April 9th, 2020 CORONAVIRUS EDITION |
NEW PRESTIGE AMERITECH AND TMD PARTNERSHIP TO INCREASE MASK PRODUCTION IN TEXAS
Governor Abbott announced a new partnership between Prestige Ameritech and the Texas Military Department to increase mask production for front line health care workers. Prestige Ameritech's 24-hour operation at their headquarters near Fort Worth will be staffed in part by members of the Texas National Guard 36th Infantry Division and will produce 2 million masks per week. Thank you to the private companies across Texas for ensuring our health care providers have adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) as the state continues to respond to COVID-19. |
The Supply Chain Strike Force is working closely with the Texas Division of Emergency Management to distribute more PPE across the state of Texas. With PPE continuing to flow into the state, we are strengthening Texas’ ability to protect health care workers and the patients they serve. For more information on PPE distribution across the state, click HERE. |
Yesterday I hosted a conference call with county judges and mayors to provide an update on the Lone Star State’s response to COVID-19. |
WATCH: A MESSAGE TO TEXANS AS NEW ORDER GOES INTO EFFECT
The new Executive Order issued last week requires all Texans to stay home unless performing an essential service or activity. A list of essential services or activities can be found here. By continuing to follow social distancing practices, we will slow the spread of COVID-19 and save lives. |
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has announced they will backdate unemployment claims to the date Texans are laid off, rather than when they file a claim. TWC is also adding staff to their team to help process claims quicker as Texas continues to combat COVID-19. The State is working to make sure Texans get their benefits as soon as possible. |
Over the past several weeks, Texas has taken action to ensure that every Texan who needs a hospital bed will have access to one. Hospital bed availability has increased by more than 140% since March 18th. More details on the actions taken by the state to expand hospital bed capacity can be found HERE. The best thing Texans can do to help maintain hospital capacity is continue following CDC guidelines for social distancing unless engaged in essential services or activities. Staying home saves lives. |
HealthCare Express in Longview began offering COVID-19 testing last Thursday and plans to provide results in one to two days. Additional testing sites throughout the state are opening every day. As a result, we are increasing testing in Texas by about 10% per day, compounded daily. |
A BIG thanks to Apple for supplying a massive amount of face masks to help us combat the Coronavirus. These are being distributed across Texas immediately. |
Last week, my office partnered with the Texas Restaurant Association to launch the Comfort Food Care Package program. This program provides meals to families in need while also supporting local businesses. Interested in providing Comfort Food Care Packages to families in your community? Learn more HERE. |
Care.com is increasing in-home child care access for frontline workers responding to COVID-19 by offering 90 days of free, premium access to their services. I am grateful for Care.com’s commitment to ensuring accessible child care is available to Texans during these unprecedented times. Frontline workers and prospective caregivers can enroll HERE for childcare services. |
The Get Shift Done for North Texas Initiative connects hourly restaurant workers with local nonprofits to provide jobs and feed families during this public health emergency. I am proud of the many Texans stepping up to help fellow neighbors. |
Thank you to our grocery store workers who work tirelessly to ensure Texans have the supplies they need. Everyone across our state appreciates your tireless work to keep stores stocked as Texas continues to respond to COVID-19. |
Texas Health and Human Services (HHSC) has launched a 24/7 statewide mental health support line to help Texans experiencing anxiety, stress, or emotional challenges due to COVID-19. You can call (833) 986-1919. For more information, visit the HHSC website HERE. |
We are grateful that so many Texans are stepping up to help others in need. If you have any supplies to donate, or would like to volunteer your time, click HERE. |
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