March 27, 2020:

The Garland Health Department (GHD) has received reports of 23 confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Garland residents, as well as one death. Check the Dallas County website for county-wide updates.

City Council Update

March 25, the Garland City Council approved an updated Declaration of Disaster related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The updated ordinance implements measures consistent with those of Dallas County and other entities in the area.

Garland approved a shelter in place ordinance on March 23. The updated ordinance calls for the closure of non-essential businesses as declared by Dallas County. Details are available on the County’s website.

The Garland ordinance requires that if a person in a household tests positive for COVID-19, all persons within that household must isolate at home until cleared by a medical professional.

All Garland residents are ordered to stay home, except to conduct essential activities such as getting food or medical supplies. Those who work in essential business, government or community functions that cannot be conducted from home may leave their residences. Everyone should practice social distancing in shared or outdoor spaces.

All public or private gatherings outside a single household are prohibited. As are elective medical and dental procedures.

Essential businesses include certain health care operations, government functions, critical infrastructure, essential retail and food service, services for economically disadvantaged populations, specific services to maintain essential operations, news media and childcare services.

Questions about essential businesses and operations should be directed to BusinessCOVID19@dallascounty.org.

Election Postponed

During a special March 23 meeting, the Garland City Council also postponed its general election six months to Nov. 3 to keep voters from gathering during a time of concern over the spread of COVID-19.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on March 18 authorized those holding May 2 elections to postpone their election to Nov. 3.

“I strongly encourage local election officials to take advantage of these waivers and postpone their elections until November,” Gov. Abbott said. “Right now, the state’s focus is responding to COVID-19 – including social distancing and avoiding large gatherings. By delaying this election, our local election officials can assist in that effort.”

Sunday, March 22, Dallas County issued a shelter in place order, requiring everyone to stay home, except to conduct essential activities such as getting food and supplies. Those working in essential retail establishments, medical services, and essential government and infrastructure functions are exempt. Read the order for more details.

The Garland City Council will hold a special meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, March 30, in the Council Chamber to discuss COVID-19 response updates. See the agenda for full details. The meeting will be televised on CGTV and streamed live. 

Other City Service Updates (more under "City Service Update" tab)

GarlandPublic WiFi is now available at most City buildings, including libraries, recreation centers, City Hall, theaters and more. Even while the buildings are closed, the GarlandPublic WiFi coverage extends outside and is available FREE. The terms and conditions, as well as a full list of locations, is available at GarlandTX.gov/WiFi.

The Main Street Municipal Building (800 Main St.) is closed to the public. Contact departments by phone or email. Details on the City Services Update tab.

All Garland library book drops are closed. Please do not return library materials until further notice. There will be no fines during this time. Curbside pickup of certain materials is available. Contact the library for details.  

The Garland Municipal Court is closed until Monday, May 4, 2020. All dockets and deadlines to contact the court are suspended until that time. You may pay a citation online or by mail at the address located on the back of your citation.

Garland offers an information line, 972-205-3900, to help connect residents to health resources during the COVID-19 pandemic. Call your primary care physician first for medical and testing advice.

Additional updates:

211 Texas has activated a COVID-19 option within the 211 platform. 211 specialists across the state are available 24/7 to answer the most frequently asked questions. Visit www.211Texas.org.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has announced the extension of expiration dates for a Texas identification card, driver license, commercial driver license or election identification certificate for the duration of the Governor’s declaration of State of Disaster. See the Governor’s announcement. The Governor has also waived certain vehicle registration regulations.

Links to resources and other information are available under the Facts & Resource Links tab.