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COVID-19 FAQs

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1. What is the City of Weatherford doing?

Spacing out during in-person meetings is suggested. All public meetings are live streamed on our website here. We have an internal COVID Continuity team that meets once a weekly to track numbers, enact policies and ensure that all of our policies and practices are exceeding the expectations set forth by the CDC and the office of the Texas Governor. 

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On Friday, March 20, 2020, Weatherford Mayor Paul Paschall issued a Proclamation Declaring a Local State of Disaster in response to evidence of community spread of COVID-19 within the state of Texas.

The proclamation, made pursuant to the Texas Disaster Act of 19755, and relating to Emergency Management and Public Health, pursuant to Chapter 418 of the Texas Government Code.

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Weatherford is modifying training programs and gatherings for staff to protect and prevent the possible spread of the virus to employees that could ultimately impact patrons.

As well as we are meeting regularly with staff to evaluate City operations and programs and events to determine any specific course of action.

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More on what the city is doing:

For specific department updates please see our COVID-19 Information page here. 

2. Can people in the U.S. get COVID-19?

Yes. COVID-19 appears to be spreading from person-to-person in a number of countries including China, South Korea, Italy, Iran and Japan. We are currently experiencing continued spread among close contacts in some areas of the United States. 

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View the COVID-19 Dashboard here for updated case counts, fatalities and breakdown of stats. 

3. How does COVID-19 spread?

The virus that causes COVID-19 may be passed from an infected person in several ways, including:

• Respiratory droplets released into the air by coughing and sneezing;
• Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands;
• Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands.

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In 2021 the newest variant was announced, thought to be 2xs as contagious as the original strain. Click here to read more on the Delta Variant and what the CDC knows about it. 

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4. What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Most patients with COVID-19 may have no or mild symptoms. Some may develop:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

This list does not include all possible symptoms. CDC will continue to update this list as we learn more about COVID-19. Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness.

Learn more about the symptoms on the CDC website at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html  

5. How can I avoid infection with COVID-19?

The best way to prevent infection is to take precautions to avoid exposure to this virus. These are exactly the same precautions you would take to avoid coming down with a cold or the flu.

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends these everyday actions to help prevent the spread of all respiratory viruses:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Stay home, limit trips outside of the house to essential and necessary trips. 
• Practice social distancing (physically staying 6 feet away as recommended but the CDC) and avoiding crowds. 
• Wear a face mask anytime in public.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Get a vaccine to protect you and lower the intensity of your symptoms. 

Click here to view what the CDC says on preventing sickness. 

6. Is there a vaccine?

Yes. There are currently a few vaccine options to protect against COVID-19. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid exposure to the virus. 

Click here to read the latest and learn more about the CVOVID-19 vaccines. 

7. Is there a treatment?

There is no specific antiviral treatment for COVID-19. People with COVID-19 infection receive supportive treatment including fluids to prevent dehydration, medicines to decrease fever or muscle aches, and sometimes oxygen therapy. However, some cases develop pneumonia and require medical care or hospitalization. 

Learn more about what to do if/when you are sick at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html OR https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/treatments-for-severe-illness.html

8. What should I do if I think I may be infected with COVID-19?

If you believe you may be at risk of infection with COVID-19 and you develop symptoms, call ahead to a healthcare provider for additional guidance. Be sure to tell your healthcare professional about your recent travel or contact. Your healthcare professional may work with the county public health department and CDC to determine if you need to be tested for COVID-19. 

Medical City:

Medical City Virtual Care has been introduced as a convenient screening option for people who are concerned that they may be at risk for COVID-19. The COVID-19 screening visit is free of charge at MedicalCityVirtualCare.Zipnosis.com.

Appointments are not necessary and the site is easily accessed from a smart phone or computer 24/7. Medical City Virtual Care allows North Texans concerned about the virus to be screened while allowing them to stay at home and prevent the spread of illness.

9. What if I'm considering traveling?

For individuals who are considering travel, they should consult the CDC webpage at

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html 

10. Who is at higher risk of becoming seriously ill from COVID-19?

Stats on  COVID-19 show that older adults, pregnant and recently pregnant people and people who have serious chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and lung disease are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill. If you are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 because of your age or because you have a serious long-term health problem, it is critically important for you to take actions to reduce your risk of becoming infected with the disease. For more information for people at risk for serious illness from COVID-19 visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/index.html

11. What if I don't have health insurance?

Texas Department of State Health Services has advised if you do not have health insurance, you should contact a hospital’s emergency department. You are strongly advised to call ahead to the hospital to ensure medical staff can properly isolate any potential COVID-19 cases.  

Medical City Assistance:

Medical City Virtual Care has been introduced as a convenient screening option for people who are concerned that they may be at risk for COVID-19. The COVID-19 screening visit is free of charge at MedicalCityVirtualCare.Zipnosis.com.

Appointments are not necessary and the site is easily accessed from a smart phone or computer 24/7. Medical City Virtual Care allows North Texans concerned about the virus to be screened while allowing them to stay at home and prevent the spread of illness.

12. Is it okay for me to donate blood?

In healthcare settings all across the United States, donated blood is a lifesaving, essential part of caring for patients. The need for donated blood is constant, and blood centers are open and in urgent need of donations. CDC encourages people who are well to continue to donate blood if they are able, even if they are practicing social distancing because of COVID-19. CDC is supporting blood centers by providing recommendations that will keep donors and staff safe. Examples of these recommendations include spacing donor chairs 6 feet apart, thoroughly adhering to environmental cleaning practices, and encouraging donors to make donation appointments ahead of time. 

See more CDC FAQs on there website here. 

13. Does the CDC recommend the use of face masks to prevent COVID-19?

CDC recommends that all people wear a face mask, especially those who are not fully vaccinated, full vaccinated people with weakened immune systems and to maximize protection from the Delta variant and prevent possibly spreading it to others, fully vaccinated people should wear a mask indoors in public if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission. To protect themselves from respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19. A face mask should be used by people who have COVID-19 and are showing symptoms. This is to protect others from the risk of getting infected and keeps people from touching their face. The use of face masks (KN95 and surgical) also is crucial for health workers and other people who are taking care of someone infected with COVID-19 in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).  

Learn more on what the CDC says is important on masks and face coverings on their website. 

14. Who should get tested?

UPDATE

Getting vaccinated prevents severe illness, hospitalizations, and death. Unvaccinated people should get vaccinated and continue masking until they are fully vaccinated. With the Delta variant, this is more urgent than ever. CDC has updated guidance for fully vaccinated people based on new evidence on the Delta variant.

Viral tests are used to look for current infection

A viral test checks specimens from your nose or your mouth to find out if you are currently infected with the virus that causes COVID-19. Viral tests can be performed in a laboratory, at a testing site, or at home or anywhere else. Two types of viral tests are used: nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) and antigen tests.

Who should get tested

The following people should get tested for COVID-19:

• People who have symptoms of COVID-19.
• People who have had a known exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.
  •      People who are fully vaccinated should get tested 3-5 days after exposure, and wear a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days or until they receive a negative test result.
  •      People who are not fully vaccinated should quarantine and be tested immediately after being identified, and, if negative, tested again in 5–7 days after last exposure or immediately if symptoms develop during quarantine.
• People not fully vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccine who are prioritized for expanded community screening for COVID-19.
• People not fully vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccine who have been asked or referred to get testing by their school, workplace, healthcare provider, state, tribal, localexternal icon or territorial health department.

Who does not need to be tested

The following people who have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 do not need to get tested if they do not have COVID-19 symptoms:

People who have tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 3 months and recovered, as long as they do not develop new symptoms, do not need to get tested.

15. I have a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19, what should I do?

First and foremost seek medical advice from a medical professional. 

Restrict activities outside your home, except for getting medical care. Do not go to work, school or public areas. Avoid using public transportation, taxis, or rideshare. Monitor your symptoms and call before visiting your doctor. If you have an appointment, be sure you tell them you have or may have COVID-19. Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and throw away in a lined trashcan. Wash hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds. If you can’t wash your hands, use an alcoholbased hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Clean all "high touch" surfaces every day, such as counters, tables, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, phones, and keyboards. Remain in home isolation for 7 days OR until 72 hours after your fever has resolved (and symptoms get better) whichever is longer

16. Is quarantine different from isolation?

Yes. 

Quarantine is for people who are not currently showing symptoms but are at increased risk for having been exposed to an infectious disease. Quarantine is for people who could become sick and spread the infection to others. 

 Isolation is used for people who are currently ill and able to spread the disease and who need to stay away from others in order to avoid infecting them.

17. Can people in self-quarantine still have contact with their household members?

Yes, people in self-quarantine are not sick and can still have contact with their household members. Should they develop any symptoms, they are asked to quickly and safely isolate from all others, including those in their household, and to contact their medical provider.

18. Who is at higher rick for serious illness from COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a new disease and there is limited information regarding risk factors for severe disease. Based on currently available information and clinical expertise, older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

Based upon available information to date, those at high-risk for severe illness from COVID-19 include:

• People aged 65 years and older
• People who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility
• Other high-risk conditions could include:
  • People with chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma
  • People who have heart disease with complications
  • People who are immunocompromised including cancer treatment
  • People of any age with severe obesity (body mass index [(BM]I)≥40) or certain underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled, such as those with diabetes, renal failure, or liver disease might also be at risk
• People who are pregnant should be monitored since they are known to be at risk with severe viral illness, however, to date data on COVID-19 has not shown increased risk

19. Some of us are concerned about how to do our taxes without the senior center or the library. Do you have any solutions?

The U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin announced March 20 that all taxpayers and businesses will have an additional three months to file their taxes. Tax Day has moved from April 15 to July 15. 

20. How do I know the information I’m receiving is accurate?

Be smart. Make sure you confirm the news you hear about COVID-19 by checking the following official websites: 

• CDC (Centers for Disease Control) website 
• Texas DSHS (Department of State Health Services) website 
• WHO (World Health Organization) website 
• Governor Greg Abbott’s Executive Orders in accordance with Federal Guidelines to Mitigate Spread of COVID-19 in Texas 
• Texas Division of Emergency Management website
• United States Chamber of Commerce website

21. What are the CDC’s current guidelines on group gatherings?

Please refer to the CDC’s website for the latest guidance. Currently, the CDC recommendation is to avoid gatherings of more than 10 people. 

For the full list of CDC FAQs check out their website here.

22. Where can I find some information on Small Business Resources?

We are updating a subpage on our COVID-19 website under the title of Small Business Resources. 

23. Where can I find information from WISD about COVID-19?

Please check the WISD webpage for updates on their response to COVID-19. 

24. I'm feeling stress and anxiety about COVID-19, what can I do?

We know that the current situation is stressful for many people and businesses right now. The CDC has a great list of ways to manage and cope right now. Check that list out on their website here. 

25. What businesses can continue doing business, with social distancing, from the Parker County Declaration?

• grocery stores
• stores selling essential household goods
• farmers markets
• convenience and package stores
• pharmacies and drug stores
• day care facilities
• medical and dental facilities
• veterinary services
• non-profit service providers
• homeless and emergency shelters
• office buildings
• essential government buildings
• airports and transit facilities
• transportation systems
• residential buildings and hotels
• manufacturing and distribution facilities.

See more on the Parker County Local Disaster Declaration here. 

26. What businesses that individuals cannot occupy or be permitted to occupy, from the Parker County Declaration?

•  bars
• lounges
• taverns
• vaping establishments
• commercial amusement establishments
• bingo halls
• theaters
• gyms
• private clubs
• hair and nail salons and barber shops
• estheticians and related personal care businesses
• spas
• massage salons
• tattoo and piercing parlors
• tanning salons
• residential meeting spaces
• event centers
• hotel meeting spaces and ballrooms
• outdoor plazas and markets
• malls and retail stores that do not sell essential household goods

Read more on the declaration and and amendment from Parker County Judge Pat Dean here on the Parker County Website. 

27. What all was included in the First Amended Declaration of Local Disaster due to Public Health Emergency from Parker County?

WHEREAS, the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus, now designated COVID-19, as a global pandemic on March 11, 2020; and 

WHEREAS, President Trump declared a national emergency on March 13, 2020; and

WHEREAS, COVID-19 was first detected in Wuhan, China in December 2019; and 

WHEREAS, symptoms of COVID-19 can range from mild to severe illness and cause further complications including death; and 

WHEREAS, the COVID-19 virus mainly spreads between people who are in close contact with one another through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes; and 

WHEREAS, the continued worldwide spread of COVID-19 presents an imminent threat of widespread illness, which requires emergency action for the protection of the people of Parker County; and 

WHEREAS, a declaration of local disaster and public health emergency includes the ability to reduce the possibility of exposure to disease, control the risk, promote health, and compel persons to undergo additional health measures that prevent or control the spread of disease. These measures include isolation, surveillance, quarantine, or placement of persons under public health observation, including the provision of temporary housing or emergency shelters for persons misplaced or evacuated. A declaration allows the request of assistance from the Governor for state resources; and 

WHEREAS, this Declaration activates the Parker County Emergency Management Plan; and 

WHEREAS, the County Judge and Commissioners Court have determined that extraordinary measures must be taken to mitigate the effects of this public health emergency and to facilitate the efficient, rapid, and cooperative response to the emergency; and 

WHEREAS, the County Judge issued an Emergency Declaration of Local Disaster due to Public Health Emergency on March 20, 2020.  Now, the County Judge and Commissioners Court hereby issue this First Amended Declaration of Local Disaster due to Public Health Emergency to implement additional measures to ensure the protection of the residents of Parker County. 

THEREFORE,  Be It Proclaimed by the County Judge that: 

1. This First Amended Declaration of Local Disaster due to Public Health Emergency shall continue for a period of not more than 30 days from March 23, 2020 unless continued, renewed or rescinded by the County Judge or the Commissioners Court.
2. A Declaration of a local state of disaster activates the Parker County Emergency Management Plan.
3. This Declaration authorizes the County to commandeer or use any private property as provided by law. 
4. This Declaration hereby limits the size of gatherings to no more than 10 people and mandates the cancellation of all such gatherings of more than 10 people until further notice. For purposes herein, a gathering is any indoor or outdoor event that brings together or is likely to bring together more than 10 people at the same time in a single space where people are present and within 6 feet of one another, without regard to the purpose of the gathering. This Declaration does not prohibit gatherings of people in multiple, separate enclosed spaces (including separate cubicles) in a single building such as different floors of a multi-level office, residential building, or hotel, so long as not more than 10 people are present in any single space at the same time. This Declaration also does not prohibit the use of enclosed spaces where more than 10 people may be present at different times during the day, so long as more than 10 people are not present in the space at the same time.       This Declaration does not make a distinction between types of gatherings, i.e. social, community or recreational.
5. This Declaration orders that restaurants with or without drive-in or drive-through services; drive-in restaurants; drive-through restaurants; or microbreweries, micro-distilleries, or wineries may only provide take out, delivery, or drive-in or drive-through services, if permitted by law.
6. This Declaration orders that individuals cannot occupy nor can individuals be permitted to occupy the following: bars, lounges, taverns, vaping establishments, commercial amusement establishments, bingo halls, theaters, gyms, private clubs, hair and nail salons and barber shops, estheticians and related personal care businesses, spas, massage salons, tattoo and piercing parlors, tanning salons, residential meeting spaces, event centers, hotel meeting spaces and ballrooms, outdoor plazas and markets, malls and retail stores that do not sell essential household goods.
7. This Declaration allows the following entities to continue doing business as long as they enforce social separation: grocery stores, stores selling essential household goods, farmers markets, convenience and package stores, pharmacies and drug stores, day care facilities, medical and dental facilities, veterinary services, non-profit service providers, homeless and emergency shelters, office buildings, essential government buildings, airports and transit facilities, transportation systems, residential buildings and hotels, and manufacturing and distribution facilities.     In all such locations, there must be sufficient space for all people to be 6 feet apart to the greatest extent possible at all times to control infection. Where possible, a tracking list of the individuals present, and their contact information shall be maintained.
8. Notwithstanding the above restrictions, this Declaration is not intended to apply to any business operations delivering essential services. Essential Services means services, the interruption of which would endanger life, health or personal safety of the whole or part of the population.
9. If someone in a household has tested positive for COVID-19, the household is ordered to isolate at home. Members of the household cannot go to work, school, or any other community function until cleared by a medical professional.
10. This Declaration closes worship services for in-person services, provided that needed staff can attend to produce audio/video services for transmission.
11. In accordance with Texas Government Code §418.173, a person who knowingly or intentionally violates this declaration commits an offense, punishable by a fine up to $1,000.00 or confinement in jail for a term that does not exceed 180 days.
12. These restrictions set out in the attached table may be updated as allowed by law, as necessary to respond to the evolving circumstances of this outbreak during the duration of this declaration and any extension without the issuance of a new declaration.
13. This Declaration hereby authorizes the use of all lawfully available enforcement tools.
14. This Declaration incorporates the attached table, Disaster Restrictions, as if set forth verbatim herein.
15. This Declaration shall be filed promptly with the County Clerk.
16. This Declaration shall take effect Tuesday at 6 pm., March 24, 2020.

Document signed in Commissioners Court on 3/23/2020.

To read the entire First Amended Declaration of Local Disaster due to Public Health Emergency from Parker County visit their website here. 

28. Is the city issuing Peddler Permits (sometimes called Solicitors Permits) during COVID-19?

Selling door to door falls under the Category of a Peddler’s Permit and are issued by the Weatherford Police department. The issuing of Peddler’s Permits is suspended during COVID-19.

Door to door soliciting is sometimes referred to as a Solicitor’s Permit. More information on the Weatherford City Ordinance can be found in Chapter 13 - Solicitors, Canvassers and Handbill Distribution here. 

29. What if I don't have health insurance?

Texas Department of State Health Services has advised if you do not have health insurance, you should contact a hospital’s emergency department. You are strongly advised to call ahead to the hospital to ensure medical staff can properly isolate any potential COVID-19 cases.

30. Can I go to the park?

Yes, you can still check out one of our many trails or parks, while practicing social distancing (groups of less than 10 and staying 6 feet away). Check out Parks & Recreation department updates on the weatherfordtx.gov/covid19 page for up-to-date changes about cancellations and closures. 

More information on events and parks can be found on our Parks & Recreation website at weatherfordparks.com.

Follow our Weatherford Parks & Recreation Facebook Page (@WPARD) to see our weekly Mission Possible! scavenger hunts to get you up and moving while maintaining a safe distance from others. 

31. Can I go for a walk or run in my neighborhood?

Yes, you can still get your exercise in outside. We do recommend trying to keep your numbers as low as possible, maintaining a social distance of at least 6 feet and keeping group numbers below 10. 

32. How can I clean and disinfect my surroundings and laundry?

• Wear gloves when possible when cleaning. Make sure to clean your hands immediately after removing gloves. 
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets and sinks.
• If surfaces are dirty, clean them with detergent or soap and water before disinfecting. You can use most household disinfectants to disinfect, CDC has a detailed list of cleaners on their website.
• Lysol or Clorox cleaners are preferred. Items such as baby wipes will not kill the virus.
• A bleach solution of 1/3 cup bleach per gallon of water or 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water may also be used.
• For clothing, use the warmest water and launder as labeled.
• For soft (porous) surfaces such as carpeted floor, rugs, and drapes, remove visible contamination if present and clean with appropriate cleaners indicated for use on these surfaces.  

33. What are good examples of times when I should wash my hands?

Additional key times to clean hands include:

• After blowing one’s nose, coughing, or sneezing
• After using the restroom
• Before eating or preparing food
• After contact with animals or pets
• Before and after providing routine care for another person who needs assistance (e.g. a child)
• After cleaning or disinfecting your surrounding

*In addition to avoiding touching eyes, nose, or mouth.  Using hand sanitizer frequently is also suggested, although handwashing is the preferred method.

34. If I am sick, do I have to stay home?

Yes. If you have any signs of COVID-19 (fever, shortness of breath, cough) then you must stay home until you no longer have fever for 72 hours, AND your symptoms have improved, AND 14 days have passed since you first had symptoms. These are based on CDC guidelines. Although, a good general rule of thumb, year round, is to stay home if you are sick or showing symptoms to prevent spreading any illness to those around you.

35. What is community spread?

Community spread refers to people who have been infected with the virus in a specific geographic area, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected.

36. Can I call the state to ask more questions?

Yes, the Department of State Health Services established a COVID-19 Call Center and email box to receive questions from the general public. Their email is coronavirus@dshs.texas.gov or you can reach the DSHS COVID-19 Call Center by dialing 1-877-570-9779. Their hours are from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, 7 days a week..

37. Where can businesses receive guidance in preventive health, sanitizing, etc?

The Department of State Health Services website provides guidance for businesses.

38. Should I cancel my trip?

Please refer to the CDC Coronavirus Travelers information webpage. Be aware that information changes frequently.