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Plano has had 361 confirmed cases since the coronavirus pandemic began in March. The city has also had a total of nine COVID-19-related deaths.
On May 18, Gov. Greg Abbott announced Phase 2 openings, surge teams and increased testing. Timelines, guidance and checklists for businesses and customers are available on the Open Texas Strike Force website.
Abbott’s guidelines emphasize social distancing, frequent handwashing and wearing protective masks when possible. Although face masks are not required, they are strongly suggested to help people protect themselves and others. The guidelines also advise people 65 and older to stay at home when possible.
The Texas Department of State Health Services plans to take over COVID-19 labs and new cases within the next few weeks. Collin County will continue its reporting until the new state health system is in place.
Coronavirus cases
| Plano | Collin County | |
|---|---|---|
| Confirmed | 361 | 1,157 |
| Active | 102 | 319 |
| Recovered | 250 | 805 |
| Hospitalized | 11 | 20 |
| Deaths | 9 | 33 |
| ZIP code | Cases | Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| 75023 | 51 | |
| 75024 | 45 | |
| 75025 | 54 | |
| 75074 | 95 | 2 |
| 75075 | 56 | 7 |
| 75093 | 60 |
City services reopening
As the city’s reopening continues, protocols are being put in place for the safety of staff and patrons.
On June 1, the following Plano Parks & Recreation facilities will reopen to members only with limited services and reduced hours:
- Plano Aquatic Center
- Carpenter Park Recreation Center and indoor pool
- Liberty Recreation Center
- Oak Point Recreation Center and indoor pool
- Tom Muehlenbeck Recreation Center and indoor pool
Amenities will be restricted to:
- Walking/running track
- Fitness area (no free weights)
- Lap swimming only (hours may vary from recreation center hours)
Until further notice, City of Plano outdoor pools and splash pads, including Jack Carter Pool, remain closed. More information is available on the Parks & Recreation COVID-19 FAQs page.
Changes will be in place after the recreation centers reopen. They will include:
- Clear shields on the check-in counters.
- No cash and checks, only credit cards.
- Staff will wear be wearing face masks.
- Floor decals will indicate where to stand if there is a line.
- Locker rooms will not be accessible until authorized by the governor.
- Not all fitness equipment is available.
- Only one swimmer is allowed in each lane.
The city is continuing to monitor the pandemic and will move to the next phase of operations, and allow access to additional amenities accordingly.
The Sam Johnson Recreation Center for adults 50 and older will not reopen until state and local public health confirm there is no widespread community transmission of COVID-19.
Dog parks, Carpenter State Park
On Thursday, May 21, the Bob Woodruff, Jack Carter and Windhaven Meadows dog parks reopened. Patrons are asked to observe social distancing protocols.
Patrols are also asked to observe social distancing at the Carpenter Park Skate Park, which reopened Thursday, May 21.
Summer programs
June classes and camps are canceled, except for those at High Point Park Tennis Center and new online classes. Classes at the center were modified to keep enrollment within social distancing guidelines set by the state.
Summer registration is open and the session begins July 6. Depending on state guidelines, the classes and clinics may be subject to cancellation.
Some classes will have online options. Questions about summer classes will be answered via email us or by calling the recreation center where the class is scheduled. Centers taking questions are Carpenter 972-208-8087, Liberty 972-769-4234, Oak Point 972-941-7540 and Tom Muehlenbeck 972-769-4404. Callers may have to leave a message to receive a callback.
The following summer day camps are canceled:
- Camp Connections
- Camp Cimarron
- Teen Outreach and Adventure Camp
- Sports and Adventure Camp
- Counselor in Training Camp
- Junior Golf Camp
Some specialized camps at the recreation centers may be held in July and August with modifications to manage social distancing guidelines. Look for availability and register online. Plano ISD, in accordance with the UIL, will determine if the youth sports clinics can be held.
All recreation classes, programs, camps, trips and events are canceled. Refunds are being given as a credit on your account. Questions about a specific class may be answered via email at parksinfo@plano.gov.
Plano Public Library
The library has resumed holds service and all book drops are open Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., for return of books and DVDs. But the libraries remain closed to the public. Additional details are available here.
Items currently checked out are due back starting the week of June 1. Residents are asked to check their accounts for details.
The library’s Book a Librarian service is now online. Help is available for accessing eBooks, eMagazines, Lynda.com classes, video streaming and other library resources. By filling out an online form, you will be contacted by your preferred method (email or phone) within one business day to schedule a meeting with a librarian using Skype or Zoom.
The ‘What Are You Reading Now?’ book club is available on Mondays at 1 p.m. for those who want to connect with other book enthusiasts from home. Library staffers are sharing what they are reading every Wednesday at 1 p.m. with Selfie Book Talk. Other remote activities are listed on the calendar or the library website.
Sports leagues
A date for adult sports league registration is not yet determined. League participants will receive an update when details become available.
Those who do not wish to return to recreation facilities at this time may call or email Plano Parks & Recreation. Monthly auto-renewal memberships can changed so they do not renew again. Memberships are set to reactivate June 1, so contact Plano Parks & Recreation if you do not wish to start at this time.
Additional information is available on the Parks & Recreation COVID-19 FAQs page.
Eviction, homelessness concerns
To help prevent homelessness due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the city is offering limited rent and utility assistance. Plano’s Homelessness Prevention Program has been temporarily expanded to assist with hotel payments for qualified applicants. Assistance being offered includes:
- Interim COVID-19 hotel assistance for people at risk of homelessness: This program provides temporary assistance may be available for people living in a hotel in Plano who lack the resources and support to avoid becoming homeless.
- Interim COVID-19 hotel assistance for people experiencing Homelessness: Temporary assistance is available for people experiencing unsheltered homelessness in Plano. They must either be referred by the Plano Police Department, test positive for COVID-19, or have a documented recommendation from a medical professional to quarantine or self-isolate.
- Rent and mortgage assistance for residents at risk of becoming homeless: Temporary assistance maybe available for residents with a lease agreement or mortgage who have received a late notice or notice to vacate.
The city’s homeless program is funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant and HOME Investment Partnerships 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.
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).
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.