Recently the City Council’s sole focus has been on our city’s response to containing the spread of the COVID-19 or Coronavirus. On Thursday, March 12, the City Council held an emergency meeting and voted to close the City’s Senior Centers and postpone Boards and Commissions meetings until April 15. Our intent was to begin the protection of our most vulnerable populations.
An hour after our meeting adjourned, Dallas County issued a Declaration of Local Disaster, which among other provisions, restricted large public and private “community gatherings” of 50 persons or more and called for the closure of restaurants in an attempt to slow the spread of the virus.
On March 17, the Council met again, and with a 5-4 vote, moved to issue a state of disaster and emergency mirroring the Dallas County’s declaration. The vote came after hours of testimony from Garland’s Health Director, citizens and other officials.
Frankly, my vote for the declaration to close restaurants and limit gatherings was one of the hardest decisions I have had to make.
I am well aware of the financial impacts this decision will have on our restaurant owners and service staff. However, I am also well aware of the impact not taking this measure may have on the health of Garland’s citizens.
As of this writing, Dallas County has 29 reported cases, two of which are a result of community spread, with Texas reporting 110 cases according to Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center. My hope with this vote is that we will shorten the financial pain to the greatest extent while minimizing the health impacts. This situation changes daily, and by this time next week, the Council will have already met again to modify and adapt our response as necessary.
I urge you to adapt your response as well. During times of crisis, it is human nature to want to come together. Unfortunately, with the recommended social distancing measures, we cannot do that at this time. Use your time in self-quarantine to create community by calling five neighbors and checking on them to see how they are doing.
To help local businesses who are struggling, buy take-out food from your favorite local restaurant or a gift card from your favorite local shop to keep their cash flow going until things return to normal.
Go outside and enjoy the spring weather with a walk in the park. Take a drive to the country to see the beautiful bluebonnets in bloom. Studies have shown that as little as ten minutes in a natural setting can help one feel happier and lessen the effects of both physical and mental stress.
Know that we are all in this together, and I am here for you if there is something I can do for you. Please contact me at 469-560-6099 or at council7@garlandtx.gov. I have seen the citizens of Garland go through tough times before, including most recently after the tornadoes of October 2019. We are certainly Garland Strong and will come out of this stronger than before.