COVID-19 Information

The City of Denton is working closely with state and county health officials as we monitor the developing impacts of COVID-19 (Coronavirus).

COVID-19 Information Hotline: (940) 349-2585 (available weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

  

 Get Tested  Vaccine Information  Denton County COVID-19 Statistics

Vaccine INformation

As of March 23, 2021, Texas DSHS announced all adults are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in Texas beginning March 29, 2021.

As of February 27, 2021, three COVID-19 vaccines have been authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Vaccines will be shipped directly to enrolled COVID-19 vaccine providers as allocated by the Department of State Health Services (DSHS).
 

State and Local Orders

State Orders
DENTON, TX, Mar. 3, 2021 – On March 2, Governor Greg Abbott issued an executive order (GA-34) that allows all businesses within the state of Texas to operate at 100% capacity and rescinds the statewide face covering mandate. The Governor’s order takes effect on Wednesday, March 10, 2021.

GA-34 also rescinds the Governor’s requirement that outdoor gatherings of 10 or more persons be approved by the county judge or the mayor.

City of Denton facilities and services will continue current COVID-19 precautions. These include certain facilities remaining open by appointment only, requiring face coverings for employees and visitors entering City facilities, and limited programs and services with COVID-19 precautions.

Local Orders
DENTON, TX, March 17, 2021 – On Tuesday, March 16, the Denton City Council voted to extend the Declaration of Local Disaster for Public Health Emergency first executed by Mayor Chris Watts on Friday, March 13, 2020. The declaration will now be in effect through 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, June 30, 2021.

In addition, the Council adopted a new Twelfth Order of Council, which will supersede previous orders related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The new Order shall be in effect beginning 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 through 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, June 30, 2021.

Included within the Twelfth Order of Council:

• All businesses and establishments in Denton are strongly encouraged to continue to follow and implement the health and safety precautions and recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as they may be amended or updated;
• Fees and charges relating to the nonpayment of utilities will not accrue during the period for which the order is in effect;
• The City Manager maintains the authority to create standard operating procedures and administrative directives, as necessary, to protect the safety of employees and the public, including adopting procedures and directives related to personnel, or to open, close, or otherwise alter the operation of facilities or services of the City of Denton;
• The City Manager is authorized to expend no more $3,500,000, including previously authorized funds, from the general fund reserve balance during this period to fund essential response activities and functions not already budgeted. Of this amount, $250,000 will be authorized for housing assistance.
• Authority for the City Manager to accept on behalf of the City services, gifts, grants, equipment, supplies, and/or materials whether from private, nonprofit, or government sources; and
• Continued authorization for an additional $125,000 for utility assistance.

Click here to learn more and read the 12th Order of Council.

CDC Recommendations

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends these practices to protect yourself and slow the spread of COVID-19:

• Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth to help protect yourself and others.
• Stay 6 feet apart from others who don’t live with you.
• Avoid crowds.
• Avoid poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available.

Click here for additional COVID-19 prevention tips and more information from the CDC.

United Way COVID-19 Crisis response

United Way of Denton County leveraged public and private sector relationships to procure over $11.5 million* in funding support in 2020 and continues to work collaboratively with local community leaders to ensure funding is coordinated to cover all COVID-related needs of our community, including rental assistance, food insecurity for children and adults, childcare, etc. Click here to learn more.

UNITED WAY EVICTION PREVENTION PROGRAM
On Tuesday March 2, Denton County Commissioner’s Court approved the Emergency Rental Assistance funding as a continuation of the United Way’s Eviction Prevention program. Through a variety of funding sources including CARES ACT, Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, the Texas Emergency Rental Assistance Program, etc., the eviction prevention program operates to help Denton County residents avoid eviction and stay in their homes while also helping property managers and landlords avoid the eviction process. The Denton County nonprofit community is working collaboratively to help residents in need of rent and/or utility assistance.
 
Residents who received COVID-19 Eviction Prevention assistance for rent/utility payments in 2020, may be eligible for additional assistance in 2021.
 
Tenants residing in Denton County and Landlords with Denton County properties can begin the screening process today at www.UnitedWayDenton.org/Eviction-Prevention.
 
Click here to learn more

CITY Updates & Press Releases

• City Press Releases
  • March 17, 2021- Denton City Council Extends COVID-19 Declaration of Disaster and Order
  • March 3, 2021- City Provides Update on Impact of GA-34 on Local Businesses, City Services
  • December 18, 2020- Denton City Council Extends Declaration of Disaster
  • December 3, 2020- Governor’s Order Requires Bars to Close and Other Businesses to Reduce Capacity to 50% in Denton
  • September 23, 2020- Denton City Council Extends Declaration of Disaster
  • August 26, 2020- Denton City Council Extends Declaration of Disaster
  • July 29, 2020- Denton City Council Extends Order Regarding Face Coverings
  • July 5, 2020- City of Denton Updates Facility Openings
  • June 26, 2020- Denton City Council Adopts Order Regarding Face Coverings
  • May 29, 2020- City of Denton to Open Select Facilities June 1
  • May 8, 2020- City Schedules Virtual Public Meetings for May 11, 12, and 14
  • May 1, 2020- May 5 and 6 Public Meetings to Offer Virtual Public Commenting Options
  • April 30, 2020- Denton City Council Extends Declaration of Disaster
  • April 22, 2020- Governor Abbott Allows for Retail-To-Go Model
  • April 21, 2020- City of Denton & United Way of Denton County Collaborate to Help Residents Access COVID-19 Resources
  • April 8, 2020- Council Petitioning State to Consider Additional Housing Protections for Unemployed Residents
  • April 7, 2020- Denton City Council to Hold April 7 Emergency Meeting
  • April 7, 2020- Denton City Council Adopts New Declaration of Disaster Order
  • April 6, 2020- Denton City Council to Hold April 6 Emergency Meeting
  • April 1, 2020- City Extends Facility Closures and Suspension of Events and Programming
  • March 31, 2020- Governor Abbott Issues New Executive Order for State of Texas
  • March 27, 2020- March 31 Special-Called City Council Meeting to be Held Remotely
  • March 25, 2020- Message from Mayor Chris Watts
  • March 24, 2020- Denton County, City of Denton Issue “Stay at Home” Mandates
  • March 20, 2020, 8 p.m.- City Council Amends Declaration of Disaster Order, Postpones General & Special Election to November
  • March 20, 2020, 11 a.m.- Emergency City Council Meeting for March 20
  • March 17, 2020, 9:45 p.m.- Denton City Council Extends Declaration of Local Disaster for COVID-19
  • March 17, 2020, 4:30 p.m.- City Announces Additional Facility Closures
  • March 17, 2020, 10:30 a.m.- COVID-19 Designated as Qualifying Event for Small Business Association Economic Injury Disaster Loan
  • March 16, 2020- City Announces Council Meeting Procedures During Disaster Period
  • March 15, 2020- Denton PD Announces Temporary Response Protocol
  • March 13, 2020, 5:30 p.m.- Mayor Issues Declaration of Local Disaster for COVID-19
  • March 13, 2020, 1 p.m.- City Implements Precautionary Measures to Reduce COVID-19 Risk
  • March 12, 2020- COVID-19 Information: City of Denton Working Closely with State and County Health Officials

   

Please check this page regularly for updates.