The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has been recognized globally as a contagious respiratory virus; and on March 13, 2020 Governor Greg Abbott declared a state of disaster for all counties in Texas pursuant to Section 418.014 of the Texas Tax Code citing (1) more than 30 confirmed cases of COVID-19 located in multiple Texas counties (2) more than 50 Texans with pending tests for COVID-19 in Texas and (3) the altered schedules and in some instances the closings of some schools, universities, and other governmental entities.
The declaration further acknowledges the priority of coordinating preparedness efforts across state agencies and working with local partners to promote appropriate mitigation efforts; and the criticality to take additional steps to prepare for, respond to, and mitigate the spread of COVID-19 to protect the health and welfare of Texans.
There has been a significant number of positive cases in Houston and in the region and subsequently, the need to provide adequate shelter to those in self-quarantine. To address the need to accommodate and provide shelter for Houstonians in self- quarantine, City Council approved two leases for these facilities in Ordinance 2020-278 and as extended by Ordinance 2020-613, and Ordinance 2020-291 and as extended by Ordinance 2020-612, with operations managed by Harris County.
As these are shared facilities, Houston and Harris County came to a verbal agreement to share the logistics and cost of leasing and operating these facilities. Per this agreement, Houston will obtain and manage the leases on the properties, while Harris County will obtain and manage the operations contracts for these facilities, which include the medical care of the individuals therein.
The ILA codifies this agreement, with Houston and Harris County agreeing to share the balance of all expenditures to the non-congregate facilities net of FEMA reimbursement.
The Administration recommends City Council Approval to address this health emergency and to protect the residents, first responders, and health professionals to mitigate the risk of spread of the COVID 19 virus.
Fiscal Note
No Fiscal Note is required on grant items
Disaster Note:
This item is related to the impact of COVID-19 and it is the City's intent to seek reimbursement from FEMA and/or other eligible sources for such expenditures.
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Andy Icken, Chief Development Officer