The City of Victoria is reminding the public to abide by new protective measures and existing regulations at City facilities amid a countywide spike in cases.
Four city employees tested positive for COVID-19 during the past week. All of the employees are self-isolating at home.
“Our thoughts go out to our colleagues and their families during this time,” said City Manager Jesús A. Garza. “Our priority is the health and safety of our employees and the public, and we are continuing to closely monitor this pandemic to identify ways that we can limit the possibility of exposure to the virus.”
Public health officials are working to identify any contacts who may have been exposed to the employees who tested positive. Anyone found to have had a high-risk exposure to a patient will be contacted as soon as possible by health care staff. City employees who worked closely with those who tested positive have already been notified, have been provided with no-cost testing and are being asked to self-isolate.
In response to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases in Victoria County, City Council meetings will be conducted remotely until further notice. Residents may join meetings by visiting https://victoriatx.zoom.us/s/444573113 or by calling 888-475-4499 or 877-853-5257 and entering webinar ID 444-573-113.
The City of Victoria has taken steps throughout the pandemic to prevent City employees from being unnecessarily exposed to members of the public, including providing remote access to services and temporarily closing City facilities to the public March 21. Facilities began reopening May 1 with increased sanitation and social distancing measures in place.
Visitors to 700 Main Center must enter through the Utility Billing Office entrance at the northeast side of the building. A hand sanitizing station is available in the lobby.
Under an order signed June 25 by Mayor Rawley McCoy, all employees and members of the public must wear facial coverings that cover the nose and mouth while in City-operated facilities. Anyone not wearing a facial covering will be denied entry or removed from the facility.
Visitors to City facilities must also observe the following rules:
- Maintain six feet of distance from others.
- Abide by the maximum occupancy signs on department doors.
- Do not attempt to move behind or around protective barriers.
- Stay home if you are showing symptoms of COVID-19. Symptoms include fever, dry cough, shortness of breath, chills, headache, muscle pain, sore throat and loss of taste or smell.
Members of the public are also strongly encouraged to handle business remotely through phone or email. The City has increased alternative access to services since the pandemic began, and information about how to access services can be found on each department’s homepage at www.victoriatx.gov or by calling 361-485-3110.
For updated information about City services, visit www.victoriatx.gov. For information about COVID-19, visit www.victoriatxoem.org.