Mayor directs shelter in place following Bell County Judge’s order.
Mayor Jose Segarra issued Directive 2 today in response to the local COVID-19 situation and in concert with the latest directive by Bell County Judge David Blackburn. The new directive takes effect at 11:59 p.m. March 23, 2020 and remains in place until 11:59 p.m. April 3.
The primary orders are:
- All individuals living in the City of Killeen are to shelter at their residences and leave only for essential activities and for operating essential businesses
- All businesses not defined as essential are to cease operations
- All public and private gatherings of 10 or more people outside of a single household are to cease
- Religious and worship services may only be provided by video or teleconference
- All elective medical and dental procedures are prohibited
Directive 2 is the next step in stopping the spread of the COVID-19 virus in the city. Obeying directives and taking precautions to minimize unnecessary contact with those outside individual households is paramount to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community.
Directive 1, issued March 18, 2020, had already placed limitations on public gatherings, limited restaurant operations to take-out and delivery and closed bars, fitness facilities and indoor recreation facilities. Directive 2 further defines essential and non-essential functions to limit contact and preserve resources.
These directives do not prohibit individuals from leaving their residences for health and safety needs like seeking medical care, purchasing medical supplies and obtaining goods for the household. They also do not prohibit individuals from going to work at businesses deemed essential in the directives.
The following establishments are not closed by these orders: medical facilities, child-care facilities, grocery stores, convenience stores, airports, bus stations, financial institutions, government services, utilities, laundromats, auto supply and repair, hardware stores and others. In all cases, social distancing and vigilant personal hygiene practices are advised for occupants and patrons.
The full text of Directive 2 is available on the City’s COVID-19 webpage, KilleenTexas.gov/COVID19.
The City of Killeen has created two important resources to assist the community in understanding the local impacts of COVID-19. The City’s COVID-19 webpage is available 24-hours per day and at KilleenTexas.gov/COVID19. A COVID-19 hotline is available Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 254-616-3209. Both resources are updated regularly as the situation continues to change.
There are multiple confirmed COVID-19 cases in Bell County, three of which are in Killeen. The City of Killeen continues to actively monitor the situation and adjust internal and external protocols for employee and public safety.
For the protection of employees and residents, all City of Killeen service offices are now closed to the public. Employees are actively working to minimize the impacts of these closures, and City services may still be obtained by phone, email and web, and. Contact information for all services are available at KilleenTexas.gov.