Plano is delaying registration for summer programs until May 16, when the safety of holding the programs will be reevaluated.

Plano ISD

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

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

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

Coronavirus cases

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.

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.