Anyone who leaves their residence, whether to go to work, a local park or the store, is asked to practice social distancing. This involves staying at least 6 feet away from other people and avoiding congregating in groups and any unnecessary physical contact.

Older adults who need assistance can contact the U.S. Administration on Aging’s Eldercare Locator to find services available in their community. The Eldercare Locator can be reached at 1-800-677-1116 or https://eldercare.acl.gov/.

Meals on Wheels is still being provided to Richardson residents. For more information on Meals on Wheels for Dallas County residents, contact the Visiting Nurses Association—Dallas at 800-CALL-VNA or visit www.vnatexas.org/i-need-help/meals-on-wheels. For information on Meals on Wheels for Collin County residents, call 972-562-6996 or visit https://mowcc.com/.

Defend Your Drains

Due to the recent short supply of toilet paper, many people have resorted to using alternative methods, including wipes, paper towels and other items. These items may appear to flush easily, but they do not break down fully and can cause a number of issues at local wastewater treatment plants including blocking sewer lines. Please help keep our sewer lines unclogged by only flushing toilet paper down the toilet.

Learn More

If your employment has been affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19), you can apply for benefits through the Texas Workforce Commission online at any time using Unemployment Benefits Services (UBS) or by calling the Texas Workforce Commission’s Tele-Center at 800-939-6631 from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday. 

Click Here for more information.

The map below from Texas Department of State Health Services provides the most current list of locations and hours of operation for testing locations.

https://www.dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/testing.aspx

Testing may also be available by contacting your private physician who can prescribe a test through a private medical testing laboratory, as well as at local pharmacies. 

For a full list of facility and service impacts, click here.

(972-744-4300, askrichardsonparks@cor.gov)

• All playground, parks and trails remain open but social distancing is encouraged.
• Class offerings to continue with socially distanced protocol.
• All league play can resume.

Social-Distancing Etiquette at Richardson Parks and Other Outdoor Areas

Visitors are taking advantage of local parks as people have stayed home from work and school as a result of social distancing policies meant to get COVID-19 virus spread under control. The increase in use has also caused a number of complaints about people not following “social distancing” guidelines.

The decision to change operations are being made on a park-by-park basis. Parks and trails are open, but it is strongly recommended that people not use playgrounds, picnic tables, or any other high-touch areas openly available across the city. Water fountains at all public parks are being turned back on as quickly as possible. Restrooms are operational but not all have hand sanitation available. Please plan accordingly.

Health experts say it is good to get exercise for strengthening the immune system and reduce stress, but they have said the coronavirus can be spread by crowds descending on open-air areas, including parks. That’s why the CDC advises people to maintain distance from others.

The best etiquette to follow while in the outdoors is to:

• Follow CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene prior to heading to trails — wash hands, carry hand sanitizer, do not use trails if you have symptoms, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, etc.
  
  
• Observe at all times CDC’s minimum recommended social distancing of six feet from other people. Practice it and know what it looks like. Keep it as you walk, bike or hike.
  
  
• Warn other trail users of your presence and as you pass to allow proper distance and step off trails to allow others to pass, keeping minimum recommended distances at all times. Signal your presence with your voice, bell or horn.
  
  
• Bring water or drinks.
  
  
• Bring a suitable trash bag. Leave no trash, take everything out to protect park workers.

Sherrill Park Golf Course (972-234-1416, www.sherrillparkgolf.com)

• Occupancy in the snack bar and clubhouse remains at 75 percent.
• Shotgun starts for tournaments and leagues will begin April 1.

Library (972-744-4350, askrichardsonlibrary@cor.gov)

• The Richardson Public Library has reopened its doors with access now available to all four floors.
• Walk-in visits are open to Richardson residents.
• Curbside pickup will remain available to all card holders. Call 972-744-4350 to request books, CDs, DVDs and audiobooks to check out.

The Richardson Animal Shelter is open normal business hours but is limiting operations that require public contact. To reclaim pets, drop off stray animals or adopt a pet you must make an appointment. Appointments may be made by calling 972-744-4480 or e-mailing askrichardsonanimalshelter@cor.gov.

City Council, City Plan Commission and other boards and commissions meetings are being held, with precautions taken to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Submit Public Comment - Online
Meetings remain open to the public, but people wishing to make a public comment for City Council or City Plan Commission meetings can now do so online thanks to a new online public comment form. People can submit comments on any topic or meeting agenda item electronically using this form. All comments must be submitted by 5 p.m. on the meeting date and will be provided for the record.

Meeting dates and agendas can be found online.

• City Council
• City Plan Commission
• Other Boards and Commissions

While payments are still being accepted at City Hall, residents are encouraged to pay their water bill online using electronic billing or “e-billing,” which is free, secure and convenient.

As a reminder, by electing to begin e-billing, you will no longer receive a paper utility statement from the City of Richardson. Instead people will receive an e-mail. 

For more information about e-billing please call 972-744-4120 or visit www.cor.net/waterbill.   

While the community continues efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the Water and Sewer Customer Service Department will be waving late fees and making payment arrangements to assist Customers. Call 972-744-4120 to speak to someone about your options.