COVID19-FAQ *UPDATED: 4/21/2020

STAY AT HOME ORDERS

[raw] [accordion] [toggle title=”☆ I live inside Aransas Pass City Limits. Which order applies to me?“] The City’s & Governor’s Stay at Home Orders which you can view in the yellow stickie on the right of this page. A violation of either of these orders is criminally enforceable. [/toggle] [toggle title=”☆ Is there a curfew in Aransas Pass?“] Aside from the juvenile curfew ordinance, there is no curfew for COVID-19. What more than a Stay at Home order is really necessary, anyway? [/toggle] [toggle title=”☆ Who enforces these Stay at Home orders?“] Any law enforcement officer in the State of Texas can enforce these orders. [/toggle] [toggle title=”☆ Can I go hang out at my friend’s or other non-household family member’s house so long as there are not more than 10 of us present?“] No. The Stay at Home order means just that. You can only visit another family member’s household to provide health/care-related services. A violation thereof is a criminal offense. STAY AT HOME! [/toggle] [toggle title=”☆ What is an essential business or activity? Is fishing or hunting considered one of those activities?“] Please refer to this state link for all identified essential services/businesses. https://tdem.texas.gov/essentialservices/ Running, jogging, bicycling, fishing, & hunting are all considered approved and essential activites according to the Governor’s order. [highlight]*** Modified by Governor’s order ***[/highlight] [/toggle] [toggle title=”☆ I believe my business is essential. Can I be reconsidered?“] Yes. Please submit your request to the State via this link: https://tdem.texas.gov/essentialservices/. Until a formal decision has been made, your business must remain closed. [/toggle] [toggle title=”☆ I run a church, can we hold services or not?“] According to the State, “If religious services cannot be conducted from home or through remote services, they should be conducted consistent with the Guidelines from the President and the CDC by practicing good hygiene, environmental cleanliness, and sanitation, and by implementing social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19.” Vist the State link for further details: https://tdem.texas.gov/essentialservices/ [/toggle] [toggle title=”☆ What about funeral services?“] Most funeral services are religious in nature. As a result, please follow the States guidance as shared below. “If religious services cannot be conducted from home or through remote services, they should be conducted consistent with the Guidelines from the President and the CDC by practicing good hygiene, environmental cleanliness, and sanitation, and by implementing social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19.” Vist the State link for further details: https://tdem.texas.gov/essentialservices/ [/toggle] [toggle title=”☆ Can commercial fisherman still use closed boat launches?“] Yes, please contact Harbor Master Chuck West at 361-441-4077 to make arrangements. [/toggle] [toggle title=”☆ I run a fishing guide service, can I still operate my business in AP?“] No. Fishing guide services are not essential businesses or activities. [/toggle] [toggle title=”☆ I want to launch my boat and go fishing in AP, can I?“] Yes & No. Public boat ramps are closed. Private ones remain unaffected. However, you MUST maintain social distancing while on the boat and fishing. Failing to do so is a crime. [highlight]*** Modified by Governor’s order ***[/highlight] [/toggle] [toggle title=”☆ Can I visit local parks?“]

Yes. The parks are open but please do not use the playground toys that are roped off. They remain closed.

[/toggle] [toggle title=”☆ What is social distancing?“] Be the fix, stay at six! Maintain a six foot distance from other individuals. [/toggle] [toggle title=”☆ What happens if I violate this order?“] As with most offenses at this level, officers will follow an enforcement ladder. Officers are not restricted to following this ladder in order. Every situation is different.

1. First, we educate.
2. Next, we instruct.
3. Ultimately, we cite.
4. Optionally we may arrest.

Again, the officer has discretion on which option is best for the particular scenario he or she is facing. Generally, one’s 1st violation is a fine only of $500.00. ALL violations are subject to a fine of $1,000.00 and up to 180 days in jail or both penalties (a class B Misdemeanor). For each day the violation exists, a separate offense can be enforced. [/toggle] [toggle title=”☆ Where do I report violations of this Stay at Home order?“] Please report violations of the Aransas Pass Stay at Home order here: [highlight]A violation of any other order, needs to be reported to the law enforcement agency of the jurisdiction that issued the order. We will not respond to reports made for orders other than Aransas Pass’. Thank you for understanding.[/highlight] [/toggle] [/accordion] [/raw]

---

ILLNESS

[raw] [accordion] [toggle title=”☆ What are the signs and Symptoms?“] The CDC is the best resource for signs and symptoms of the COVID-19 Coronavirus. Pay em a visit! [/toggle] [toggle title=”☆ I am experiencing symptoms of COVID-19; what do I do?“] Do not call 911 unless you are experiencing a life or death emergency. You should consider these options FIRST if you are experiencing symptoms: ☆ First, have you called your local doctor’s office? If not, call them first do not just show up. ☆ Otherwise, you might try calling a near by emergency room and follow their instructions. You can find them by Googling them. ☆ Or, Lastly, if that did not help, call the San Patricio County Health Authority at 361-587-3530. [/toggle] [toggle title=”☆ If I call 911 or the non-emergency line because I feel sick, what should I expect from the dispatcher?“] Great question! For most all medical sick calls dispatch will ask the following:

1. Does the patient have a fever?
2. Does the patient have a cough?
3. Does the patient have difficulty breathing or shortness of breath?
4. Is the patient experiencing flue like symptoms?
5. Has the patient come in contact with a confirmed COVID19 patient?
6. Has the patient traveled outside of Texas during the past 14 days and to where?
7. Is anyone else sick inside the home?

After obtaining this information, dispatch or responding crews might ask that the patient go outside to minimize the first-responder’s exposure to contaminated areas. Please be patient with our call takers. They’re working hard to get you the help you need. [/toggle] [/accordion] [/raw]

---

GOVERNOR ABBOTT’S MANDATES

[accordion] [raw] [toggle title=”☆ The Governor has issued orders and proclamations, where can I find them?“] Easy, to the right in the red and yellow stickies or click here. [/toggle] [toggle title=”☆ I know of someone who traveled to Texas from a restricted state. Who do I report this to?“] If you have questions about this process or enforcement, direct them to DPS at (800) 525-5555. [/toggle] [toggle title=”☆ Gov Abbott allows us to go to the park, can we celebrate a family birthday, Easter, or another event at a local or State park?“] No. Now is a time to avoid non-essential visits or activities in groups or at State and local parks. Please visit the park for an essential activity, but not to socially gather or celebrate special, non-essential occasions. Also, be aware that some parks may be closed during holidays or typical times when large gatherings are anticipated during the pandemic crisis. Follow Texas Parks and Wildlife for more details. [/toggle] [/accordion] [/raw]