CITY OF BRENHAM RESPONDS TO COVID-19 DEVELOPMENTS

  

The City of Brenham continues to take proactive measures to mitigate concerns over the novel Coronavirus.

In a release this (Friday) morning, city officials said they are committed to providing a safe and secure environment for employees and residents.

Mayor Milton Tate said keeping residents and staff members safe is the city’s “top priority”.  He recommended residents stay focused on the facts with information from credible agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  He thanked everyone for their continued efforts in “following the prescribed practices that will help keep this virus under control”.

City Manager James Fisher said the city’s thoughts and prayers go out to all those around the world affected by COVID-19.  He said the city “does not take this threat lightly” and is “doing its part to stop the spread of the virus”.  He said he appreciates the patience and understanding of residents as the city navigates these circumstances together as a community.

City events are being discussed and rescheduled on a case-by-case basis. Information regarding upcoming events will be released on the City of Brenham website at www.cityofbrenham.org, and on all city-sponsored social media pages.

As the situation around COVID-19 continues to evolve, city officials said they are doing everything they can to ensure the threat level continues to be labeled “low” in Brenham and Washington County.  The city is closely monitoring updates from sources such as the CDC, and receiving guidance from local and national government health agencies.

The city has implemented a Communication Campaign and Preparedness Plan to keep employees and residents informed.  The Communication Campaign, Focusing on the Facts, is designed to keep City of Brenham residents up to date with the latest information and prevention methods, and the Preparedness Plan is designed to help prevent the spread of the virus as much as possible within City Hall and other city-run facilities.

Among other things, the city’s plan includes:

• Daily and on-going sanitation of the city lobby and other common areas
• Available hand sanitizer stations located throughout facilities
• Employees following best practice infection prevention methods such as hand washing for at least 20 seconds and using hand sanitizer more often

To prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other viruses, the city is following recommended protocol and encouraging residents to continue practicing these, as well:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Stay home when you are sick
• Cover your cough or sneeze with the bend of your elbow or a tissue
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
• Be mindful of others if you meet the following high-risk criteria:

- Fever, cough, or shortness of breath

- Exposed to someone diagnosed with coronavirus

- Recently traveled to a high-risk country: China, Iran, Italy, Japan, and South Korea. This country list is updated regularly by the CDC and can be reviewed and monitored on their website at www.cdc.gov.