Arlington coronavirus case update, plus new mask order, what’s opened and where to get tested

Gov. Greg Abbott issued an order Thursday requiring anyone above the age of 10 to wear masks in businesses and other public spaces.

The order goes into effect Friday, July 3 at noon, and also restricts outdoor gatherings to having no more than 10 people. The order applies only to counties with 20 or more positive COVID-19 cases.

Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley issued an ordinance on June 25 requirng residents to wear masks in businesses and at outdoor gatherings of more than 100 people.

The order went into effect at 6 p.m. on June 26, and will stay in place until 6 a.m. Aug. 3, unless it is extended. It will be enforced by cities, and businesses who don’t comply could face charges up to $1,000.

Here’s more information on how the coronavirus has affected Arlington.

City/county updates

Arlington opened a COVID-19 drive-through testing center April 23 at Parks Mall. It offers free tests to Tarrant County residents by appointment only.

The city also announced a plan for $18 million in budget cuts to compensate for lost revenue during its shelter-in-place.

Coronavirus cases

The first death in the region to be linked to the coronavirus was Arlington resident Pat James, and additional cases were found at the retirement home where he lived.

Education

The district has established a student counseling services hotline. Students can call 682-867-9416 to be connected with school counselors to discuss stress, anxiety or other issues. It will be open for calls Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Parents can call 682-867-9417 to be connected with district staff members who will assist them in navigating resources related to food, clothing, shelter and transportation.

Arlington ISD announced its plans for the fall on June 26.

What’s open or closed

• All Arlington parks and recreation centers are open and requiring masks on all premises. For more info on whats open at the parks and what the restrictions are, check the city’s website
• Arlington Animal Services have reopened with limited capacity. Field operations are responding to calls by priority.
• All Arlington Public Library branches are open at limited capacity except for the downtown location. However, the libraries’ meal program is taking a two week break.
• Arlington Music Hall has reopened, with shows on the schedule for July. View its website for details.
• The Texas Rangers season will begin in July, after a deal was struck this week. XFL has ended its first season since 2000. The Mexican National Team will not return to AT&T Stadium for its U.S. tour.
• Texas Live is temporarily closed again.
• Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington reopened June 22 with restrictions in place.
• Dozens of churches and other places of worship have canceled in-person meetings and many live stream services. Check with your place of worship.
• Arlington’s annual July Fourth of July parade has been canceled this year. However, the city is still having its July 3 firework show, this time in the Entertainment District.

Resources and services

• Tarrant County coronavirus information hotline: 817-248-6299 (business hours only).
• 2-1-1 Texas, a program of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, helps connects Texans to services such as food, health services and housing.
• The city of Arlington has a coronavirus microsite.
• The City of Arlington Water Utilities department has temporarily halted all disconnections of water service.
• Atmos Energy has temporarily suspended natural gas disconnections to assist with the difficulties that come with the coronavirus outbreak.

Preventive measures

To avoid contracting COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water aren’t available.

The CDC also recommends that you avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands and avoid being in close contact with those who are sick.