The City of Garden Ridge is being responsive to the citizens of our community and surrounding areas with the goal of limiting any potential community transmission. At this time the City of Garden Ridge has no cases of COVID-19. We realize that this is an ever evolving situation and will continue to provide information as warranted while also following local, state, and federal guidance with regard to any actions that we may need to take in response to this issue. This guidance includes recommending that people not congregate in groups and observe social distancing.
On March 24, City Council met in an emergency special session and approved Ordinance No. 227-032020 Extending Declaration of Local Disaster.
On March 19, Governor Abbott issued Executive Order GA-08 stipulating requirements for COVID-19 mitigation.
On March 18, Judge Krause declared a Local State of Disaster for Comal County and on Thursday, Mayor Thompson signed a Declaration of Local Disaster for the City of Garden Ridge, as many cities and governmental entities across the state have done. The declaration gives the City additional authority to react and manage under this unprecedented situation, with the goal of limiting any community transmission.
On March 17, City Council met in an emergency special session to discuss the COVID-19 situation and approved a number of Precautionary Public Health Measures. Based on evolving recommendations from health officials in response to this health emergency, our President and Congress, as well as our State and County leaders have also taken additional precautionary steps.
For COVID-19 related questions, call the Comal County Public Health Hotline at 830-221-1120.
City Closures / Cancellations
- City Hall Lobby is closed through April 2020 with public access on an appointment only basis.
- Garden Ridge Library is closed to the public effective March 13. This includes all classes as well as checking out materials. The reopening date is subject to change based on evolving recommendations from health officials. Remember, you can get reading materials on the Libby app and SimplyE app. No late fees will be assessed during the time the Library is closed. Feel free to call us at 210-651-6570 for any instructions on how to use them.
- Coffee with the Mayor, Coffee with a Cop, and courses offered to the public CANCELLED until further notice. Remember, you can always communicate with Mayor Thompson via email at mayor@ci.garden-ridge.tx.us
- City Commission and Committee meetings CANCELLED through April 2020.
- Garden Ridge Municipal Court postponed until May.
- The Garden Ridge Community and Event Center closed through April 2020.
- Any reservations for Paul Davis Park Pavilions and Concession Hut CANCELLED through April 2020.
Please see the helpful information and resources below about COVID-19. As with most communicable diseases, there are simple things you can do to help keep yourself and others healthy.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Frequently disinfecting surfaces.
Resource Links:
The President’s Coronavirus Guidelines For America: 15 Days To Slow The Spread
Federal Government Response to Coronavirus
Centers for Disease Control
Texas Department of Health and Human Services
Comal County Public Health Department
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) YouTube Channel
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Current symptoms reported for patients with COVID-19 have included mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Read about COVID-19 Symptoms.
Should I be tested for COVID-19?
Call your healthcare professional if you feel sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19, or if you live in or have recently traveled from an area with the ongoing spread of COVID-19. Your healthcare professional will work with your state’s public health department and CDC to determine if you need to be tested for COVID-19.
Am I at risk of being exposed to COVID-19?
Most people in the United States will have a little immediate risk of exposure to this virus. This virus is NOT currently spreading widely in the United States. This is a rapidly evolving situation and the risk assessment will be updated as needed.
Current risk assessment:
- For most of the American public, who are unlikely to be exposed to this virus at this time, the immediate health risk from COVID-19 is considered low.
- People in communities where ongoing community spread with the virus that causes COVID-19 has been reported are at elevated, though still relatively low risk of exposure.
- Healthcare workers caring for patients with COVID-19 are at elevated risk of exposure.
- Close contacts of persons with COVID-19 also are at elevated risk of exposure.
- Travelers returning from affected international locations where community spread is occurring also are at elevated risk of exposure.
How can I help protect myself and my family?
Visit the COVID-19 Prevention and Treatment page to learn about how to protect yourself from respiratory illnesses, like COVID-19.