City of Amarillo COVID-19 Weekly News Conference/March 18
The City of Amarillo Communications Department will be starting a weekly news conference Wednesday (March 18) focusing on COVID-19 (coronavirus.)
The news conference will be each WEDNESDAY at 3:30 p.m. at room 306 of Amarillo City Hall, 601 S. Buchanan St.
The news conference will include Dr. Scott Milton, Public Health Authority/Associate Professor at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Amarillo, and COA Public Health Director Casie Stoughton.
Stoughton and Dr. Milton will be available to provide updates, factual information and answer questions.
This will be a weekly news conference every Wednesday, as needed. Hopefully, this will help provide a convenient and consistent source of factual information.
Employment Law Webinar Press Release
Workforce Solutions Panhandle
1206 SW 7th Avenue
Amarillo, Texas 79101
(806) 372-5521
www.wspanhandle.com
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA CONTACT: Phillip Flores
DATE: 4/6/2020 PHONE: (806) 350-1606
FREE WEBINAR TO HELP BUSINESSES WITH COVID-19 DECISIONS
Live discussion on employment law during COVID-19 response
Workforce Solutions Panhandle and Brown & Fortunato employment attorney, Brad Howard, are hosting a special online Q&A Wednesday, April 8, on employment law issues surrounding Covid-19.
Texas Panhandle business are facing huge challenges during the response to the coronavirus pandemic. The mandates ordering businesses to offer limited services or close entirely make it difficult for them to remain viable and financially solvent. The “Answers to Employers’ Most Common COVID-19 Questions” webinar hosted by the Workforce Solutions Panhandle and Brown & Fortunato aims to explain what the legal ramifications are for businesses of all sizes while explaining what resources are available to help them through these challenges.
To participate and submit your questions please ensure you RSVP by either registering online at: https://wspanhandle.com/employer-resources or by calling Workforce Solutions Panhandle’s Business Services Unit at (806) 345-1341.
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Workforce Solutions Panhandle is committed to Keeping the Texas Panhandle Working!
April 9, include:
• Appomattox Day.
• Chinese Almond Cookie Day.
• First Day of Passover – April 9, 2020 (movable date)
• Jenkins Ear Day.
• Holy Thursday – April 9, 2020.
• Jumbo Day.
• Maundy Thursday – April 9, 2020.
City Of Amarillo Opens Drive Thru Testing for COVID-19
AMARILLO, TX – The City of Amarillo has partnered with Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
to provide drive-thru testing for COVID-19. Testing began on Friday (March 27).
Individuals who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 are encouraged to call the Amarillo Public
Health Department at 806-378-6300. If the symptoms warrant a test, they will then be directed to the
drive-thru facility for testing.
“We’ve been working around the clock for several days to get these tests in place and the facility set up
for this program,” said Amarillo Mayor Ginger Nelson. “We are finally seeing a good supply of tests coming
into our region, and we want to get them out to those that need them as quickly as possible.”
The city hopes to operate the facility from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday depending on the
continuing availability of tests. Any time the facility is not operating, Public Health Staff members will still be available to assist callers with alternatives.
“We’re very excited to see testing options increasing throughout the region,” said Amarillo Director of
Public Health Casie Stoughton. “Our staff and our great partners at Texas Tech have been waiting for
this moment. We’re ready to go.”
Potter County, the Amarillo Fire Department and the Amarillo Police Department are also providing
assistance with the drive-thru testing process.
For more information, contact City of Amarillo Communications Manager Dave Henry at (806) 378-5219
or by email at David.Henry@amarillo.gov.
CANCELLED April 14, 2020 due to inclement weather
2020 AAMW Drive-Thru Pet Food Pantry
The City of Amarillo Animal Management & Welfare Department, along with Merrick Pet Care, is holding a Pet Food Drive-Thru Pantry on Thursday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. to provide free pet food during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) situation. Merrick Pet Care, based in Hereford, has partnered with AAMW to provide free dog and cat food.
The Pet Food Drive-Thru Pantry will be every Tuesday and Thursday at the parking lot area of the Amarillo Animal Management & Welfare (AAMW) facility, 3501 S. Osage. The AAMW facility is currently closed to the public due to COVID-19 concerns.
The Pet Food Drive-Thru Pantry is a drive-thru project, and motorists will not be required to get out of their vehicles, in accordance with social distancing guidelines. Safety measures are also in effect for AAMW staff who will be distributing the pet food.
“The Pet Food Drive-Thru Pantry would not have been possible without the generous support of Merrick Pet Care,” said AAMW Director Dr. Kati Wrubel. “Pet parents who are unable to afford food for their dog or cat can pick up a bag of high-quality Merrick food to ensure their pet continues to get the best nutrition possible.”
“At Merrick, we believe that everyone can and should make a difference,” said Tim Simonds, CEO of Merrick Pet Care. “Thanks to our dedicated and hardworking team in our factories and distribution center in Hereford, we are able to continue to give back during this challenging time.”
AAMW is asking that pets NOT be brought to this event.
Individuals will receive one (1) bag of food per person. This program is intended for owners in need of assistance to feed their pets during this time.
For more information, contact City of Amarillo Communications Manager David Henry at (806) 378-5219 or david.henry@amarillo.gov.
“We Are All In This Together”
The idea that “We are all in this together” has never been more true.
Regardless of beliefs,
make April 10th
a day to sacrifice, meditate,
and fast
not because this pandemic
is forcing you to sacrifice,
but by choice
in solidarity with the world
with your commitment
to do your part
to stop the pandemic
God bless you. Lots of love,
Sissy Campbell
Good Friday serves to commemorate the day that Jesus was crucified. Following Jesus’ arrest, he is found guilty of proclaiming himself to be the King of Jews. Jesus was sentenced to crucifixion. This day is celebrated in a number of different ways, from taking down the cross in the Orthodox faith to recounting the story of Jesus’ last days, which is called the Passion of Christ. For many churches, Good Friday is the final service of Holy Week, following Holy Thursday and Palm Sunday. Other churches hold an Easter Vigil on Saturday night to bring the light of Christ back into the church.
Good Friday Fast
I want to share this with you. My church asked all of its members to pray and fast on Good Friday and invite friends to join with us. We have been asked to fast that the pandemic may be controlled, caregivers protected, our economy strengthened, and our lives returned to normal. The public and community invited to participate.
Thanks,
Liz Johnston
Matthew 18:19-20
City Of Amarillo Opens Drive Thru Testing for COVID-19
AMARILLO, TX – The City of Amarillo has partnered with Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
to provide drive-thru testing for COVID-19. Testing began on Friday (March 27).
Individuals who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 are encouraged to call the Amarillo Public
Health Department at 806-378-6300. If the symptoms warrant a test, they will then be directed to the
drive-thru facility for testing.
“We’ve been working around the clock for several days to get these tests in place and the facility set up
for this program,” said Amarillo Mayor Ginger Nelson. “We are finally seeing a good supply of tests coming
into our region, and we want to get them out to those that need them as quickly as possible.”
The city hopes to operate the facility from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday depending on the
continuing availability of tests. Any time the facility is not operating, Public Health Staff members will still be available to assist callers with alternatives.
“We’re very excited to see testing options increasing throughout the region,” said Amarillo Director of
Public Health Casie Stoughton. “Our staff and our great partners at Texas Tech have been waiting for
this moment. We’re ready to go.”
Potter County, the Amarillo Fire Department and the Amarillo Police Department are also providing
assistance with the drive-thru testing process.
For more information, contact City of Amarillo Communications Manager Dave Henry at (806) 378-5219
or by email at David.Henry@amarillo.gov.
National Pet Day is April 11, although if you’re a pet owner, you know there’s not a day that goes by that you don’t celebrate your animal companion! So hug your hedgehog, bond with your bunny, and cut your kitty some catnip! That critter makes you happy — and that’s not all. Over the past 10 years, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has been a partner in research to determine the physical and mental benefits of having a pet. It turns out that not only can pets steal our hearts, but they also contribute to overall cardiovascular health by lowering cortisol, cholesterol, and blood pressure levels.