 TOP STORIES FOR FEBRUARY 12, 2021
|
|
|
|
PLEASE STAY CONNECTED TO OUR FACEBOOK PAGE AND WEBSITE FOR UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ABOUT THE IMPENDING WINTER STORM |
|
|
|
|
|
__________________________________ |
|
|
|
Today is the last good day to prepare for several days of wintry precipitation, dangerously cold temperatures, and hazardous travel conditions. Conditions really start to deteriorate Saturday night with hazardous travel conditions likely for most, if not all of the region, for all of next week.
We realize that things happen during these extreme weather events at all hours of the day or night. So If you have questions, need information, or want to report a non-emergency issue over the weekend or at times when City offices and facilities are closed, staff will be monitoring the following communication channels: - Email us at ActionCenter@Rowlett.com
- Call us at the non-emergency number – 972.412.6200 (during regular business hours, please call 972.412.6100)
- Message us on this Facebook page
And as always, if you have an emergency – call 911. Please stay safe! __________________________________
|
|
|
|
We’re in for several days of wintry weather - now is the time to gather supplies and prepare in case you need to stay home for several days or are without power. - Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication.
- Remember the needs of your pets.
- Have extra batteries for radios and flashlights.
- Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning - only use generators and grills outdoors and never heat your home with a gas stovetop or oven.
- Keep phones and devices charged.
- Sign up for Connect Rowlett. Connect Rowlett is an emergency notification service allowing Rowlett residents to opt-in and receive information via phone call, text message, and/or email based on locations and subjects relevant to you. This system is used to notify residents of imminent threats to health and safety as well as informational notifications that affect home and/or work environments, such as severe weather, flooding, gas leaks, police activity and more. Please take a moment and sign up here: https://www.smart911.com/.../registrationLanding.action.
__________________________________
|
|
|
|
City Temporarily Suspends Disconnections for Non-paymentIt’s cold. And it’s not going to warm up anytime soon! Due to the threat of continued inclement weather and freezing temperatures, the Rowlett Utility Billing Department is suspending all disconnections for non-payment until Monday 02/22/2021.
Also - please take precautions against pipes freezing: let an indoor faucet drip, keep your heat on, open cabinet/vanity doors to allow warm air in, and cover/insulate outside faucets!
__________________________________
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
**Vaccine supply is limited and it will take time to vaccinate everyone. Thank you for your patience as the State rolls out more vaccines
every week. Currently, only those in Phase 1A and 1B are
eligible to receive the vaccination.**
|
|
|
|
Operations open 2-7pm today (2/12).
After receiving an updated weather briefing from the National Weather Service, Dallas County has made the decision to now close the Fair Park vaccine location on Sunday, February 14.
The hub will now be closed Saturday, February 13 through Monday, February 15. Dallas County will be closely monitoring the weather situation and there may be additional closures after Monday.
|
|
|
|
Find the answers to your questions regarding who is eligible, where to get it, how to sign up, next steps and more!
Also, Mayor Tammy Dana-Bashian's February monthly newsletter, Mayor's Spotlight, includes the 5 Myths About COVID-19 Vaccines - be sure to read it!
When can Rowlett residents sign up? Immediately!!
All Rowlett residents can sign up for the **Dallas County waitlist NOW; however, only those in 1A and 1B categories are eligible to be vaccinated per the Texas Department of State Health Services rules. Those who are not eligible now can still sign up and will be contacted when distribution moves to their category. **Currently, this does not apply to the Garland Health Department waitlist -
only Dallas County**
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Garland Health Department Vaccine Clinic UpdateThere will not be an update this week for Garland Health Department or Rockwall County. We'll catch up next week. Thank you for your patience. Rowlett residents who qualify in Phase 1A and 1B may sign up on the wait list here: Vaccine Registration Form or register by phone: 972.205.3900.
|
|
|
|
No update this week.
Those eligible to receive the vaccine per the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) 1A or 1B definitions, may register for the waitlist here: www.blockitnow.com/rockwallwaitlist.
DO NOT SHARE YOUR VACCINE LINKS! You must have received the
appointment link DIRECTLY and be on the Helping Hands waitlist.
(This applies to every place you are signed-up through!)
|
|
|
|
Statewide Vaccine HubsResidents are encouraged to register on multiple lists, there are no county residency requirements. Find more statewide provider hubs here.
Links are provided below for the online registration for each county. Due to the statewide effort, each county that is distributing the vaccine may approach the process differently and may provide different types of vaccines. There is no city or county residency requirement to register to receive a vaccination at one of the official hub sites, these sites are open to all Texas residents. People who register will be placed on a waitlist and will be provided further guidance at a later date as to when to arrive to receive a vaccination.
|
|
|
|
Other Vaccine InformationCDC Vaccine FAQ (pdf)
A COVID-19 vaccine dashboard is available on the Texas DSHS COVID-19 webpage
DSHS COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Locations Map
CDC Vaccine Safety Information
Sign Up For V-safeSign up for V-safe after you get vaccinated! V-safe is a smartphone-based tool that uses text messaging and web surveys to provide personalized health check-ins after you receive a COVID-19 vaccination.
Vaccine Candidate Updates- Pfizer, the first COVID-19 vaccine granted an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) in the US, has begun a clinical trial for children aged 12-15 years, and has begun planning for a trial for children aged 5-11 years later this year. Additionally, Moderna has begun a clinical trial for children ages 12-17. Moderna has also begun testing a booster vaccine for potential use against COVID-19 variant strains.
- Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has filed for their Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the FDA. They have released new reports that their vaccine in a single dose regimen is 85% effective against severe illness, and 66% effective at preventing moderate and severe illness. The manufacturer is also researching a two-dose regimen of this vaccine, for potential increased efficacy against the spread of COVID-19.
- Novavax has also released data on their COVID-19 vaccine candidate, showing 89% efficacy against moderate and severe COVID-19 disease. They are also manufacturing an additional potential booster or supplement dose for variant strains of COVID-19. Novavax has applied for approval in the UK, and is working with the FDA to submit for an EUA.
- AstraZeneca’s vaccine has been approved for emergency use in the European Union, but has not yet been approved in the United States. Thus far, the vaccine has shown 82% efficacy after two doses, however, many countries are advising that this vaccine is not given to individuals over the age of 65, due to a lack of data surrounding this age group.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Applications Open February 15, 2021
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) has announced the launch of the Texas Rent Relief Program, funded through approximately $1.3 billion received through the latest federal COVID-19 relief bill. TDHCA is using the funds to help Texans pay rent and utility bills, including those that are past due. Applications will be accepted from landlords and tenants starting at 8 a.m. on February 15.
What Does it Cover?
The Texas Rent Relief Program can help with the below costs as far back as March 13, 2020: • Past due, current, and up to 3 months of expected rent costs; • Past due, current, or up to 3 months of expected utility and home energy expenses; • After receiving assistance for 3 months of expected costs, households can apply for additional assistance if funds are still available.
To qualify, households must be at or below 80% of the area median income as well as other criteria. TDHCA will prioritize applications for households at or below 50% of area median income and households where one or more members are unemployed and have been for at least 90 days. Landlords are also encouraged to apply on behalf of tenants.
How to Apply
Starting February 15th, you can submit your application by calling 1-833-9TX-RENT (1-833-989-7368) or online at https://texasrentrelief.com/. The call center will be open Monday through Saturday, 8am to 6pm. __________________________________
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
City Council –
Regular Meetings: Feb. 16 @ 5:30pm *check agenda on website* each Friday
before the date
Special Council Meeting – None at time published
-----------------
Other Board and Commission Meetings: (All Zoom Meetings)
Feb. 8 – Community Investment Advisory Board @ 5:30pm
Feb. 9 – Arts & Humanities Commission @ 6:30pm
Feb. 9 – Planning & Zoning Commission @ 6:15pm
Feb. 10 – Parks & Recreation Advisory Board @ 6:30pm
Feb. 11 – Library Advisory Board @ 6:30pm
Feb. 15 – Senior Advisory Board @ 10am
Feb. 15 – Rowlett Youth Advisory Council @ 6:30pm
Feb. 17 – Rowlett Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Commission @ 7pm
Feb. 23 – Planning & Zoning Commission @ 6:30pm
**CHECK THE WEBSITE CALENDAR FOR MEETING DATES & TIMES
Watch on Rowlett’s Cable Channel RTN16 or online
__________________________________ |
|
|
|
REMEMBER ... AskTheMayor@Rowlett.com - If you have a question you would like to ask Mayor Tammy, please send to the email address listed ... AND Send us your "feel good" stories about someone doing something positive in Rowlett - Let's share ALL the Good Things About Rowlett! #MyRowlett Email: dperrin@rowlett.com __________________________________
|
|
|
|
February is Love Your Library MonthFebruary is Love Your Library month. Rowlett’s Friends of the Library is an advocacy and support group who raise funds for special Library needs, support cultural and literary enrichment activities for the community, and promote literacy. If you’re interested in being a Friend, please visit their website.
https://www.ci.rowlett.tx.us/1023/Friends-of-the-Library
__________________________________
|
|
|
|
|
|
Live Unemployment Benefits Assistance through JobNow with BrainfuseYour Library card now enables you to receive Live Unemployment Benefits Assistance through JobNow with Brainfuse. Live unemployment benefits coaches are available to help workers determine unemployment eligibility benefits using state and federal guidelines. Filling out the application and finding the right unemployment resources can be overwhelming. During this unprecedented time, it is our goal to help workers receive the benefits they are entitled to.
Visit www.Rowlett.biblionix.com to get started. __________________________________ |
|
|
|
|
|
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. __________________________________
|
|
|
|
|
|
__________________________________ |
|
|
|
Your one-stop-shop for assistance.Call 972.412.6100 for in-person help ---Click here to submit a request or question.
|
|
|
|
Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share via Email
