Smith County's NET Health reports that 51 of the 146 positive COVID-19 cases in the county have recovered.  However, cases are still being confirmed.

As the State Of Texas lifts restrictions on the state and we try to resume a since of normalcy, we must still practice and maintain social distancing so that we don't see a flare up in the number of cases within the community.

NET Health released the following press release today:

Tyler, Texas (Friday, May 1)

 

The Smith County Emergency Operations Center continues to be active and meeting to coordinate the best response for the Smith County community.

 

Re-opening resources available to business owners from the State of Texas.

 

PLEASE NOTE: JIC updates are sent Mondays through Fridays. Any necessary weekend notifications about COVID-19 case numbers or patients will be made by the Northeast Texas Health District.

 

Northeast Texas Public Health District

There are 2 new confirmed COVID-19 cases for a total of 146 positive cases in Smith County as of Friday, May 1 at 2 p.m.

There are 4 COVID-19 related fatalities within Smith County as of Friday, May 1 at 2 p.m.

There are currently 91 reported recovered cases in Smith County as of Friday, May 1 at 2 p.m. *Please note: recovery numbers will be updated on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Active cases in Smith County: 51

 

 

The Northeast Texas Public Health District, in partnership with the local government, hospital systems and colleges, has established an additional call center to assist with novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pre-screening for individuals without primary care physicians.

 

Should you be experiencing or developing COVID-19 symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, fever, cough or shortness of breath, call (903) 617-6404 to speak with a representative who will make referrals to physicians.

*Northeast Texas Public Health District PIO: Terrence Ates, (903) 343-5451

 

 

City of Tyler (see additional information below)

The City of Tyler has created a phased re-open plan for our services and facilities. Many departments will continue to serve the community through modified operations during this phased approach. All open facilities will adhere to the capacity limit set forth by the Governor. The City of Tyler will be rigorously adhering to all social distancing and hygiene standards. We encourage our customers to continue utilizing all online resources to limit face-to-face contact with our staff for both the customer’s and our staff’s protection.

 

See a complete list of closures and facility phone information below. This list is subject to change and will be updated on the City’s website.

City of Tyler PIO: Jenny Wells, (903) 944-9136

 

Smith County (see additional information below)

Most of Smith County’s offices opened back up to the public on Friday, May 1, after the local and state “Stay at Home” Orders expired April 30.

Most county offices that had limited in-person contact with the public will reopen in a manner consistent with the guidelines and directives of the Governor Gregg Abbott’s Office and reflective of the phased reopening of private businesses. Some offices are changing the way they interact with the public while others will keep their doors closed for a bit longer. Even though Smith County officials have revised the way some of their offices offer services to help stop the spread of COVID-19, essential services have never stopped. Jury duty continues to be suspended through at least June 1. For a full list of adjusted Smith County services, please visit Smith County. .

Smith County PIO: Casey Murphy, (903) 590-4607

 

Tyler Independent School District

Good news for the Class of 2020! Tyler ISD plans to move forward with the original dates for in-person graduation ceremonies. We are watchfully optimistic that Gov. Abbott’s Open Texas announcement provides the opportunity for school systems to hold commencement with precautionary safety measures observed. Candidates for graduation and a restricted number of guests will be required to follow social distancing guidelines, safety and security protocols, and other health measures at each outdoor graduation ceremony. Learn more at TISD

Tyler ISD is also hiring teachers for the 2020-21 school year! The District is hosting a Virtual Teacher Job Fair May 2 from 10 a.m. to noon via Zoom. To learn more, follow this link

For district updates such as grading, GPA, Distance Learning information and other frequently asked questions, go to TISD.

TISD PIO: Jennifer Hines, (903) 521-5887

 

Hospital Updates

Due to CDC recommendation, CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances is asking all patients, visitors and employees to wear a mask while visiting our facilities. Homemade cloth masks are appropriate for visitors. Providers and health care workers will continue to use appropriate medical masks (PPE) when working.

 

Both CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic and UT Health East Texas have expanded telehealth services and online screening tools to best serve their patients. Telehealth services will be HIPPA-compliant.

 

If you are experiencing or developing COVID-19 symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath, call to speak with a clinician who will provide telephonic triage and make appropriate referrals in accordance with CDC guidelines. Additionally, you may visit www.coronavirus.gov and take a “Coronavirus Self-Checker” assessment. This will help you communicate symptoms to your doctor when you call their office before making a visit.

 

To coordinate prescreening and referral directly with UT Health East Texas, patients may call (903) 596- DOCS.

To coordinate prescreening and referral directly with CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances, patients may call (903) 606-DOCS.

 

**In the event of an emergency, call 911.

 

Texas Department of Public Safety

The Texas Department of Public Safety has established a webpage to answer frequently asked questions about required quarantine regarding air travel:

 

At the direction of Governor Greg Abbott and in light of the governor's State of Disaster Declaration related to the COVID-19, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has been directed to extend the expiration date of Texas identification cards (ID), driver licenses (DL), commercial DLs (CDL) and election identification certificates (EIC). Additionally, the department has been directed to close DL offices, effective Thursday, March 19, until directed to reopen by the governor. These actions come as the state works to limit the ongoing spread of COVID-19 by increasing social distancing in communities.  

Customers can conduct their transactions online, by phone or by mail. DPS encourages Texans to check the expiration date on their card and call 1-866-DL-RENEW (1-886-357-3639) or visit Texas.gov to see if you're eligible to conduct your transaction online.

The fee is the same for online, in-person and telephone renewals. For additional information about renewing your DL or ID card, visit the DPS website. Address changes and replacement of a lost DL or ID can also be taken care of online (or by mail) in many instances. Find out if you are eligible for online services by visiting Texas.gov.
DPS PIO: Jean Dark, (903) 330-2433

City of Tyler announces phased reopenings for facilities
On Monday, April 27, State of Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced a phased approach of re-opening facilities, businesses, and restaurants in Texas starting Friday, May 1. While the Governor has cleared facilities to re-open at this time, they are not required to open their doors to the public.

The City of Tyler has created a phased re-open plan for our services and facilities. Many departments will continue to serve the community through modified operations during this phased approach. All open facilities will adhere to the capacity limit set forth by the Governor. The City of Tyler will be rigorously adhering to all social distancing and hygiene standards. We encourage our customers to continue utilizing all online resources to limit face-to-face contact with our staff for both the customer’s and our staff’s protection.

See a complete list of closures and facility phone information below. This list is subject to change and will be updated on the City’s website.

City Hall, (903) 531-1100 www.CityofTyler.org Doors to City Hall will be locked. However, staff is available by email, phone and appointment.

Tyler Pounds Regional Airport, (903) 531-2343
https://www.cityoftyler.org/government/departments/airport Tyler Pounds Regional Airport will remain open to the public. Disinfection best practices have been implemented in order to diminish the risk of exposure and community spread.

Any closures or interruptions to flight service will be determined by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Tyler Animal Control and Shelter, (903) 535-0045 https://www.cityoftyler.org/government/departments/animal-services The Tyler Animal Shelter will continue to limit services to appointment only for adoptions and reclaims of pets. Animal Control will continue to respond to calls in the community when received.

Water Business Office, (903) 531-1230 https://www.cityoftyler.org/government/departments/tyler-water-utilities/water-businessoffice The Water Business Office (WBO) will reopen to the public on Monday, May 4 with new hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays. The office will have limited access and will be realigned with social distancing markings and a security guard will be on hand to assist customers and answer questions. We encourage customers to continue to utilize our online and telephonic services as outlined below. The WBO continues to accept all transactions (disconnect, reconnect, new services, payments and complaints) via online and telephone. Currently, the Kiosk located on the west side of the Water Office is equipped to take cash, checks and debit/credit cards. In addition, the WBO has two drop boxes: one located at Brookshire’s on Rice Road and the second located on the south side of the building (front) of the Water Business. Customer service representatives will remain available by phone.

Municipal Court, (903) 531-1266 https://www.cityoftyler.org/government/departments/municipal-court The Municipal Court lobby will be open to the public beginning Monday, May 4. Municipal Court hours will be Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. to provide customer service at the cashier windows. Court representatives will continue to be available by phone during this time for payments and/or questions regarding court matters. Defendants may also continue to make online payments through our court website. Court proceedings will resume June 1. Those scheduled for a hearing or who have any outstanding court matters, beginning May 13, will receive an appearance notice in the mail. Please contact the Court if you need to update your contact information. Defendants may also send correspondence to the Judge via email at municrt@tylertexas.com or fax at (903) 531-1369. The safety of our customers and our staff is our priority. The Court has established guidelines that ensure we are compliant with all social distancing requirements. Hand sanitizer will be provided. All customers are encouraged to bring and wear a mask upon entry into the Court.

Tyler Development Center (Permitting/Building Services/Planning/MPO/GIS), (903) 531-1151 – Permitting/Building; (903) 531-1175 – Planning/MPO https://www.cityoftyler.org/government/departments/development-services
The Tyler Development Center (TDC) strongly encourages customers to use their digital tools and other resources for development-related activities. Applicants can conduct development-related transactions via https://trakit.cityoftyler.net/eTRAKiT/ AND https://eplans.cityoftyler.org/. For expedited service please email PermitTechs@TylerTexas.com. Staff will continue to contact customers concerning scheduled development meetings as they will now be held by conference call or teleconference. Doors to the TDC will be locked; however, staff will remain available by email and phone.

Neighborhood Services, (903) 531-1303 https://www.cityoftyler.org/government/departments/neighborhood-services Neighborhood Services will continue to see clients by appointment only. Doors will be locked but customer service representatives remain available by phone. Payments may be placed in the drop box located at the Brookshire’s on Rice Road.

Finance, (903) 531-1137
https://www.cityoftyler.org/government/departments/finance-department Finance will reopen to the public on Monday, May 4 with new hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays.

Tyler Public Library, (903) 593-7323 https://www.cityoftyler.org/government/departments/library Tyler Public Library will continue to be closed to the public, available by phone until further notice. Programming will be provided virtually via the Library’s website and Facebook page. Curbside service will be provided for material checkout and return.

Tyler Police Department, (903) 531-1000
www.TylerPolice.com The Tyler Police Department will continue to limit physical interaction with the public at both its stations. All front lobby services will be restricted. Investigation and patrol operations will continue as normal. For those who have questions or would like to speak with an officer, they may call the non-emergency dispatch number at (903) 531-1000.

Tyler Recycling Center, (903) 531-1388 https://www.cityoftyler.org/government/departments/solid-waste/recycling/downtownrecycling-center Tyler Recycling Center will operate with a modified schedule from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to Noon on Saturday. The center will have limited access and will be set-up to maintain social distancing requirements. Users are encouraged to wear face coverings and gloves.

Tyler Transit, (903) 533-8057 https://www.cityoftyler.org/government/departments/tyler-transit
Tyler Transit will continue limiting service hours. Additionally, Transit has implemented a social distancing policy for riders and drivers. All buses continue to undergo extra cleaning and sanitization procedures. Hygiene guards have been added between patrons and drivers.
TOURISM & RECREATION FACILITIES
Tennis courts will open to the public on Friday, May 1, and basketball courts will reopen on Monday, May 4 with strict social distancing requirements. We encourage residents to follow our Facebook page and visit our website for virtual recreation opportunities. Until further notice, the following tourism facilities will remain closed to the public, but available by phone. Departments will provide services virtually as operations allow.

Harvey Convention Center and Parks Offices, (903) 531-1370 www.TylerParksandRec.com
CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC, AVAILABLE BY PHONE.

Tyler Senior Center, (903) 597-0781 www.TylerParksandRec.com
CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC, AVAILABLE BY PHONE.

Glass Recreation Center, (903) 595-7271 www.TylerParksandRec.com
The Glass Recreation Center will have a select few classes that will take place outdoors. Pre-registration is mandatory to prepare for social distancing and class capacity will be very limited. More information to follow on the Parks website and Facebook page. 

Tyler Rose Garden Center, (903) 531-1212 www.TylerParksandRec.com
Doors facing the garden will be unlocked May 4 during office hours for those visiting the garden. SERVICES CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC, AVAILABLE BY PHONE.

Goodman Museum, (903) 531-1286 www.TylerParksandRec.com
CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC, AVAILABLE BY PHONE.

Gallery Main Street, (903) 593-6905 www.DowntownTyler.org
CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC, AVAILABLE BY PHONE. Gallery Main Street will host their first digital exhibit from May 1 to July 7. While facilities continue to be closed, pictures and virtual tours of this exhibit will be available at www.DowntownTyler.org. Art will also be available for purchase online.

Liberty Hall, (903) 593-6905 www.LibertyTyler.com
CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC, AVAILABLE BY PHONE.

Visit Tyler Offices, (903) 593-6905 www.VisitTyler.com
CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC, AVAILABLE BY PHONE.

 

Smith County Offices Opening to the Public
Most of Smith County’s offices opened back up to the public on Friday, May 1, after the local and state “Stay at Home” Orders expired April 30.

Most county offices that had limited in-person contact with the public will reopen in a manner consistent with the guidelines and directives of the Governor Gregg Abbott’s Office and reflective of the phased reopening of private businesses. Some offices are changing the way they interact with the public while others will keep their doors closed for a bit longer.

Even though Smith County officials have revised the way some of their offices offer services to help stop the spread of COVID-19, essential services have never stopped.
“As a public entity being supported by the tax payers of our community, it is important as public servants that we do our best to meet the needs of the public even during this pandemic time,” Smith County Commissioner Jeff Warr said.
While ensuring the safety of the employees and members of the public, Smith County employees have been urged to continue practicing safe social distancing and other safety guidelines when their offices reopen to the public. Some have added floor markings of 6-feet apart, set up germ barriers, or have taken other safety precautions.
Smith County is continuing to encourage people to conduct their county business online, at www.smith-county.com, whenever they can. Most court fees and fines can be paid online, as well as property taxes and auto registration. The majority of public documents can also be obtained and paid for online.

Smith County is also encouraging people to call ahead with any business matters with the county to see if their business can be conducted online before going to a county building.

COMMISSIONERS COURT
Smith County Commissioners Court meetings held at 9:30 a.m. every Tuesday will continue to be closed to the public through at least May, but will be streamed live online. People wanting to give public comment can do so by calling filling out an online form at https://tinyurl.com/wxcbbws before the start of the meeting.
Members of the public are encouraged to view the meetings live at https://www.facebook.com/SmithCountyTexas/ or on the county’s website, at https://tinyurl.com/sqjq7kw. All Commissioners Court videos are posted to www.smithcounty.com after the meeting has concluded.

TAX OFFICE
The Smith County Tax Office located in the Cotton Belt Building in Tyler opened its doors to the public May 1, but is limiting the number of customers in its facility at one time.

Although they are opening, Smith County Tax Assessor-Collection Gary Barber said people can still pay their property taxes over the phone, online or through mail. People can renew their auto registration online or through the mail. For more information or to make a payment, call 903590-2920 for property taxes and 903-590-2900 for auto registration. Also visit: https://www.smith-county.com/government/elected-officials/tax-assessor.

The Smith County Tax Office substations in Noonday, Lindale and Troup will reopen at a later date.

COUNTY AND DISTRICT CLERK
The District Clerk’s Office and County Clerk’s Office have remained open throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The County and District Clerks are encouraging all members of the public to access records online. Most records obtained from the Clerks’ Offices can be ordered and paid for online.

JURY DUTY
Smith County has suspended jury duty through at least June 1, to follow guidelines announced by the Texas Judicial Branch - Office of Court Administration. Grand jury service has not been cancelled. Grand jurors are still to report when scheduled.

COURTS
Smith County judges are operating under the guidance of the Texas Supreme Court and the Office of Court Administration, stating that all in-person proceedings of any size should be delayed until at least June 1.n Most of the district courts and county courts-at-law have continued to hold court proceedings virtually through zoom.
Guidelines that Smith County courts are following include:  No jury trials until at least June 1

 OCA prohibits courts from conducting any in-person proceeding contrary to guidance issued by the Office of Court Administration regarding social distancing, maximum group size, and other restrictions and precautions.  Requires courts to use all reasonable efforts to conduct proceedings remotely.  No non-essential proceedings should be held in-person.  Citizens should check with each court to find out what procedures they should follow in regard to cases pending in that court.

JUSTICE OF THE PEACE/CONSTABLES OFFICES
The Justices of the Peace are also operating under the guidance of the Texas Supreme Court and the Office of Court Administration. Although court proceedings are postponed until at least June 1, they will begin opening their offices sooner.

The Constable Precinct 1 office never closed its doors to the public.
Justice of the Peace and Constable’s Office, Precinct 2, in Noonday will open its office back up to the public beginning May 18.

Justice of the Peace Precinct 3 in Troup will open its office to the public beginning Tuesday, May 5. The JP 3 office will be open to the public from 8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays. On Mondays, the office will be closed but the phones will be manned.

Justice of the Peace Precinct 4 in Winona will open its offices to the public on Monday, May 4, with limited capacity and while maintaining social distancing.

The Smith County Precinct 5 Justice of the Peace and Constable’s Offices in Lindale plan to reopen their lobby to the public on Monday, May 4. In order to ensure the safety of their employees and members of the public, we will attempt to limit the number of customers in our lobby to five or less and encourage both the public and staff continue practicing safe social distancing and other safety guidelines, including the wearing of protective masks.

Most of the JP’s Offices take payments online or by phone. (Phone numbers to the JP Offices are listed at www.smith-county.com).

PROBATION
During the probationers visit with their probation officer scheduled in May, the probationer will be instructed to report in office for the month of June (unless otherwise notified by the county/department/officer should there be any changes in our community response to COVID19. If those on probation have questions, they should call 903-590-2700 or visit: https://www.smith-county.com/government/departments/adult-probation for more information.

VETERAN SERVICES OFFICE
The Veteran Services Office reopened to the public on May 1. While they accept walk-ins, they encourage people to call and make an appointment in advance which will allow the staff to inform the client what paperwork they will need to bring with them in order to better assist them.

The office will take several safety measures, including restricting the number of people in its office. A client can bring one other person with them when visiting the Smith County Veteran Services Office. Please call 903-590-2950 for more information or to make an appointment.

COLLECTIONS/JUDICIAL COMPLIANCE
The physical office of Judicial Compliance-Collections Department will be open to the public, but will limit how many people are in their office. Payments can be made online. For help, call 903-590-4624.

ANIMAL SHELTER
The Animal Shelter, 322 East Ferguson Street, will see customers but they will not be allowed back in the kennel area. To visit dogs for possible adoption, people need to know which dogs they are interested in looking at by viewing photos online. Rescue organizations will need to make an appointment. For more information, call 903-266-4303.

ELECTIONS OFFICE
The Elections Office, 302 E. Ferguson, is now open to the public. Those who are wishing to register to vote for an upcoming election can do so online: https://www.smithcounty.com/government/departments/elections/voter-registration. For more information, call 903-590-4777.

LAW LIBRARY
From May 4-15, the Law Library will be open to the public during limited hours and plans to open for regular business hours on May 18. Those needing help obtaining materials located in the Law Library should call 903-590-1750 to request assistance. Certain forms can be emailed.

OFFICES THAT HAVE REMAINED OPEN
Smith County Offices that have remained open to the public include the Commissioners Court, Road and Bridge Department, the District Attorney’s Office, and Pre-Trial Release, among others.

ONLINE COUNTY SERVICES
Smith County Offices offer a variety of ways to make a number of online payments. These include:  Adult Probation, fees, 903-590-2700, visit wwwo.smith-county.com, click government and Adult Probation.

For the following online payments, visit www.smith-county.com and click on Make a Payment:

County Clerk, fines and fees, 903-590-4670  District Clerk, fines and fees, 903-590-1660

Justice of the Peace Precinct 1, does not accept credit card payments, 903-590-2604

Justice of the Peace Precinct 2, fines and fees, 903-590-4831  Justice of the Peace Precinct 3, accepts credit card payments over the phone, 903-5904729

Justice of the Peace Precinct 4, fines and fees, 903-590-4870

Justice of the Peace Precinct 5, fines and fees, 903-590-4890

Sheriff’s Office, inmate trust fund, 903-590-2661, www.jailatm.com

Tax Office-Auto Department, Auto Registration, 903-590-2900

Tax Office-Property Tax, property tax payments, 903-590-2920

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