COVID-19-Weekly-Employee-Update_05_07_20
Reminder: Join the Virtual Employee Forum Today
Today, Thursday, May 7 at 3 p.m., a Virtual Employee Forum will be held through Microsoft Teams.
Please join City Manager Todd Hileman, Human Resources Director Tiffany Thomson, and other
members of the City of Denton leadership team as they discuss the City’s COVID-19 response and plans
for the future.
You’ll be able to submit questions to the presenters during the forum. If you are unable to participate in
the live forum, you can watch the recorded version, which will be posted on the Hub.
Click here to join the meeting.
You will need your City of Denton email address and network password to attend the meeting.
Department Summaries
In addition to departments working on developing plans to safely transition employees back to our
facilities and reopen to the public, several departments are continuing to step up for our community
through volunteering and delivering outstanding customer service. The Public Affairs Department has
scheduled a team of employees to volunteer at Our Daily Bread, Procurement is managing the ordering
and distribution of thermometers and other items to ensure employees and residents are safe and
healthy at our facilities. Development Services and Community Improvement Services are working
together to educate and encourage compliance of local, state, and federal guidelines for the reopening
of our local businesses.
Our departments’ efforts to respond and serve during this challenging time continues to evolve and
reveal our dedication to the community we serve. To see more of the remarkable ways we are adapting
in response to COVID-19, read the latest Department summaries here.
State COVID-19 Response Updates
BUSINESSES ALLOWED TO REOPEN
As of May 1, the following are allowed to open at 25% of their listed occupancy:
• Retail Stores
• Restaurants
• Movie Theaters
• Shopping Malls
• Museums and Libraries
As of May 5, wedding venues and services that conduct weddings may immediately open:
• Wedding services and weddings held indoors, other than at a church, congregation, or
house of worship, must limit occupancy to 25%.
• These occupancy limits do not apply to the outdoor areas of a wedding reception or outdoor
wedding receptions.
Beginning May 8, the following businesses may open with at least 6 feet of distance between
operating work stations:
• Cosmetology Salons
• Hair Salons
• Barber Shops
• Nail Salons and Shops
• Other establishments where licensed cosmetologists or barbers practice their trade.
Also starting May 8, swimming pools may open subject to certain limitations, including on their
occupancy or operating levels.
On May 18, the following businesses/facilities may open at 25% occupancy:
• Office Buildings (may open with the greater of 5 or less individuals or 25% of the total office
workforce)
• Gyms, Exercise Facilities, and Exercise Classes (locker rooms and shower facilities will remain
closed, but restrooms may open)
• Non-essential Manufacturing Services
Visit the COVID-19 Business Guidelines page here for more information.
Local COVID-19 Response: City Service Updates
PARKS AND RECREATION
Services Available
• Tennis Courts
Opened: May 1
Limit to 4 individuals (per court), no contract programs, no charge for court rental at the
Tennis Center
• Disc Golf
Opened: May 2
Limit to 4 individuals (per group)
• Batting Cages at Evers Park
Open: May 6, Limited use with alternating cages
• Pavilions / Tables / Benches
Opened: May 6
No rentals / first come, first serve
• Skate Park
Opened: May 6
• Driving Range
Open: May 8 with limited hours (7 a.m.-10 a.m. & 5 p.m.-8 p.m.)
No contract instruction, bucket sales, and range stalls spaced appropriately
DENTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
Services Available
• Curbside hold pickup of circulating materials
• Phone & email reference, account, and reader’s advisory assistance
• Online programs and activities
• 24/7 access to downloadable materials and online resources
• Library wi-fi on 24/7; Accessible from SB parking lot front row and benches around EF and
NB
• Online and phone payments for billed items
Service Hours
• Staff working at all branches Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and at North Branch on Saturdays
9 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Curbside at all branches Monday-Friday 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. and at North Branch Saturday 10
a.m.-5 p.m.
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
All development application types are now being accepted electronically.
RE-OPEN STRATEGY GROUP UPDATES
Currently, City facilities remain closed to the public until further notice.
City departments are currently working with the Re-opening Strategy Group to submit plans for the re-
opening of public and non-public City buildings. Next, CMO will meet with each department the week of
May 11 to assess consistency in safety (PPE) protocols and signage, medical checks, and
cleaning/custodial capabilities.
Once that information is gathered, protocols will be established for employees to work remotely or on-
site in City facilities. Assessments will also be done to determine the feasibility of social distancing in
each building and whether or not facility modifications will be needed. After this process, staff will
report to the City Council to propose the re-opening strategy. The goal of the strategy is to ensure the
safety of both staff and the public before City facilities re-open.
Employee Health Clinic: In-Person & Virtual Appointments Available
As we all prepare to return to work, your HR Benefits Team is here to help you stay healthy and well.
The City’s Employee Health Clinic (CareHere) is open and has appointments available if you are not
feeling well or need to get a prescription refill. You will make your appointment online as you normally
do; however, you MUST include the reason for your visit in the “Comments” section on your online
appointment. The Clinic staff is now calling all patients before their visit to get information about the
reason for the visit.
The Clinic also offers TeleVisits, so you don’t even have to go to the Clinic! Log on to CareHere.com or
the CareHere App to schedule a “Medical” appointment. In the comments section, enter “TeleVisit,”
your phone number, and the reason for your visit. You may also call the CareHere Patient Support
Center at (877) 423-1330.
The TeleVisit will be conducted by a Clinic provider. Kim Gatlin or Dr. Hashmi will call you instead of
seeing you in the Clinic.
Health Risk Assessment (HRA)
The deadline for HRAs has been extended until October 31. At this time, blood draws and HRA follow-up
visits are on-hold. We will share information regarding HRAs when it becomes available.
**The Employee Health Clinic is available to employees who are on the City’s health plan.**
Virtual Visits Through United Healthcare
Another option for remote medical care is a United Healthcare Virtual Visit, which allows a patient to
speak directly to a healthcare provider using the UnitedHealthcare app or the United Healthcare
website, www.myUHC.com. After you log into your UHC account, select “Virtual Visits” in the Common
Services & Costs section, and select “Get Started” to begin the registration process.
Until May 31, 2020, copays for Virtual Visits are waived so employees who are covered on the City’s
health plan, and their covered dependents as applicable, can use Virtual Visits free of charge.
Denton Strong
Amidst the coronavirus pandemic,
City employees continued to deliver
essential services such as water,
electricity, and trash pickup to keep
residents safe and healthy. In
response, the Denton community
showed their appreciation and
support in a great way. More than
600 cloth masks have been donated
to our staff and are keeping not only
our employees safe but the
community we serve as well. Here’s a
look at some employees that shared
photos of them wearing their masks
while safely getting the job done!
If you have questions or would like to see additional information included in the next
COVID-19 employee update, email COVID19HR@cityofdenton.com.