 TOP STORIES FOR JANUARY 8, 2021
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Vaccine Distribution InformationCOVID-19 vaccine distribution info – who qualifies to receive it right now and how to get it.
Last year, the federal government created Operation Warp Speed and set a goal to deliver 300 million doses of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines to be administered at no cost to recipients nationwide, with the initial doses available by January 2021. So far, two manufacturers, Pfizer and Moderna, have been approved and began shipping vaccines in mid-December.
Currently, the availability of these vaccines is limited due to both the sheer magnitude of an operation this size and the extreme conditions needed to secure and maintain the vaccines. Medical and other third party providers must receive federal approval before they can receive and distribute the vaccine. In Rowlett, only two providers have actually received vaccines: Baylor Scott & White @ Lake Pointe and Healthcare Associates of Irving, LLP. This list will grow in the coming weeks as more providers are approved and receive vaccines.
Providing the vaccine has been set up in priority phases by federal guidelines. Phase 1A is limited to front-line healthcare workers or residents of long-term care facilities. Phase 1B includes individuals 65 years of age or older and anyone 16 years or older with at least one chronic condition that puts them at increased risk for severe illness.
If you qualify under either phase 1A or 1B, visit the Texas COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Locations map, which is updated with approved providers who have received vaccines, here: https://bit.ly/394sNgi. Make note that not all vendors are providing vaccines to the general public yet, but Dallas County Health and Human Services department is allowing Dallas County residents who qualify under 1A and 1B to register to receive theirs once availability is established. For more information regarding registration, visit https://bit.ly/38bqedk. Rockwall County currently does not have a registration process in place and encourages residents to visit the state’s approved provider map (https://bit.ly/394sNgi). The City will continue to work with area providers, helping them through the approval process and providing support for any long-term care facilities not scheduled to receive vaccines from third party providers. This role may evolve over time as the vaccine becomes more generally available and future needs are identified. Vaccinating everyone will take time, the process could extend well into 2021 and no one agency, hospital or business can manage a project of this magnitude. We will all work together – the Rowlett way - to ensure the health and safety of our community! __________________________________
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Texas Organizing Large Vaccination HubsDallas County Health and Human Services expects to open a COVID-19 vaccine mega center in Fair Park next week with the ability to vaccinate up to 2,000 people per day as the state moves to open more large-scale vaccination hubs. The county is also planning on providing vaccinations for up to 1,000 people per day at the Ellis Davis Field House and Eastfield College.
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City of Garland Health Department Vaccine RegistrationCity of Garland Health Department (GHD) is collecting names of persons to register for the COVID-19 vaccine waiting list. Vaccination events will not be scheduled until additional vaccine supply is received. Vaccine Registration Form COVID-19 vaccine is still in very limited supply and being prioritized to Phase 1A health care workers and first responders. A small number of vaccine may be available through GHD for adults who meet the Phase 1B criteria (65 and older, or those with underlying medical conditions).
To register at this time, you need to be: • In Phase 1A or Phase 1B • At least 18 years old • A resident or employee of the cities of Garland, Rowlett or Sachse. The vaccine is free. COVID-19 vaccinations are voluntary. GHD strongly recommends all eligible persons register to receive the vaccine. Those receiving the COVID-19 vaccine will have the immunization noted on their official IMMTRAC vaccine record.More COVID-19 vaccines will become available as manufacturing and distribution ramp up.
Sign Up Here: Vaccine Registration Form. Using this online form is the fastest way to get on the list. Please assist family and friends without internet access in completing the form if you are able. Those who are unable to complete the online form can register over the phone by calling the City of Garland’s COVID-19 Hotline at 972-205-3900, between 8am and 5pm. The hotline is currently open seven days a week.
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COVID-19 Case Counts(Click on picture for larger image) The first chart in this post illustrates confirmed COVID-19 case counts numbers as of January 7 - the rest are updated Rowlett trend charts. Yesterday, 82 new cases were added. We are also sad to share that Garland Health Authority notified us of an additional death.
VACCINE UPDATES Texas will begin directing most COVID-19 vaccines to large providers that can vaccinate more than 100,000 people. This week, the state began identifying possible sites for large community vaccination sites and will publish a list of these vaccine hub providers in the next few days. This shift in provider distribution is meant to expand access to and reduce confusion for those seeking vaccinations. DSHS News Release
The COVID-19 vaccine dashboard is available at Texas Department of State Health Services website. You'll find updated vaccine distribution information along with administration information.
Please continue to stay home whenever possible, and stay safe. Stay vigilant when you must go out - wear your face covering, maintain safe distancing from others not in your group and, most importantly, wash your hands often. These measures are critical not only to slow the spread and protect people's lives, but also to protect our economy from further closures and to prevent compromising the health care services we need across the state.
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Mayor's State of the City Address Mayor Tammy Dana-Bashian delivered her Annual State of the City Address on Tuesday night at the City Council meeting. If you didn't see it live on January 5, click here or on the picture to learn about the accomplishments of 2020 plus the outlook going forward. Watch this and all meetings via streaming.REMINDER ... AskTheMayor@Rowlett.com - Don't forget, if you have a question you would like to ask Mayor Tammy, please send to the email address listed. __________________________________
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Mayor's SpotlightThe Mayor’s Spotlight for January is now available. This month, Mayor Dana-Bashian shares her Annual State of the City Address. Read all about the City’s 2020 accomplishments and the outlook going forward for 2021!
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City Council – Regular Meetings: Jan. 19 *check agenda on website* each Friday before the date Special Council Meeting – January 11 @ 5:30pm ----------------- Other Board and Commission Meetings: (All Zoom Meetings) Jan. 12 – Arts & Humanities @ 6:30pm Jan. 12 – Planning & Zoning Commission @ 6:45pm Jan. 13 – Parks & Recreation Advisory Board @ 6:30pm Jan. 14 – Library Advisory Board @ 6:30pm Jan. 20 – Rowlett Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission @ 7:30pm Jan. 25 – Senior Advisory Board @ 10am Jan. 26 – Planning & Zoning Commission @ 6:45;m
Check Here For All Meeting Agendas
**CHECK THE WEBSITE CALENDAR FOR MEETING DATES & TIMES** Watch on Rowlett’s Cable Channel RTN16 or online __________________________________
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Dr. Martin Luther King Bookmark ContestCalling all creative kids! The Library is accepting entries for the Dr. King Bookmark Contest. Design a bookmark with historical significance and if your bookmark is chosen as a winning entry, it will be printed and distributed to Library patrons throughout the month of February. Entry forms are available here.
Bookmark designs must be submitted to the Library by 5:30pm on Friday, January 22. For some inspiration, here are the winning bookmarks from last year’s contest. __________________________________
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 Happy Retirement Brenda!
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Long-time Employee Retires from the LibraryBrenda Kennedy, the Senior Administrative Assistant for Rowlett Public Library, has retired after 24 years of dedicated service to the citizens and fellow employees of Rowlett. Please join us in wishing Brenda all the best as she embarks on the next chapter of her life! She will be missed!
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The Rowlett Police Department wants you to know where crime is occurring in your City and neighborhood. Find crime mapping throughout Rowlett and also a list of registered sex offenders. Go here to report a crime unless it is an emergency or crime in progress. If that is the case, please call 911 immediately. __________________________________
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 March 18, 1971 to
March 18, 2021
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RPD Celebrates 50 Years in 2021!The Rowlett Police Department will celebrate its 50th year on March 18, 2021.
To commemorate the event, Police Officers will be wearing a new anniversary badge for the entire year.
We thank the citizens of Rowlett for all the support they have shown to us over the years and we look forward to serving each and everyone of you into the future!
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The Lakeside Leisure will now be published on a monthly basis! The January edition is now available - see all the fun activities just by scanning the QR code. __________________________________
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Virtual Platforms for Communication SeminarThis seminar, held on Tuesday, January 12 from 1pm to 2pm, will provide folks with relevant, useful information and show how to stay connected with others. Phillip Barott, Information Systems Administrator for the Library, will be the guest speaker. If interested in attending virtually, please email Shelly at smonroe@rowlett.com or call 972.412.6145. This seminar is hosted by the Rowlett Senior Advisory Board. __________________________________
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Virtual Listening Session for AARP Age-Friendly CommunitiesThe Rowlett Senior Advisory Board is working hard to make sure you have access to the best information! Learn about transportation, social participation and housing for AARP Age-Friendly Communities! This seminar will be hosted on two different dates: Tuesday, January 26, from 1 – 2:30pm and Thursday, January 28, from 6:30 – 8pm! __________________________________
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Sign up for the SKYWARN Program Now!Join the SKYWARN program - classes are all virtual this year! Training is free and typically lasts about 2 hours. You'll learn:
Basics of thunderstorm development; Fundamentals of storm structure; Identifying potential severe weather features; Information to report; How to report information Basic severe weather safety.
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Buffalo Bill's Good Eats is now open for business! Located at 6310 Dalrock Rd., Suite 100 (previously Main Street Bistro), they offer fresh American food made from scratch and are locally owned. Dine in or carry out, call 469.626.3575
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 SHOP ROWLETT - SHOP LOCAL
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City Offices Closed for MLK HolidayCity facilities, including City Hall, Municipal Court, Rowlett Community Centre, Library and the Animal Shelter will be closed on Monday, January 18 in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday. Trash pickup will run on schedule.
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Your one-stop-shop for assistance.Call 972.412.6100 for in-person help ---Click here to submit a request or question.
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