WHERE TO GET TESTED From Dallas County:

https://www.dallascounty.org/covid-19/testing-locations.php

From the State of Texas:  https://tdem.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=1e91fb79fa44417898738e5bff31a3d8/

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INTERACTIVE COVID-19 TESTING MAP ACCESSIBLE VIA LINK BELOW:

The State of Texas has put together an interactive map for drive-through COVID 19 testing sites as well as other private sector testing locations: https://tdem.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=1e91fb79fa44417898738e5bff31a3d8/

-DESOTO RESIDENTS CAN GET FREE COVID-19 TESTING 

AND FLU SHOTS AT THE ELLIS DAVIS FIELD HOUSE

DeSoto residents can be tested for COVID-19 and receive their flu shots for free at the

Ellis Davis Field House, 9191 S. Polk Street in Dallas. It is operated for Dallas County by 

Parkland Hospital and the City of DeSoto assists its operations. 

HTTP://WWW.PARKLANDHOSPITAL.COM/ELLISDAVIS

HTTP://WWW.PARKLANDHOSPITAL.COM/ELLISDAVIS

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Who is at risk?

While most people diagnosed with COVID-19 will present mild symptoms and eventually recover, there are members of the population that are more at risk.  The CDC says the best evidence available indicates the risk of severe illness begins to increase with people age 50 and increases with age.  The highest risk groups are persons age 80 and over and those with underlying medical conditions.

How to protect yourself and others

Although there is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19, the best way to prevent infection is to take the following precautions at home, at work, or out in the community:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.  If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe

WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT THAT YOU HAVE COVID-19

The Centers for Disease Control provides the following advice for persons who believe that they might have contracted COVID-19. Please follow their advice to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html

DID YOU KNOW?: 

THE CITY OF DESOTO HAS PROVIDED $325,000 IN COVID-19 RELATED WATER AND SEWER RELIEF TO OUR RESIDENTS!

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FACE MASKS ARE NOW REQUIRED AT DALLAS COUNTY (DESOTO) BUSINESSES:

 Effective as of 11:59 p.m. on June 19, 2020, and continuing until 11:59 p.m. on August 4, 2020.

Effective June 19, 2020, all commercial entities in Dallas County providing goods or services directly to the public must develop and implement a health and safety policy. The Health and Safety Policy must require, at a minimum, that all employees or visitors to the commercial entity’s business premises or other facilities wear face coverings. Commercial entities must post the Health and Safety Policy required by this Executive Order in a conspicuous location sufficient to provide notice to employees and visitors of all health and safety requirements. Failure to develop and implement the Health and Safety Policy required by this Executive Order within five (5) calendar days following the Effective Date may result in a fine not to exceed $500 for each violation.

Click here to view the full order. 

More Information and visual resources for businesses:

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Employees of DeSoto Businesses should be wearing facemasks to protect their customers and businesses should also be providing facemasks to customers who are not already wearing them. Not only does this help to combat the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic, but it will encourage customers to patronize your business because they will know that you are making every effort to keep your business safe.

 If you operate a DeSoto business and are in need of facemasks you should contact the DeSoto Chamber of Commerce to request a limited supply of free facemasks.  marketing@desotochamber.org or call 972-224-3565.  

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ADDITIONAL ONLINE RESOURCES:

All Dallas County COVID-19 Updates and Information can be found here: 

https://www.dallascounty.org/covid-19/

All Dallas County COVID guidance documents can be found here: 

https://www.dallascounty.org/covid-19/guidance-health.php

• Specific Guidance for the Public: 
• Dallas County COVID-19 Related Health Guidance for the Public
• Dallas County Measures for Protecting An Institution’s Workforce from COVID-19 Infection: Employer/Employee Guidance 
• Dallas County Guidance for Individuals at High-Risk for Severe COVID-19  

Additional information is available 24/7 at the following websites:  

CDC:  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html  

CDC Travel Information: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html 

DSHS:  https://dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/ 

DCHHS:  https://www.dallascounty.org/departments/dchhs/2019-novel-coronavirus.php

CITY FACILITIES NOW OPEN ON A LIMITED BASIS:

CITY HALL:

On Monday, May 18th, in conjunction with Governor Greg Abbott’s plan to reopen Texas, DeSoto’s City Hall, and some other important facilities reopened to the public on a graduated basis. The reopening was designed to maintain essential safety guidelines established by the CDC and Dallas County Department of Health and Human Services. City Hall, the DeSoto Public Library, and Recreation Center had been closed to the public since March 23rd as part of the coordinated effort with national, state, county, and local partners to combat the spread of COVID-19. 

In addition to paying in person, water bill payments can be made online at www.desototexas.gov/billpay or via the automated phone system by dialing 855-748-6063. Water customers can also dial 972-230-9627 to speak with a Utility Billing representative during normal business hours for general water account information. Check and money order payments can be placed in the after-hours drop box behind City Hall. 

For the safety of everyone, residents who are running a fever, are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, or who have had close contact within the last 14 days with someone who has or is believed to have COVID-19 will be prohibited from entry. Visitors are asked to comply with the following guidelines while in City Hall:

• Refrain from bringing visitors into the building 

• Sanitize hands • Clean any surfaces after use with supplied materials

• Maintain six feet of separation 

• Wear a mask or face covering

• Refrain from loitering in the building

 • Refrain from visiting staff members 

Parks & Recreation:

DeSoto’s Recreation Center is open on a limited basis with safety restrictions. Patrons have access to the Fitness Center weekdays, but the Center has a limited capacity. Patrons will be required to schedule an appointment for 45 minutes per visit. Member access will be allowed during modified hours. Upon arrival, please present your membership card to the facility staff.

Operation Hours:
Monday - Friday, 8 AM to 12 PM and 4 PM to 8 PM

Register for free
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040A49ABAB22A4FC1-fitness

Also open is the Recreation Center’s walking track and gymnasium, personal training, athletic practices,  group exercises, and indoor leagues. The BMX Complex was also reopened as were playgrounds and restrooms. However, safety and operational concerns require that the Moseley Pool and the Civic Center will remain closed this season.

For the safety of everyone, residents who are running a fever, are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, or who have had close contact within the last 14 days with someone who has or is believed to have COVID-19 will be prohibited from entry.

Visitors are asked to comply with the following guidelines.

• Sanitize hands
• Clean any surfaces before and after use
• Maintain social distancing - six feet of separation
• Mask or face covering and gloves are required
• Loitering is prohibited
• You can contact the Recreation Center at (972) 230-9655.

Updates will be provided online at www.desototexas.gov/parks and join us on Facebook @desotorec.

 If you have questions or concerns about Parks & Recreation operations, please direct them to department via phone at 972-230-9655 or e-mail them at youthsports@desototexas.gov.

DeSoto Public Library: 

The DeSoto Public Library is open with limited hours and safety restrictions designed to protect both visitors and library staff. Face coverings will be required. The Library and Computer Lab will initially be open weekdays and Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and will be closed on Sundays. Only 30 visitors will be allowed into the Library at one time for a period of up to two hours per day per visitor. Curbside pick-up service, which was implemented as a customer convenience during the COVID-19 related closure, will remain as a service. Library patrons can reserve materials by calling (972) 230-9665 or visit the DPL Catalog to request items and then pick those materials up curbside between 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM. .

DeSoto Municipal Court: 

In-person court appearances resumed in City Hall on Monday, May 18th. Court hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Persons who have questions about their cases can text the Court Clerk at (972)737-7558. Those needing to make an appearance before the Judge are still able to meet with the Judge through VIDEO CONFERENCING THE JUDGE by going to https://zoom.us/join, click JOIN a meeting and type in MEETING ID 582-661-129 

The City of DeSoto will continue to post new information related to facilities and COVID-19 issues on our website or Facebook  Nextdoor and Twitter pages as it becomes available. Residents can continue to call the City with general service requests via our Action Center at 972.274.CITY (2489) during normal business hours. Residents with questions related to COVID-19 can dial 2-1-1 and access a 24/7 hotline via 2-1-1 Texas.