What if someone goes out with an infection? We answer Fort Worth coronavirus questions.
Here are the answers to some common questions that have come to the Star-Telegram’s coronavirus helpline. And if you want to ask us anything else — or share any story tips — use the Google Survey at star-telegram.com.
Are police or the authorities doing anything to penalize people who have COVID-19 and are out and about?
The Justice Department has said those who intentionally spread coronavirus could face terrorism charges, according to Politico. Locally, Fort Worth police say they are “educating those who they come in contact with (to make sure) ... all residents understand the restrictions, however we will deal accordingly with any possible situation we encounter.” They say they could issue a city ordinance citation to offenders.
Arlington police say they are trying to educate residents and are referring people to the city’s website at arlingtontx.gov/coronavirus for more information. They say they haven’t had to take any enforcement action so far.
Grapevine police haven’t issued any citations. Officers there have “enhanced” patrols and say any stops would be for probable cause, meaning the driver is violating a law. “We have had ZERO stops, arrests, or citations related to the Stay at Home order, and any calls-for-service reporting a violation are forwarded to code enforcement,” according to a comment from the city of Grapevine.
Mansfield police say they are sharing information on social media and haven’t had to issue any citations. In Southlake, police are working to educate the public about the stay at home order. They say anyone who tested positive for COVID-19 in Tarrant or Denton counties are being monitored by their county health department.
Is it OK to take a boat to the lake to fish?
Yes. The Tarrant Regional Water District says all regular lake activities are allowed under the county’s regulations. You can fish, and you can go out on a boat. You must, however, follow social distancing guidelines and stay 6 feet away from others. And you should not be out having a gathering with nine friends. Public health experts recommend limiting your time with other people to family.
I live in Lake Worth. I am under Quarantine. Can I prevent City Employees from accessing my property while quarantined? They have a sewer easement and are currently working on sewer lines.
In all likelihood, no. A public easement is a broadly protected property right in Texas and many other states, according to the Texas A&M Real Estate Center. When a public entity such as a local government or a utility has an easement, they aren’t just allowed on your property with your permission. They have an actual interest in your property. That interest is short of full ownership, but it gives that entity the legal right to use a designated portion of your property, albeit for a limited purpose (in this case a sewer line), whenever they deem necessary. If you believe you have been exposed to the coronavirus and have been directed by a public health agency not to leave your home under any circumstances, then obviously it would be worthwhile to call the city’s utility services department and let them know that their employees may be endangered by entering your property. Otherwise, it’s probably best to let them get their work done.
Can I go to my Doctor office for a follow up checkup?
Consult your physician directly. Hospitals and clinics remain open, but may be overwhelmed with patients or prioritizing possible COVID-19 cases.
We are having a quinceañera on June 19, 2020. Should we postpone it? When is a good date?
The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, an independent global health research center at the University of Washington, forecasts that May 2 will be our peak resource date in Texas. This means it will be the date when most patients will be in the hospital being treated for COVID-19. If you look at the infographic, June 19 is pretty much on the exact opposite end of the curve compared to where we are right now. I don’t know if the ban on large gatherings will be lifted by Tarrant County before June 19 but it looks like things won’t be back to normal, at least in the hospitals, until some time in July, according to the data.
Will Fort Worth get a drive through testing location? Where will it be? When?
As of now, there is no new information on additional testing sites statewide.
There are five areas with drive-through testing: Austin/Round Rock, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and San Angelo.
There are two in Dallas: the American Airlines Center and the Ellis Davis Field House.
Calls to the Texas Department of Health Services regarding the possibility of adding more testing sites have yet to be returned. Local officials deferred to the state hotline.
My car inspection and plate is due end of March 2020. Do I need to try and find someone to inspect it to get my sticker or can it wait till after the restriction is lifted?
No, you do not have to get your car inspected by the end of the month. It can wait. You will have 60 days to do so after the restriction is lifted. Governor Greg Abbott granted the temporary extension on March 16.
The inspection must be completed before you renew your registration.
How can we report someone suspected of falsely stating that they have Coronavirus?
In Fort Worth, a COVID-19 hotline is taking calls from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 817-392-8478. People can also email COVID19@fortworthtexas.gov. Suspected violations can be reported to the coronavirus hotline or to the non-emergency police line at 817-392-4222.
During this Coronavirus, can I get evicted from my hotel room?
Please visit the Hotel Association of Tarrant County (817-238-3232) or the Texas Hotel and Lodging Association (1-800-856-4328) for all hotel problems.
If hotels start the eviction process, call the Texas Hotel and Lodging Association and it will work with the attorney general. It will investigate and call back with the best scenario. Be ready to give the assocition any information, including name, phone number, hotel, how long you’ve been staying and any concerns.
I don’t understand why people are moving in and out of apartment complexes, while we have a stay-at-home order?
The stay-at-home order issued by Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley lists residential and commercial moving services as essential businesses that are allowed to operate.
Where can you get tested in Dallas that you can drive up to?
The city of Dallas has two drive-up locations to be tested for coronavirus:
▪ American Airlines Center
2500 Victory Avenue
Dallas, Texas 75232
▪ Ellis Davis House
9191 S. Polk St.
Dallas, Texas 75232
However, those sites were to be closed Monday because of the potential for bad weather. Both sites were scheduled to reopen Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
▪ Parkland Health and Hospital System is also offering drive-thru testing, but only for existing patients. Parkland patients can contact the COVID-19 Patient Line at 214-590-8060.
▪ Also, Neighborhood Medical Center at 5917 Belt Line Road is offering tests. Call 972-275-6910 for information.
This story was originally published March 31, 2020 at 12:00 PM.