Coronavirus (COVID-19) Waivers Issued by the Governor

In this week’s article I would like to discuss the coronavirus (COVID-19). To be prepared, our office has been in constant contact with local, state, and federal officials.

I would like to remind the Coastal Bend we must work together to combat the virus. I will continue to encourage everyone to take these precautionary steps to prevent the spread of the virus. These actions include:

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

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

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using regular household cleaning spray or wipe

As more information becomes available, I will provide additional updates. The state agencies are collaborating with each other and work closely with local officials to respond to current outbreaks. In the meantime, it is important to follow the precautionary steps listed above, and listen to local health officials and comply with their suggestions to help contain the spread of the virus. I will include some useful links to follow current developments concerning the coronavirus from the Governor’s Office.

Waivers Issued by the Governor:

Expediting Reactivation for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses

Extending Licensing Renewal Period for Pharmacists

Preserving and Extending Child Care Capacity

Extending Licensing Renewal Period for Nurses

Expanding Healthcare Facilities

Allowing Restaurants to Sell Bulk Products to Consumers

Increasing Occupancy of Hospital Rooms

Creating Supply Chain Strike Force

Expanding Nursing Workforce in Texas

Postponing May 26 Runoff Election to Mitigate Spread

Allowing Phone Consultations by Pharmacists

Allowing Event Permit Refunds for Businesses

Suspending Residential Eviction Proceedings (Texas Supreme Court)

Waiving Healthcare Fees for Incarcerated Texans

Temporarily Closing DPS Driver License Offices

Allowing Delivery of Alcoholic Beverages with Food

Allowing for Postponement of May 2 Local Elections

Extending Driver License Renewal Deadlines

Speeding Payment of New Unemployment Benefits

Expanding Patient Access to Telemedicine Care

Expanding Hospital Capacity

Vehicle Registration, Titling, and Parking Placard Regulations

Governor waives STAAR Testing Requirements

Ensuring Students Receive Work-Study Funding

Allowing Trucks from Alcohol Industry to Deliver Grocery Supplies

Governor Abbott Waives Certain State Trucking Regulations

State of Disaster

To get updates visit the Office of the Texas Governor – Coronavirus. You may also visit the Texas Department of State Health Services.

If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this week’s article, please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office. Please always feel free to contact my office if you have any questions or issues regarding a Texas state agency, or if you would like to contact my office regarding constituent services. My offices are available at any time to assist with questions, concerns or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office, 361-949-4603).

– State Representative Todd Hunter, District 32

Rep. Hunter represents Nueces County (Part). He can be contacted at todd.hunter@house.texas.gov or at 512-463-0672.

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

In this week’s article I would like to discuss the coronavirus (COVID-19). To be prepared, our office has been in constant contact with local, state, and federal officials.
I would like to remind the Coastal Bend we must work together to combat the virus. I will continue to encourage everyone to take these precautionary steps to prevent the spread of the virus. These actions include:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• 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
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using regular household cleaning spray or wipe
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Coronavirus (COVID-19)

In this week’s article I would like to discuss the coronavirus (COVID-19). To be prepared, our office has been in constant contact with local, state, and federal officials.

Last week, Texas legislators coordinated with Governor Abbott, Dr. John Hellerstedt, Commissioner of the State Health Services, Chief Nim Kidd, Chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management, and Mike Morath, Commissioner of Education. Governor Abbott has assured us that Texas is prepared to deal with the virus. The state agencies are collaborating with each other and work closely with local officials to respond to current outbreaks.

I would like to remind the Coastal Bend we must work together to combat the virus. I will continue to encourage everyone to take these precautionary steps to prevent the spread of the virus.

These actions include:
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Spring Break in the Coastal Bend

As Spring Break begins, I would like to show the importance of the Texas Coast. Texas has over 360 miles of coastline that line the Gulf of Mexico, also known as the Gulf Coast. The coastline and beaches of Texas are important for our ecosystem, communities, and economy. These areas are home to marine life, wildlife and their natural habitats. Texas beaches are also popular tourist destinations. During the break, it is essential to care for the coastline by not leaving trash, and to recycle properly.

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March Marks National American Red Cross Month

March is American Red Cross month, which is a nationwide initiative aimed at raising awareness for the humanitarian programs and services provided by this organization. As such, I would like to highlight the many ways the American Red Cross makes an impact in communities across the world as well as to share ways you can get involved. Founded in 1881, the American Red Cross began as an organization dedicated to providing first aid, water safety and public health nursing programs – services it still offers today. It was during the First World War, however, that the Red Cross grew exponentially by expanding its outreach to include military medical and disaster relief efforts and became the organization we now know it as today. It was also during this time period that the Coastal Bend Chapter of the American Red Cross received its charter. Today, the local chapter serves more than 19 counties throughout our region including Aransas, Bee, Brooks, Calhoun, DeWitt, Duval, Goliad, Jackson, Jim Hogg, Jim Wells, Kenedy, Kleberg, Lavaca, Live Oak, McMullen, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio and Victoria .
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Food Bank Giving Opportunity

In this week’s article, I want to discuss the importance of donating food to your local food bank. It is important to note that it is not just during the holiday season that people need food. I ask that we try and give back by helping those who are less fortunate and very much in need. District 32 is served by the Coastal Bend Food Bank (CBFB), which serves eleven coastal counties that include Aransas, Nueces and San Patricio Counties. The CBFB is one of the 21 food banks located throughout the state that make up Feeding Texas, formerly known as the Texas Food Bank Network. This organization provides food to charities and service organizations in all 254 counties in Texas.

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The Month of February Serves as Heart Month

In this week’s article, I want to feature Heart Month which is designated for the month of February. This month strives to educate the public about the importance of improving heart health. This endeavor aims to help people identify and understand helpful adjustments that can be made to increase heart health. The term “heart disease” refers to several types of heart conditions. In the United States, the most common type of heart disease is coronary artery disease, which can lead to heart attack. You can greatly reduce your risk for heart disease through lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medicine. There are several everyday things that we can do in achieving healthier lives for 2020. With this designation, both the American Heart Association as well as the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have put out some great information.

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Enjoy Nature in the Coastal Bend

In this week’s article, I will be highlighting some opportunities to experience the nature and wildlife that is native to the Coastal Bend. The Coastal Bend is also home to several parks and preserves that serve as a refuge for migratory birds and other wildlife. These habitats contribute to one of the best examples of nature‐based activities for visitors and residents in our area. Both Corpus Christi and Port Aransas are part of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail, an online resource providing information about the best locations to spot birds and other wildlife. For more information about the different wildlife habitats, parks, and nature preserves in our area, visit the Great Texas Coast Birding Trail.
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Mardi Gras in the Coastal Bend

Throughout my different newsletters, I like to highlight different events that take place in the Coastal Bend. In this week’s article, I will be discussing two events, the Barefoot Mardi Gras Parade and Festival held on Padre Island, and the Port Aransas Mardi Gras Parade. Barefoot Mardi Gras was founded as a fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters and has grown into a staple event for the Coastal Bend since 2015.
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