- Departments
- Fire & EMS
- Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‑19)
The purpose of this page is only to offer a general overview of the existing public health situation that is causing facility closures, event cancelations, and service level adjustments. The information on this page was current as of January 6, 2020.
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) stated that the COVID-19 outbreak can be characterized as a pandemic. There is substantial community spread* of COVID-19 in Tarrant County. The public is urged to stay at home if possible, to avoid gatherings with people who are not in the same household, and to limit in-person contact — except for in the pursuit of essential or re-opened services. To receive official COVID-19 information, sign up for the latest CDC updates.
* The CDC defines "substantial community spread" as large-scale community transmission; healthcare staffing significantly impacted; multiple cases within communal settings.
THE PUBLIC IS ENCOURAGED TO MONITOR THE FOLLOWING SOURCES FOR THE MOST CURRENT PUBLIC HEALTH INFORMATION:
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Coronavirus.gov
- Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)
- Tarrant County Public Health (including current Tarrant County statistics)
COVID-19 Vaccine
Tarrant County has begun accepting registrations for those who wish to receive the vaccine and are within an approved group. Those eligible can register at tarrantcounty.com/covidshot.
COVID-19 Hotlines
- Dial 2-1-1 to be connected with specialists across the state (available 24/7)
- Tarrant County Coronavirus Hotline: 817-248-6299 (available 24/7)
COVID-19 Testing
To check symptoms or make an appointment, visit covidtesting.tarrantcounty.com. To find a Texas testing location outside of Tarrant County, visit covidtest.tdem.texas.gov.
COVID-19 Tarrant County Testing Sites
- Dickies Arena Parking Garage
Drive-through testing for all Tarrant County residents, first responders, and essential personnel
1911 Montgomery Street
Fort Worth, TX 76107
Daily, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon- Free testing
- PCR/Saliva
- Drive Through
- JP Elder Middle School
Drive-through testing for all Tarrant County residents, first responders and essential personnel
709 NW 21st Street
Fort Worth, TX 76164
Daily, 2:00 – 6:00 p.m.- Free Testing; No insurance required
- PCR/Saliva
- Drive Through
- East Arlington Library at Park Plaza
Drive-through testing for all Tarrant County residents, first responders and essential personnel
1624 New York Avenue
Arlington, TX 76010
Daily, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon- Free Testing; No insurance required
- PCR
- Drive Through
- TCC Southeast Campus
2100 Southeast Parkway
Arlington, TX 76018
Daily, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.- Free testing; No insurance required
- Cheek Swab
- Appointments recommended, but not required
Closures, Cancellations, and Service Level Adjustments
- CITY HALL: CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Staff will return phone calls and emails during regular business hours (Weekdays, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). If you are unsure of whom you might need to speak with, please email City Hall or leave a message at 817-985-2105. View the notice that will be posted on all doors to City Hall and Mayor Brian Johnson’s most recent Declaration of Public Health Emergency at cityofkennedale.com/closure. - LIBRARY: CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
During this closure, staff will be returning phone calls and emails during the temporary business hours of Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Summer Reading Club will be offered virtually, with events posted to the Library’s Facebook page. - SENIOR CENTER: CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Through a partnership with Sixty & Better, shelf-stable and/or frozen meals are being delivered to members who wish to receive them. If you or someone you know needs nutritional assistance, email City Hall or leave a message at 817-985-2105. - PLAYGROUNDS: CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
The parks themselves – including trails, fishing dock, pavilions, and the disc golf course – will remain open, but play structures, swings, and sport courts will be marked as not for use at this time. Normally, the Splash Pad at Sonora Park would open for the summer in May. However, it will remain closed until further notice. - NO FACILITY RESERVATIONS
Reservations are not being accepted or honored for any City facility. If you have questions, please leave a message at 817-985-2136 and Library staff will respond. - REQUEST APPROVAL FOR A LARGE OUTDOOR GATHERING (PDF)
Pursuant to Executive Orders issued by Governor Abbott, outdoor gatherings of more than ten (10) individuals must be approved by either the Mayor or the County Judge. This form should be used to request approval from Mayor Brian Johnson to hold a “Large Outdoor Gathering” (10+) within the City of Kennedale. If your event will, instead, be in unincorporated Tarrant County, you should request approval from Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley.
EVENTS
Visit cityofkennedale.com/cal to view the latest cancellations or postponements. At this time, there are no plans to hold any public events in the near future. If anything changes, this page and the calendar will be updated.
PUBLIC MEETINGS
City Council meetings and any necessary meetings of the various Boards and Commissions are being held via TeleConference and/or VideoConference until further notice. The most recent meeting (if any) will be available on each Board’s webpage. View all recent meetings on the City’s YouTube channel.
STAY INFORMED AND ENGAGED
The City of Kennedale will continue to evaluate service levels. Monitor the City’s online presence for current information in this rapidly changing environment:
- This page (www.cityofkennedale.com/COVID) will offer a list of closures and service level adjustments (with links to full details)
- cityofkennedale.com/cal will offer notices of canceled events or programs
- facebook.com/kennedale
- twitter.com/cityofkennedale
- nextdoor.com/agency/tx/kennedale
County and State Mask Requirements still in Effect
In June, Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley signed an Order requiring face coverings in most public situations (now effective through February 28, 2021). The Statewide mask order issued by Governor Abbott on June 2, is also still in effect for anyone 10 years of age or older. As a reminder, the CDC does NOT recommend face coverings for children under 2 years old.
- Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley's Mask Order
(Extended to August 31; Extended to November 30; Extended to Sunday, Februrary 28, 2021) - Governor Abbott's Mask Order
- Tarrant County COVID-19 Daily Monitoring Information
- Texans Helping Texans: The Governor’s Report to Open Texas
- Governor’s Strike Force to Open Texas
- DSHS: Opening the State of Texas
- President Trump's Opening Up America Again
RECOMMENDATIONS AND TESTING INFO
Texans, when able, should continue to minimize social gatherings and in-person contact with those who are not in the same household. Older adults and people of any age with serious chronic medical conditions should stay at home as much as possible and cancel or postpone nonessential travel. Those who do leave home should implement social distancing, utilize cloth face coverings, and practice good hygiene.
- Check Your Symptoms
- Find a Testing Location
- CDC Guidance for Quarantine
- CDC Cases, Data, and Surveillance
If a planned activity is nonessential or for leisure, consider your health and the health of those you are in regular contact with. If you must go out, you are urged to wear a mask, maintain 6 (six) feet of social distance, not touch your face, and wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.
Texans, when able, should continue to minimize social gatherings and in-person contact with those who are not in the same household. Older adults and people of any age with serious chronic medical conditions should stay at home as much as possible and cancel or postpone nonessential travel. Individuals are encouraged to avoid contact with those 65 and older. Those who do leave home should implement social distancing, utilize cloth face coverings, and practice good hygiene.
Tarrant County now has COVID-19 testing sites in Fort Worth and Arlington. Appointments are available Monday through Friday. To do a self-screening and make an appointment go to covidtesting.tarrantcounty.com.
Guidance for quarantine and data is posted on the CDC website. For non-urgent questions about COVID-19 call the information line at 817-248-6299 (available 24/7). For more information go to coronavirus.tarrantcounty.com.
* The CDC defines "substantial community spread" as large-scale community transmission; healthcare staffing significantly impacted; multiple cases within communal settings.
Pursuant to a Declaration signed by Mayor Brian Johnson, the City of Kennedale will recognize the more restrictive of the rules adopted by the State of Texas and by Tarrant County. However, staff cannot interpret any directives imposed at these levels of government. Each business or individual must consult the State and County documents to determine how your business or personal activities might be impacted.
Assistance Programs and Resources
Food Resources
FUMC’s Mission Store and Community Food Pantry (229 W 4th Street) offers produce, canned goods, and staple foods on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
View Other Local Food Resources
Rental Assistance Program For Tarrant County Residents
If you have a COVID-related loss of income that keeps you from paying your rent and you live in greater Tarrant County (outside of Fort Worth), rental assistance may be available. Get information and applications at renthelp.tarrantcounty.com.
CDC Eviction Moratorium Extended through January 31, 2021
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) announced an eviction moratorium through December 31, 2020 (which was extended via the COVID-19 relief package, signed by President Trump on December 27, 2020). Certain tenants who are experiencing financial hardship as a result of the pandemic cannot be evicted nor be burdened with high fines. The moratorium applies only to nonpayment of rent, and will not protect those who damage the property or violate their lease for any reason other than nonpayment. Late fees can still be assessed.
CARES Act
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act provides for Economic Impact Payments to American households of up to $1,200 per adult for individuals whose income was less than $99,000 ( or $198,000 for joint filers) and $500 per child under 17 years old – or up to $3,400 for a family of four.
Second COVID-19 Relief Package
Among its many provisions, the package includes direct payments of up to $600 per adult and child (dependent upon income); unemployment, SNAP, and rental assistance; small business aid; and funding for vaccine distribution.
FFCRA
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) requires certain employers to provide their employees with paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19 from April 1 through December 31, 2020.
- FFCRA Fact Sheet for Non-Federal Employees (Federal Employees)
- Responsibilities and Rights under FFCRA
- Employee Paid Leave Rights
- Temporary Rule: Paid Leave under the FFCRA
- Questions and Answers (Q&A) about FFCRA
Assistance for Small Businesses and Employers
- The Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act
- View all Coronavirus Relief Options from SBA
- Loans For Texas Small Businesses
Fraud and Scam Protection
As the number of people with Coronavirus grows, so does the number of scammers trying to take advantage of our collective fear and anxiety to steal our money. Please be wary of anyone requesting your identifying information through emails or phone calls. Be careful about online sales pitches and requests for information purporting to protect your health and well-being. If you have a question about a call or message you have received, call non-emergency dispatch at 817-478-5416 to speak with an officer. KPD is committed to helping you verify the validity of any communication and preventing you from falling victim to fraud.
- Department of Justice (DOJ) Coronavirus Fraud Prevention
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Avoiding Coronavirus-Related Scams
- VIDEO: Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney’s Office (Video 2)
OTHER RESOURCES AND INFORMATION
- Coronavirus-Related Information from the IRS
- YourTexasBenefits.com (Information on food and health benefits and support services)
- All Federal Agency Actions Related to Coronavirus
- FFCRA Fact Sheet for Employees (and Federal Employees)
- Employee Paid Leave Rights
- Small Business Guidance and Loan Information (SBA)
- Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
- Nextdoor "Help Map"
Administration Actions and Federal Agency Resources
USA.gov is cataloging all U.S. government activities related to coronavirus. Federal agencies’ coronavirus websites with important information and guidance:
- Centers of Medicare and Medicaid (CMS)
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- Department of Education (DoED)
- Department of Agriculture (USDA)
- Small Business Administration (SBA)
- Department of Labor (DOL)
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
- Department of State (DOS) (View All Travel Advisories)
- Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
- Department of the Treasury (USDT) (Assistance for Small Businesses)
- Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI)
- U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC)
Related Documents
- 03/13/2020 Governor Abbott Declares State of Disaster In Texas Due To COVID-19
- 03/13/2020 Tarrant County Childcare Guidelines Regarding COVID-19
- 03/13/2020 Tarrant County Declaration of Local Disaster Due to Public Health Emergency
- 03/13/2020 Tarrant County Public Guidance Regarding COVID-19
- 03/14/2020 Declaring a National Emergency Concerning the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
- 03/16/2020 Tarrant County COVID-19 Update
- 03/16/2020 White House: 30 Days to Slow the Spread
- 03/17/2020 Declaration Under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act
- 03/17/2020 Tarrant County Declaration of Local Disaster Extension 1
- 03/18/2020 Tarrant County First Amendment to Declaration of Local Disaster
- 03/19/2020 Declaration of Public Health Disaster by State Health Commissioner Dr. Hellerstedt
- 03/19/2020 Governor Abbott Executive Order COVID-19
- 03/19/2020 Mayor's Declaration of Public Health Emergency
- 03/22/2020 City Hall Door Notice and Mayor's First Amended Declaration of Public Health Emergency
- 03/22/2020 Relating to hospital capacity during the COVID-19 disaster GA-09
- 03/24/2020 City Hall Door Notice & Mayor Second Amended Declaration of Public Health Emergency
- 03/24/2020 Relating to daily reporting during the COVID-19 disaster GA-10
- 03/24/2020 Tarrant County Executive Order
- 03/26/2020 Relating to airport screening and self-quarantine during the COVID-19 disaster GA-11
- 03/27/2020 Tarrant County Executive Order
- 03/29/2020 Relating to roadway screening and self-quarantine during the COVID-19 disaster GA-12
- 03/29/2020 Relating to detention in county and municipal jails during the COVID-19 disaster GA-13
- 03/31/2020 Governor Executive Order (Statewide Essential Service and Activity)
- 03/31/2020 Relating to statewide continuity of essential services and activities during the COVID-19 disaster GA-14
- 04/02/2020 (Effective Date) Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)
- 04/03/2020 Tarrant County Executive Order
- 04/12/2020 Governor Abbott's Renewal of his March 13 Disaster Proclamation
- 04/17/2020 Relating to hospital capacity during the COVID-19 disaster GA-15
- 04/17/2020 Relating to the establishment of the Governor's Strike Force to Open Texas (coronavirus) GA-17
- 04/17/2020 Relating to the establishment of the Governors Strike Force to Open Texas (COVID-19) GA-17
- 04/17/2020 Relating to the safe strategic reopening of select services as the first step to Open Texas (COVID-19) GA-16
- 04/21/2020 Tarrant County Executive Order
- 04/27/2020 Governor's Report to Open Texas
- 04/27/2020 Relating to the expanded reopening of services as part of the safe, strategic plan to Open Texas (coronavirus) GA-18
- 04/27/2020 Relating to hospital capacity during the COVID-19 disaster (coronavirus) GA-19
- 04/27/2020 Relating to expanding travel without restrictions (coronavirus) GA-20
- 05/05/2020 Expanding Open Texas COVID-19 (coronavirus) GA-21
- 05/07/2020 Confinement during COVID-19 (coronavirus) GA-22
- 05/18/2020 Phase Two Expanding Open Texas COVID-19 (coronavirus) GA-23
- 05/21/2020 Termination of Air Travel RestrictionsCOVID-19 (coronavirus) GA-24
- 05/22/2020 Visitation at Jails During COVID-19 (coronavirus) GA-25
- 06/03/2020 Expanded Opening COVID-19 (coronavirus) GA-26
- 06/25/2020 Hospital Capacity COVID-19 (coronavirus) GA-27
- 06/25/2020 Tarrant County Executive Order
- 06/26/2020 Targeted Response to Reopening COVID-19 (coronavirus) GA-28