COVID-19
Governor Abbott, TDEM, and TMD Launch State Vaccine Call Center to Connect Organizations, Businesses with Mobile Vaccine Teams
Governor Greg Abbott, the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), and the Texas Military Department (TMD) today announced the launch of the State Mobile Vaccination Team Call Center. Beginning May 7th at 8:00 AM CT, Texas businesses, disability organizations or civic organizations can call 844-90-TEXAS and select Option 3 to schedule a visit from a state mobile vaccine team to vaccinate employees, visitors, or members. To qualify for a visit, a business or organization must have 10 or more employees, visitors, or members who voluntarily choose to be vaccinated. Homebound Texans are also encouraged to call the hotline and select Option 1 to request a state mobile vaccination team to visit their home.
"Vaccines are the most effective tool in Texas' fight against COVID-19, and we are committed to making COVID-19 vaccines even more widely available to Texans across the state," said Governor Abbott. "The State Vaccine Call Center will help connect businesses and organizations with these life-saving shots and ensure that more Texans have an opportunity to get vaccinated. I urge disability organizations and businesses to call 844-90-TEXAS and schedule a visit from a state mobile vaccine team. Here in Texas, COVID-19 vaccines will always be strongly encouraged and always voluntary."
Governor Abbott and TDEM originally launched the State Mobile Vaccine Pilot Program in January 2021 to ramp up COVID-19 vaccination efforts in underserved areas of Texas. Since the program's initial launch, the responsibilities of State Mobile Vaccine Teams have been expanded to meet various COVID-19 vaccination needs of communities across the state. These teams are made up of members of the Texas National Guard and coordinated by TDEM.
Local State of Disaster Declared by City of Killeen
Update: The disaster declaration was re-issued for the purposes of state and federal funding eligibility. The original one ended on June 1, when Bell County terminated their disaster declaration. This will assist with pandemic-related resources and expenses and is an administrative step.
A local state of disaster for a public health emergency has been declared for the City of Killeen, Texas, effective Thursday, Aug. 19.
Mayor Jose Segarra signed the declaration today and it will continue upon approval by the City Council of Killeen, remaining in effect until it is terminated by the mayor.
This action activates the City’s emergency management plan and authorizes aid and assistance. It also authorizes the City to take any necessary actions to promote health and suppress the virus, including but not limited to quarantining patients, establishing quarantine stations, as well as testing stations, vaccination stations and emergency hospitals; and insuring compliance for those who do not comply with the City’s rules and directives.
As a reminder, residents are asked to text their zip code to GETVAX (438829) for a list of nearby locations to receive a COVID-19 vaccine shot. Each person is also sent information about free childcare and getting a ride to a vaccination location. Residents may also call the connected hotline at 1-800-232-0233 for the same information.
Leaders want to highlight that the coronavirus is still present and those who are vaccinated are still encouraged to follow guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including wearing a mask, washing hands and social distancing.
GOVERNOR ABBOTT ISSUES NEW EXECUTIVE ORDER
Governor Greg Abbott issued Executive Order GA-38 on July 29, 2021, relating to the continued response to the COVID-19 disaster, addressing vaccinations and masking.
Testing
The State of Texas has created a resource for those seeking COVID-19 testing. Please visit this map for current information.
Vaccinations
Texans age 12 and older are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. To find local vaccination sites, text your zip code to 438829 or visit www.vaccines.gov.
Latest Centers for Disease Control Information
View the latest news and guidance published by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) here.
LATEST BELL COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH INFORMATION
A dashboard is available providing updated Bell County Public Health District COVID-19 case numbers and statistics.
Governor Abbott Issues New Executive Order
Governor Greg Abbott issued Executive Order GA-34 removing the statewide mask mandate and allowing all businesses to open at 100% capacity effective March 10, 2021. Businesses may apply more stringent rules at their discretion.
Governor Abbott Issues Face Mask Order, Prohibits gatherings of more Than 10
Governor Greg Abbott issued Executive Order GA-29 which requires the wearing of face masks statewide beginning July 3, 2020. The order applies to all people age 10 and older while in a public place or commercial building. Individuals who violate the order will receive a warning for the first offense and a $250 fine for subsequent offenses.
Exceptions to the face mask requirement are while eating and drinking, while exercising outdoors, while swimming, while driving alone or with household members or while obtaining a service that requires temporary removal of the mask.
The Governor also allowed prohibiting gathering of more than 10 people.
These restrictions will remain in place indefinitely.