News Flash

Killeen Mayor Jose Segarra issued a Declaration of Local State of Disaster for Public Health Emergency March 18, 2020 following Bell County Judge David Blackburn’s countywide declaration.

Killeen has received notification of its first confirmed case of COVID-19. There are currently five confirmed cases in Bell County: two cases in Temple, one case in Killeen, one case in Belton and one case in the county outside of city limits.

Killeen and Bell County have entered Stage 3 of their emergency response plans, which prohibit gatherings of 50 or more people. It also strongly discourages high risk persons, those ages 65 and older or with health conditions, to avoid gatherings of more than 10 people.

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 this order: medical facilities, schools, 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.

These orders are in effect for at least seven days. Violations are punishable by fine and jail.

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. The following list is current as of March 18, 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 50 or more
• cancellation of public/private events at City properties with expected attendance of 50 or more; staff will be contacting organizers for rescheduling

Facility and program changes:

• 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
• 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.