Arlington hopes to avoid shutting down business, but leaders say it may be unavoidable
The City of Arlington doesn’t expect businesses to be required to close because of the novel coronavirus pandemic but things could quickly change, Fire Chief Don Crowson said at the city council’s afternoon session Tuesday.
Arlington, which has had two cases of COVID-19, is not in as fragile a situation as Dallas County, city Medical Director Cynthia Simmons said at the meeting. One case of coronavirus is still in the city, but Simmons said the second case was moved elsewhere in Tarrant County.
Tarrant County confirmed its sixth case Tuesday.
Should the city experience more cases and community spread, where the virus spreads without an identifiable first patient, Arlington might have to enact a ban on gatherings at businesses.
Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams, Crowson and Simmons all said during the meeting they are in constant contact with county, state and national agencies to determine the best way to handle the pandemic.
Williams said the city is doing everything possible to avoid closing local business and hurting small business owners, but it may not be possible to avoid it entirely.
Many restaurants in the city have started selling food for takeout only, rearranging tables to keep patrons at least 6 feet apart or are seating guests with at least one table between them.
Tarrant County Public Health is advising anyone with respiratory problems or who has recently traveled to infected areas to contact their physician or hospital about testing.
Because of a limited supply of testing kits and an effort to limit the strain on healthcare services, only those in high-risk populations are being tested at this time.
Simmons said that anyone who may have the virus should call to request a test and self-quarantine until a test can be conducted and results are available. Depending on the case, some infected people may be asked to self-quarantine while others may be given instructions to seek further medical care.
Symptoms of the virus include fever, dry cough, trouble breathing, fatigue and body aches.
Councilman Ignacio Nunez, a doctor, said he would like to see testing kits available to physicians so they can handle testing without overwhelming hospitals.
Crowson said in addition to preparing first responders for possible cases of coronavirus, fire stations have been distributing educational pamphlets.
Crowson said first responders have been equipped and prepared to handle pandemics since 2007. Guidelines for pandemic response were updated to address COVID-19 last month.
Councilwoman Sheri Capehart expressed concerns about senior living communities in the city. While most nursing homes and retirement communities are taking steps to prevent the spread, if not locking down completely, Arlington has affordable senior living apartments.
She said she would like to see resources and education directed toward those communities.
The majority of fatal cases of the virus have been among patients with pre-existing conditions.
Texas has reported one death from the coronavirus.
This story was originally published March 17, 2020 at 6:16 PM.