While at this time there are no known cases of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in Waxahachie, the City of Waxahachie Emergency Management and Staff continue to monitor the situation closely and are in daily communication with state and federal agencies to stay up-to-date on the latest information and prevention measures.
The City of Waxahachie Emergency Management Office and representatives from the Waxahachie Fire Department have been in almost daily contact with Texas Health and Human Services or the Center for Disease Control (CDC). The State of Texas, Ellis County and the City of Waxahachie have been reviewing their plans for all respiratory virus outbreaks including Coronavirus.
The best way to protect yourself and family is to follow the CDC recommendations for handwashing, cough control and surface disinfecting. The public is asked to adhere to the recommended guidelines for prevention to ensure our community remains healthy.
In exercising an abundance of caution, the decision has been made to reschedule the Railyard Park Grand Opening Celebration. City staff is working to get a new date confirmed, and we will announce that as soon as it has been determined. We look forward to celebrating this new amenity with our amazing community when it’s safe for everyone to do so. As a further precaution, we will closely monitor other city-sanctioned events, as well as private events on a case-by-case basis.
Some sports leagues that utilize the Waxahachie Sports Complex have voluntarily suspended or postponed their games for the time being. Many classes scheduled to be held at the Waxahachie Senior Activity Center have been cancelled and other activities are being evaluated for possible restrictions. City staff and leadership also continues to monitor these facilities.
Increased cleaning and sanitizing measures are in the process of being implemented at City facilities, as well as, posting of signage to increase public awareness of protective measures that should be followed. We have also encouraged City staff to stay home if they are any of their family members are sick, and to remain home until they have been fever-free for a minimum of 24 hours. Staff has also been instructed to limit face-to-face meetings, and to utilize other forms of communication such as email and teleconference when possible.
For citizens who normally pay their utility bill in person, alternative ways to pay are also available. Those include the drive-through behind City Hall (Open Monday-Friday, 8am to 5pm), online, and on the phone. You may call the Utility Billing Department at 469-309-4170, or visit www.waxahachie.com, from the main menu choose Departments, then Utility Billing Options.
As mentioned above, the City of Waxahachie staff and leadership continues to constantly monitor this situation. The safety of our citizens is our top priority, and we encourage our community members to remain calm but cautious as we get through this temporary setback together.