LaredoBuzz.Com

Courtesy Noraida Negron,

Laredo, TEXAS – During a special city council meeting held on March 08, 2021, council members discussed how the city facilities will open to the public after Governor Greg Abbott’s Order was passed last week. The plan presented by city management was divided in four stages based on budget and Health Authority approval.

Currently, the city is in stage 1 of its re-opening plan, which includes facilities and activities that are already opened such as :

· Food drives

· Tennis courts

· Hike & bike trails

· Playgrounds/gardens

· Baseball/softball/soccer practice (1 group per field with no more than 3 individuals including an adult and no organized practices)

· Emergency operations (Police & Fire Departments)

· Animal care (by appointment only)

· Airport & Transit (following FAA & FTA Guidelines)

The City of Laredo leaders will follow these procedures in the meantime:

· Always seek Health Authorities advise

· Require rapid testing for large meeting groups (greater than 10) unless able to provide proof of full vaccination.

· Volunteers allowed if fully vaccinated or have proof of negative rapid COVID-19 test

· No external customers without appointment

· All common areas must be cleaned after all uses, including meeting rooms, break rooms, etc.

· Routine surveillance PCR testing for city staff

· City Manager will open/close facilities based on health & budget status

The city will be prepared to move into stage 2 considering the hospitalization and positivity rates and the percentage of employees vaccinated in city facilities. City management will provide an update regarding the remaining stages to city council in the next meeting, scheduled for Monday, March 29, 2021. Despite the governor’s orders, the City of Laredo will require anyone who enters a city building to wear a facemask. It is important that the community continues to follow health protocols and do not let their guards down.