Frisco, McKinney, Plano, Allen Join Collin County in COVID-19 Emergency Declarations

PLANO, TX – The cities of Allen, Frisco, Plano and McKinney joined Collin County Monday in making formal declarations designed to curtail the spread of COVID-19.

Collin County Judge Chris Hill announced a formal disaster declaration for Collin County Monday, “to better position and prepare the county and its communities to respond to the public health emergencies that may arise from the coronavirus outbreak.”

The judge’s disaster declaration comes in the wake of similar announcements on Friday from President Donald Trump and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.

“Since the first news of the coronavirus outbreak, Collin County has been working diligently with the State of Texas and our local cities to prepare for this eventuality. We stand ready to partner with and support our communities in any way necessary,” said Hill, whose statutory duties include serving as the county’s emergency management coordinator. “We all have to work together to safeguard the health of our community. This declaration ensures that we are able to access and share strategic resources and supplies as they become available.”

All non-essential court operations in the county are postponed until April 1 and all visitsto the Collin County Detention Facility are canceled (attorneys permitted); essential proceedings defined by court order will continue. Other county offices remain open and operational. All county board and commission meetings are canceled until March 31.

The Collin County Health Department said Monday there are eight confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 82 others being monitored.

The mayors of Allen, Frisco, McKinney and Plano, working in cooperation with Judge Hill, issued similar declarations today by declaring public health emergencies. Details on those declarations can be found below.

Frisco

In Frisco, the Frisco Athletic Center is closed through March 27; The Grove at Frisco Commons is closed through April 13 (meal program continues for members in need and online classes continue); City parks and recreation facilities, including ball fields, closed through March 27 (parks and trails remain open); City-run sports leagues suspended through March 27; City-sponsored events suspended through March 27; Frisco Public Library closed through March 27 (drive-through pick up open); Frisco municipal court is proceeding through their docket as normal; all special event applications and facility
rentals will be offered refunds of deposit and/or fees.

“Emergency declarations at the national, state and county levels are unprecedented, and Frisco is doing our part to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. But we can’t do this alone,” said Frisco Mayor Jeff Cheney. “Because this health crisis is dynamic, changing daily, our plans will likely evolve, too, so we need your help. For some, tensions and anxiety may be high. So please practice calm and kindness during this extraordinary time and we will get through this together. In the meantime, our first responders and other city staff will be working around the clock to help ensure the health, safety and welfare of our community.”

Plano

In Plano, the following changes go into effect at 5 p.m. Monday: The City of Plano will activate the Emergency Operations Center and will operate during normal business hours. All Parks and Recreation facilities are closed until March 27; all library facilities are closed until March 27; all sports leagues in Plano will be suspended through March 27 for practice and play; All meetings at the Plano Event Center, Special Events, and Facility rentals will be offered refunds of deposit and/or fees for events.

“This is an important declaration for a serious and changing situation,” said Plano City Manager Mark Israelson. “Plano, our neighboring cities and Collin County all recognize the importance of prudent and proactive actions at this time. We need all citizens and businesses to do their part to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”