Mayor directs shelter in place following Bell County Judge’s order.
Mayor Jose Segarra issued Directive 3 today, which accepts the provisions set forth in the latest directive by Bell County Judge David Blackburn, in response to the local COVID-19 situation. The new directive takes effect at 11:59 p.m. March 27, 2020 and remains in place until 11:59 a.m. April 6.
The new order reiterates the need for the public to stay home and avoid unnecessary activities and contacts and adds clarifications to essential and non-essential businesses.
The primary directives are:
- All individuals living in the City of Killeen are to shelter at their residences and leave only for essential activities and for operating or supporting essential businesses
- Individuals and businesses should apply social distancing guidelines in all situations to the extent possible
- 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 be held in-person but social distancing guidelines should be applied
- All elective medical and dental procedures are prohibited
Directives continue to be enacted to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the city and county. Collectively following government orders and public health guidance can help minimize unnecessary contact with others and ultimately protect the most vulnerable members of our community.
Directive 1 was issued March 18, 2020, and placed limitations on public gatherings, limited restaurant operations to take-out and delivery and closed bars, fitness facilities and indoor recreation facilities. Directive 2, issued March 23, 2020, further restricted activity to essential and non-essential functions to limit contact and preserve resources.
Directive 3 continues the shelter in place order but provides additional guidance and definitions to assist the public in compliance.
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 full text of Directive 3 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, six 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.