Jago Times "English Edition" Best Online Newspaper
Related Articles
The coronavirus pandemic has reached Collin County and is spreading across North Texas.
School districts have transitioned to online learning, sports leagues have been postponed and cities are closing its facilities.
Here’s information about the impact the coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, has had on Allen.
City/county updates
After issuing a statewide order on March 31 to halt all nonessential businesses and services across the state, Gov. Greg Abbott announced Monday, April 27, that the order will expire on April 30, and the state will reopen in three phrases.
The first phase will reopen all retail stores, restaurants, movie theaters and malls with an occupancy of 25% capacity on Friday, May 1. All museums and libraries can also reopen with a 25% capacity, however, hands-on exhibits are not permitted.
Additionally, outdoor sports with no more than four participants, such as tennis golf, are now permitted.
Phase two, scheduled to take place on May 18, depends on the state’s ability to contain COVID-19 throughout the first phase. Phase three will begin two weeks later, if the state can contain the virus through the second phase.
Coronavirus cases
| Allen | Collin County | |
|---|---|---|
| Confirmed | 91 | 1,217 |
| Active | 24 | 315 |
| Recovered | 67 | 869 |
| Hospitalized | 1 | 22 |
| Deaths | 0 | 33 |
The first case in Allen was reported March 19, and the total has since risen to 74. There have been zero deaths reported in the city.
| ZIP code | Confirmed cases |
|---|---|
| 75002 | 47 |
| 75013 | 32 |
Closures across the city
While Gov. Greg Abbott issued a new statewide order to reopen restaurants and retail businesses on Friday, May 1, it is each individual business’ choice to remain closed or reopen. See if your favorite Allen restaurant will remain open or continue offering to-go services only.
Additionally, several of the city’s facilities and local businesses have collaborated to provide virtual opportunities for residents. View a list here.
The City of Allen has closed several city facilities indefinitely. The facilities include:
- Allen Community Ice Rink, 200 East Stacy Road, Suite 1350
- Allen Public Library, 300 North Allen Drive
- Allen Senior Recreation Center, 451 St Mary Drive
- Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium, 110 Rivercrest Boulevard
- Joe Farmer Recreation Center, 1201 East Bethany Drive
- The Edge Visitor Center, 201 St Mary Drive
Allen City Hall, Allen Municipal Court and other city administrative facilities will continue to operate during normal hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Event cancellations
Here are some canceled or postponed Allen events that may have been on your calendar, and here’s a list of events across Dallas-Fort Worth.
- Adult sports leagues are postponed until further notice.
- City board and commission meetings — except the Allen City Council and Planning and Zoning meetings — are postponed until further notice.
- The East Coast Hockey League — which includes the Allen Americans Hockey team — paused its season indefinitely.
- The Dallas Fuel Classic Weekend Homestand, scheduled for April 25-26, was canceled by the Overwatch League.
Education
Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order that canceled all in-person classes indefinitely. Texas Education Agency commissioner Mike Morath will provide further guidance to school districts.
- Curbside meals are available at Boyd Elementary at 800 Jupiter Road and Rountree Elementary at 800 East Main St. Breakfast will be available for pickup from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., and lunch will be available from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- Allen ISD has planned personal graduation ceremonies for each senior, and up to five family members, on May 22.
Good news
Even during a time of heightened stress, the Allen community has rallied together to support one another. Here are a few good deeds from the Allen community.
Allen CAREs: (Allen Citizen and Resource Engagement) — is a newly created program to assist at-risk citizens. The primary demographics of at-risk citizens are individuals over 60 with underlying medical conditions and individuals over 80 regardless of medical conditions. Allen CAREs monitors potential symptoms of individuals and delivers needed items. Text ALLENCARES to 797979 if you need assistance.
Play From Home: One resident created a virtual play group through Facebook so students can still interact with one another during this unexpected break and parents can exchange ideas.
Market Street: The grocery store has dedicated time for seniors, ages 60 and up, and individuals with compromised immune systems to shop in a safer environment between 6 to 9 a.m. Monday and Thursday.