News Flash

Governor Greg Abbott issued four executive orders statewide March 19, 2020, that are in effect from March 20, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. to April 3, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. The orders are:

1. Every person in Texas shall avoid social gatherings in groups of more than 10 people.
2. People shall avoid eating or drinking at bars, restaurants, and food courts, or visiting gyms or massage parlors; provided, however, that the use of drive-thru, pickup, or delivery options is allowed and highly encouraged throughout the limited duration of the executive order.
3. People hall not visit nursing homes or retirement or long-term care facilities unless to provide critical assistance.
4. Schools shall temporarily close.

Killeen Mayor Jose Segarra and Bell County Judge David Blackburn made local disaster declarations March 18, 2020. The declarations moved both jurisdictions into Stage 3 of their emergency response plans placing certain restrictions on activities and businesses. The Governor’s orders further some restrictions.

Restrictions already in place in Killeen and Bell County are: restaurants may not offer dine-in services but may provide carry out, drive through and delivery services; bars and clubs may not operate; recreational facilities, including movie theaters, pool halls, bowling alleys, gyms and health clubs, may not operate.

The following establishments are not affected by these orders: medical facilities, child-care facilities, grocery stores, convenience stores, shopping centers, airports, bus stations, offices and residences. In all cases, social distancing and vigilant personal hygiene practices are advised for occupants and patrons.

There are currently six confirmed COVID-19 cases in Bell County: three cases in Temple, one case in Killeen, one case in Belton and one case in the county outside of city limits.

The City of Killeen continues to actively monitor the COVID-19 situation and adjust internal and external protocols for employee and public safety.

The City of Killeen is taking all advisories about COVID-19 very seriously and has initiated a number of changes meant to limit virus exposure for employees and the public we serve. We encourage the public to conduct business with the City by phone and email. The following list of changes is current as of March 19, 2020:

Actions currently in place:

• additional cleaning of public facilities
• waiting area spacing for social distancing where possible
• cancellation of City-sponsored events with expected attendance of 10 or more
• cancellation of public/private events at City properties with expected attendance of 10 or more; staff will be contacting organizers for rescheduling

Facility and program changes:

• Police Department: limited public access to police headquarters and jail; call 9-1-1 for actual emergency; call 254-501-8800 for non-emergency and other services
• Human Resources: administrative offices closed to the public; call for service
• Public Works: all administrative offices closed to the public; call for service
• Solid Waste bulk collections: suspended indefinitely
• Recycling services: suspended indefinitely
• Killeen Municipal Court: Court cases scheduled March 16 through May 1 are canceled and will be rescheduled; appearances for citations can be made by the listed date by email to municipalcourt@killeentexas.gov or phone at 254-501-7850
• Bob Gilmore Senior Center: closed until further notice
• Lions Club Park Senior Center: closed until further notice
• Family Recreation Center: closed until further notice
• Killeen Community Center: closed until further notice
• Sports Leagues: all adult and youth sports leagues (adult softball and volleyball and youth baseball, softball and soccer) suspended until further notice
• Killeen Civic & Conference Center: business offices only open
• Killeen Arts & Activities Center: business offices only open
• Public Libraries: closed until further notice; curbside service for checking out materials is available Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.by calling the Main Library at 254-501-8996 or Copper Mountain Branch Library at 254-501-7871; patrons may also use downloadable resources at KilleenTexas.gov/Libraries
• Utility Collections: the lobby remains open for establishing new accounts and transferring service, but all payments should be made using the drive-through lanes or online at KilleenTexas.gov/UtilityCollections

*Facilities not listed remain open with regular hours.

Closures, amended hours and cancelations are in concert with federal, state and county guidance to limit the exposure of public and staff. It also allows more thorough cleaning and maintenance of City facilities to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other viruses.

The City has established a webpage at KilleenTexas.gov/COVID19 that contains important information and resources related to the COVID-19 situation. It is updated regularly to keep the public informed of the local situation. The information is also being shared through the City’s social media outlets.