City announces proactive measures to reduce spread of Coronavirus
The City of Galveston is temporarily suspending special event permitting for events with 250 or more people and urging private event sponsors to consider postponing large events (250 or more people.)
GALVESTON, TX – March 14, 2020 – The City of Galveston is taking proactive measures to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), including limiting in-person interactions for city business and suspending permitting for large special events.
The City of Galveston will continue to provide all city services, however we will postpone public commission and committee meetings for 14 days. We are also actively encouraging city business be handled online or via phone where possible.
These measures are being taken out of an abundance of caution in an effort to protect the public health, particularly our most vulnerable populations, and to slow the progression of this virus, which in turn eases the burden on medical care providers. Preserving the health and safety of our staff allows essential city services to continue without interruptions. We are constantly monitoring and assessing the situation.
City staff will continue reporting to work unless an employee is sick.
While we are discouraging large public gatherings, we do encourage your continued support of local businesses.
Remember to follow these preventative measures in your daily life:
- Wash your hands frequently
- Stay at home if you’re sick
- Avoid close personal contact, such as shaking hands
- Disinfect surfaces
SPECIAL EVENTS Effective immediately and for the next 14 days, the city will not issue special event permits to any events with 250 or more participants. This suspension will be revisited after two weeks. We strongly encourage private event organizers in Galveston to consider postponing events with 250 or more people.
PAYING YOUR WATER BILL: The City of Galveston encourages water customers to pay online at www.galvestontx.gov/paymywaterbill. Water bills may also be mailed to 823 Rosenberg, Galveston TX 77550. In addition, payments may be dropped off at City Hall in the overnight deposit.
PERMITTING: We encourage residents and contractors to apply for building permits online at https://eportal.galvestontx.gov/CitizenAccess/. Applicants may also call 409-797-3660 for more information.
RECREATION CENTERS AND PUBLIC POOL: McGuire Dent Recreation Center, Wright Cuney Recreation Center and the Lasker Park Community Pool are all closed until further notice.
MUNICIPAL COURT: Beginning Monday, March 16, 2020, Galveston’s Municipal Court will be suspended for two weeks. Tickets may be paid online at https://www.municipalonlinepayments.com/galvestontx.
ALL OTHER CITY SERVICES: We encourage any city business that can be handled online or by the phone to be done in that manner. If you believe your request cannot be handled over the phone, please contact the appropriate department for a walk-in appointment.
MORE INFORMATION: To follow developments at the city, stay informed with www.galvestontx.gov/newsflash. For health developments, follow the Galveston County Health District and the Center for Disease Control. Information about what to do if you believe you may be sick is available at https://www.utmb.edu/covid-19.