TPCG Coronavirus Daily Update for June 11, 2020

06/11/2020 06:59 PM

From the office of Parish President Gordon Dove:

Text TPCOVID to 888777 for updates from TPCG.

Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government Coronavirus Daily Update for June 11, 2020

(all new information is marked with an asterisk* and bolded)

**Number of Coronavirus Cases in Terrebonne Parish: 771 (Increase of 10 from June 10, 2020)

*Deaths Confirmed by the Terrebonne Coroner’s Office: 56 (No Increase from June 10, 2020)

*Presumed Recovered as of June 7, 2020:  450 persons

*The Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government will begin releasing a weekly coronavirus briefing beginning on Monday, June 15, 2020.  Number of cases and deaths per week will be reported in the weekly briefing.  Daily case numbers and deaths will be available Terrebonne Alert, the Parish’s Emergency and Community Notification System.  To register for Terrebonne Alert, go to tohsep.com/terrebonnealert.  After you register, select Public Health Alerts, to receive email or text messages regarding the coronavirus.

If you have already registered for Terrebonne Alert, go to tohsep.com/terrebonnealert and click on the “sign up” button, then select sign in on the top right of the webpage.  Once you sign in, click edit in My Subscriptions, then the arrow next to “Community Information”, then the arrow next to “Send me the following”, then select “Public Health Alerts (COVID-19)”, then click the Save button.  You can also text “TPCOVID” to 888-777 from your mobile device to receive daily updates.

Number of deaths reported on this report does not match the Louisiana Department of Health coronavirus website due to the latency of data input by the Louisiana Department of Health.

A person is presumed recovered if it has been more than 21 days since he/she tested positive and he/she is not deceased. Presumed recovered counts will be updated weekly on Monday.

*Opening Up Terrebonne Parish – Phase II Guidelines for Individuals and Businesses

Effective at Midnight, June 5, 2020, Governor John Bel Edwards’ formally declared Louisiana into Phase Two of its Roadmap to a Resilient Louisiana.  On June 4, 2020, Gov. John Bel Edwards signed the order moving Louisiana to Phase Two of the White House plan for reopening, while cautioning members of the public and businesses to continue to take mitigation measures, like wearing masks when in public, to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 as more people will be interacting with each other.

Those individuals who are at a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 should still stay home unless they are traveling outside of the home for an essential activity, like obtaining food, medicine or medical care.

In an effort to protect your employees and your customers, the Terrebonne Parish President Gordon Dove is requiring all businesses to follow Governor of Louisiana, John Bel Edwards, proclamation dated June 4, 2020 (Proclamation Number 74 JBE 2020) guidelines published for your particular business by the State of Louisiana, State Fire Marshal’s Office which can be found at the following webpage:  https://opensafely.la.gov, then clicking on “Download Phase One Documents”.  A copy of Governor Edwards’ new order, 58 JBE 2020, is located at the following website gov.louisiana.gov/assets/Proclamations/2020/74-JBE-2020-State-of-Emergency-COVID-19-Resilient-Louisiana-Phase-2.pdf.  All business owners should familiarize themselves with all the requirements in the Governor’s order and the guidelines produced by the La. State Fire Marshal’s office.

The Governor’s order follows the White House plan for Opening Up America Again. Major changes in Phase Two include allowing churches, places of worship and many more businesses to operate at 50 percent capacity with social distancing, masks for public-facing employees and increased sanitization. In addition, the state strongly recommends that businesses consider offering temperature checks before a person can enter and posting the symptoms of COVID-19 outside with a request that symptomatic individuals not enter.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Louisiana Department of Health have issued guidance for churches and different types of businesses to help them enter Phase Two in a way that ensures they operate safely and at the maximum level allowed. Business owners and faith leaders can find information at OpenSafely.la.gov.

OVERVIEW OF BUSINESSES THAT CAN OPEN ON FRIDAY, JUNE 5: 

Businesses that will be able to open at 50 percent occupancy include:

  • Restaurants, cafes and coffee shops
  • Shopping malls (including food courts, following restaurant guidance)
  • Gyms and fitness centers
  • Barber and beauty shops and nail salons
  • Movie theaters
  • Racetracks (with an approved plan from the Louisiana Racing Commission)
  • Museums (including children’s museums), zoos, aquariums (no tactile exhibits)
  • Bars and breweries with LDH food permits
  • Massage establishments, spas, and tattoo establishments (under strict guidance from LDH), esthetician services (under strict guidance from the Cosmetology Board)
  • Pool halls, bowling alleys and skating rinks (children must be accompanied by an adult)
  • Event Centers and wedding venues
  • Outdoor playgrounds and play centers (children must be accompanied by an adult)

Casinos and video poker establishments may open at 50 percent occupancy, but limited to 75 percent of their gaming positions, with spacing to allow for social distancing and with enhanced sanitization. Plans must be submitted to the Gaming Control Board which will issue guidance to these facilities.

Bars and breweries that do not have LDH food permits will be able to open with social distancing requirements and patrons seated at 25 percent occupancy.

Additional guidance will be released relaxing some regulations for summer camps in Phase Two. Sleep-away camps are not allowed in Phase Two.

The following businesses remain closed: carnivals, amusement parks, water parks, fairs, contact sports, children’s indoor play centers, arcades, trampoline parks, theme parks, concert and music halls, and other similar businesses. Live entertainment is not permitted inside any building or indoor function.

However, any business that is directed to be closed in the Phase Two order may petition to reopen under a plan approved by the State Fire Marshal in consultation with LDH. The State Fire Marshal may approve this plan or offer guidance on how the business may reopen in Phase Three.

The Governor encourages businesses that can allow employees to work remotely to consider doing so, especially if an employee is at high risk for becoming seriously ill from COVID-19 or shares a household with a high-risk person.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

  • Business and faith leaders can visit la.gov to receive guidance and updates from the State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Louisiana Department of Health. Businesses that require approval of reopening plans will be notified by the State Fire Marshal’s Office or the Louisiana Department of Health.
  • For a guide listing businesses that can be open at any given time, visit louisiana.gov/page/can-this-business-open.

More information on which businesses can be open and guidelines will be posted on our website tomorrow.

Terrebonne Parish Library Information:

Terrebonne Parish Library System will reopen to the public on Monday, June 8. Phase II hours are as follows:

Main, East Houma, and North

  • Monday – Thursday: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
  • Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Saturday: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Bayou Branches

  • Monday – Thursday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

During Phase II, libraries will open at limited capacity. Occupancy limits will be based on the square footage of the library facility. Patrons are allowed short visits of one hour, and masks are encouraged. All returned library items will be sanitized. Fines will continue to be waived until Phase III of the library’s reopening.

Public computers will be available on a first come, first serve basis. Patrons may use the computer for up to one hour. WiFi will be available 24/7 in all library parking lots.

The first hour of opening is encouraged for senior citizens and those who are immunocompromised.

Curbside services will continue to be offered during this time.  For more information, please call 985-876-5861.

Good Earth Transit System (Bus Service)

Beginning today, Tuesday June 9, 2020, The Good Earth Transit Bus System began operating their fixed route service on weekend/holiday schedule, 7 days a week until further notice.  The City of Thibodaux began its first route from NSU at 8:06AM and the last route will be at 4:06PM.  A mask and sanitizing of hands are required in order to board the bus.  The Good Earth Transit System will continue to operate the paratransit system in Terrebonne Parish for those individuals who have been issued Paratransit Identification Cards.  Office hours will remain 8AM to 5PM.  Please call 985-850-4616 if you have any questions.

Registrar of Voters Information

On June 1, 2020, the Terrebonne Parish Registrar of Voters resumed normal business hours from 8AM to 4:30PM, Monday through Friday.  Anyone entering the office should wear a mask and is expected to follow the social distancing guidelines.  The public can contact the office by calling 985-873-6533 or via email at terrebonnerov@sos.la.gov.  Election and registration information can be found on sos.la.gov or geauxvote.com.

Free Coronavirus Public Self-Testing Drive Thru Sites Closed in Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes

All free coronavirus public self-testing drive thru sites are closed in Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes.  Anyone exhibiting signs and symptoms of the coronavirus should contact their doctor for information regarding coronavirus testing.

Terrebonne Council on Aging (TCOA) Information

On, May 26, 2020, the Terrebonne Council on Aging resumed transportation services to and from medical appointments for elderly and disabled residents who are eligible under the guidelines of TCOA’s Transportation Program.

To book a trip, clients must call TCOA’s Transportation Department at (985) 868-7701.  Request for transportation must be received no later than 12 Noon on the business day before the scheduled appointment.

TCOA drivers are not able to wait in line with any passengers.  Passengers will be dropped off and picked up from the medical facility or doctor’s office only.

Everyone boarding a TCOA vehicle is required to wear a mask.

To adhere to COVID-19 social distancing guidelines, there will be limited seating on all TCOA vehicles (maximum of 3 mobile and 1 wheelchair-bound passenger).  Due to this restriction, passengers can expect a longer pick-up time.

Passengers are asked to report any cancellations to TCOA as soon as possible.

Economically needy and disadvantaged senior residents of Terrebonne Parish (60 and over), who are not currently receiving home-delivered meals, may call the Terrebonne Council on Aging to find out if they qualify to receive a meal.  Please call the Council on Aging at 985-868-8411, then dial 0 for assistance.  Because of a large number of calls, seniors may be asked to leave their name and phone number and a Council on Aging staff member will return their call as soon as possible.

The Terrebonne Council on Aging (TCOA) has implemented the following measures:

  • All local senior centers and lunch centers have been closed until further notice.
  • All home visits by TCOA have been cancelled.
  • Senior citizens who receive home delivered meals will continue to receive home delivered meals and all senior citizens who utilized the senior centers and lunch centers for meals and are in need of meals will be added to the home delivery list to receive meals.
  • All senior center and lunch center managers will conduct check-up calls to registered senior citizens every other day.
  • All information and assistance requests will be conducted via telephone. If a senior citizen needs information or assistance, they should call the Council on Aging office at 985-868-8411.
  • All assessments for senior citizens will be conducted by telephone.

Parish Museums Open to the Public

The Terrebonne Parish Waterlife and Folklife museums are open to the public but limited to 50% occupancy and strict social distancing within the museum.

Terrebonne Parish Clerk of Court Information

Effective May 18, 2020, The Terrebonne Parish Clerk of Court’s office began operating at full staff Monday thru Thursday from 8:30AM to 4:30PM and Friday from 8:30AM to Noon.  The public is allowed into the Clerk of Courts office up to 25% capacity of the office and you must wear a face mask or cloth face covering.  For more information, please visit terrebonneclerk.org.

Terrebonne Parish Assessor’s Office

The Terrebonne Parish Assessor’s Office hours are from 8:00AM to 4PM, Monday through Thursday.  The office will be closed on Fridays.  These hours will be in effect until further notice.  The office is still closed to the public at this time.

Terrebonne Economic Development Authority

The Terrebonne Economic Development Authority hours are from 8AM to 4:30PM, Monday thru Thursday.  The office is closed on Fridays.  A centralized call system for business questions related to the coronavirus has been activated and may be reached by dialing 985-633-1887 between the hours of 8AM to 4:30PM.  Businesses can email questions to bizresponse@tpeda.org.  The office is still closed to the public at this time.

Houma-Terrebonne Airport Commission

  • The airport remains open as published in FAA Form 5010 and per applicable NOTAMS.
  • HTAC Public meeting attendees will follow instructions as published in the meeting announcement. There will be a limited number of individuals allowed in the HTAC Meeting Room at one time and all persons entering the meeting room must wear a mask and abide by the social distancing guidelines.  The airport commission office waiting area is closed.  Enter through the meeting room door and follow instructions of staff.
  • Lessees desiring to pay rent in person can deposit payments and correspondence in the outside drop box at the office.
  • An airport manager (rotating) + one office assistant (rotating) will be available at the office Monday through Thursday during normal business hours. Remaining staff will remain available via telephone and email.
  • The office will be closed each Friday (weekly) for a thorough disinfecting. All staff is also available during disinfecting for normal business via telephone and email.
  • All airfield maintenance (grass, concrete, lighting, electronics, instrument landing systems, AWOS/ATIS, etc.) will continue as normal.
  • The control tower has been reduced to one controller in the tower + one team member in the tower office. Assuming no decline in the number of fit-for-duty tower controllers, normal published tower hours of operation can be sustained.
  • If controller illness eventually results in absences, reduced tower hours of operation (if necessary) will be published in NOTAMS.

City Court of Houma

Per the Louisiana Supreme Court’s order dated May 15, 2020 and the Governor’s Proclamation Number 59 JBE 2020 dated May 14, 2020, all hearings in person for Juvenile and Criminal matters resumed on Monday, May 18, 2020.  There will be a limited number of individuals allowed in the courthouse at one time and all persons entering the courthouse must wear a mask and abide by the social distancing guidelines.

The Civil Department continues to be open for filing. However, per the Louisiana Supreme Court, evictions and Civil hearings will not be able to be processed until at least Monday, June 8, 2020. Individuals should call the Civil Department at 873-6337 for further instructions.

In person payments for traffic tickets, fines, etc. will resume Monday, May 18, 2020.  People are still encouraged to go to houmatix.com to see if they can pay their traffic ticket online.

Payments can also be made over the phone with a credit/debit card by calling the Misdemeanor/Traffic Department at 868-4361.

Phone payments for juvenile matters can be made to the Juvenile Department at 873-6338.

Individuals on a payment plan who have questions can call the Court Compliance Department at 873-6332/6335.

32nd Judicial District Court System Information

All 32nd Judicial Courts are now in session.

If you are scheduled to appear in court, please wear a face mask or cloth face covering.

All civil and criminal jury trials are cancelled through Tuesday June 30, 2020.  Jurors who have been notified to appear through June 30, 2020 are dismissed.

32nd Judicial District traffic tickets can be paid at the courthouse or online at tpda.org.

Terrebonne Parish Government Information

The Terrebonne Parish Government Tower continues to be closed to the public until further notice.  The Government Tower’s drive-thru lanes, located on Gabasse Street, are open for public use to drop off documents, applications, and utility payments Monday through Thursday from 8AM to 4:00PM.  Government Tower, including the drive-thru lanes will be closed on Fridays, until further notice, to all Parish employees and the public.  This will allow for the Government Tower to be disinfected on a weekly basis.  The public is requested to utilize the utility drop box, located in the drive-thru area of the Gabasse Street parking lot, to drop off utility payments, documents, and applications on Fridays.

The Terrebonne Parish switchboard is operating with normal business hours, Monday through Thursday.  The parish’s answering service will receive calls on Fridays during the closure of the Government Tower and direct calls to the appropriate department.  After-hours calls and weekend calls will continue to be answered by the parish’s answering service.

All Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government services will continue to be provided during this event.

Trade and building permits can be applied for by using the Gabasse Street parking garage, Lane #4. You can also apply online at tpcg.org/permits/apply.

Customers wishing to pay their utility bills should use the drive thru service, Monday thru Thursday, from 8AM to 4PM.  Utility bills may also be paid online at mytpcg.org or by telephone by calling 844-331-8341.

All Terrebonne Parish departments and facilities are limiting visitor access.  Citizens are advised to use online services at tpcg.org or call the particular department you need to access.  Citizens needing to make utility payments or drop off other items and documents are asked to use the drive-thru lanes on Gabasse Street parking lot.  Before visiting any Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government facility, please call to confirm visitation requirements.

  • All Terrebonne Parish sponsored events have been cancelled that may exceed 10 people.
  • All Terrebonne Parish Recreation (TPR) events have been postponed until further notice.
  • The Live After 5 event scheduled for Downtown Houma have been postponed until further notice.

Regional Military Museum

The Regional Military Museum in Houma is open for normal operations Monday thru Friday from 10AM to 4PM and Saturdays from 10AM to 2PM.  Closed on Sundays.

Terrebonne United Churches Food Bank Information

The Terrebonne United Churches Food Bank is in need of volunteers to help with food distribution.  If you are interested in helping, please call Mr. Lawrence Dehart at 985-851-5523.

The Terrebonne Churches United Food Bank in Houma is open and distributing food to those in need.  The food bank is open from 8:30AM to noon on Monday and Saturday and from 12:30PM to 4PM on Wednesday.  Service to the homeless is provided on Thursdays from 8:30AM to noon.  The TCU Food Bank office hours are from 8AM to 3PM, Monday through Friday.  A photo ID and proof of residency is required to determine eligibility.  Each family that qualifies will get enough fool to assist them for 3 weeks.  For more information or assistance, please call the TCU Food Bank at 985-851-5523 or visit their website at tcufoodbank.org. The TCU Food Bank is now a drive-by food pick up program.

Mental Health Services

The following mental health clinics and agencies are currently open and serving clients as needed: 

  • Terrebonne Mental Health – 985-857-3615
  • START Community Health Center – 985-333-2020
  • Teche Action Clinic – 985-851-1717
  • Beacon Behavioral Clinic – 985-346-0436

Anyone needing mental health assistance can call the South Central Louisiana Human Health Services Crisis Assist Link Line (CALL) 24 hours a day to speak to a licensed social worker at 877-500-9997.  The Louisiana Department of Health has the “Keep Calm thru COVID” hotline open 24 hours a day and can be reached at 866-310-7977.  All calls are confidential.

Small Business Assistance

The U. S. Small Business Administration has declared that all small businesses in Louisiana are eligible for COVID-19 business assistance.  To get started immediately, visit SBA.gov/disaster.  SBA offers a three-step process for disaster loans at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/Documents/Three_Step_Process_SBA_Disaster_Loans.pdf.  The Louisiana Economic Development is also offering COVID-19 Business Resources at opportunitylouisiana.com/covid-19-assistance, an online guide to assistance available for impacted businesses.  Look for updates to the guide at OpportunityLouisiana.com.

Terrebonne Parish School District Feeding Program

The Terrebonne Parish School District will continue to provide free “Grab and Go” lunches during the “Stay at Home” order, Monday through Friday from 11AM to 1PM.  All Pre-K to 12th grade students (public and private school students) and any student with disabilities up to age 22 can receive a meal.  Students must be present to be served a meal.  No student ID is required.  Meals will continue through the summer.

Meals can be picked up at the closest Terrebonne Parish School District high school located to your home.  For schools where it is safe, students may walk up to the school to receive a meal.  Students arriving by a vehicle should remain in their vehicle.

  • Ellender Memorial High School – Meal distribution will be in the front of the school main entrance.
  • L. Bourgeois High School – Meal distribution will be in the front parking lot/main entrance.
  • South Terrebonne High School – Meal distribution will be in the front of the school.
  • Terrebonne High School – Meal distribution will be in the bus circle. Enter on St. Charles Street.

Terrebonne ARC

Terrebonne ARC (TARC) has closed ALL operations, including stores, until further notice.

Louisiana Workforce Commission Information

Residents needing information regarding unemployment compensation should contact the Louisiana Workforce Commission at 985-876-8990, 800-351-4378, 866-783-5567 or visit the local office at 807 Barrow Street (Town Hall Building) in Houma.

Consolidated Waterworks District No. 1 – Terrebonne Parish Information:

The Consolidated Waterworks District No. 1 office lobby at 8814 Main Street will be closed to the general public.  Drive-thru windows will be open normal hours, 8AM to 5PM Monday through Friday, for paying your water bill or conducting other business.  You may contact the office at 985-879-2495 or via their website at tpcw.org.  Please follow their Facebook page for up-to-date information.

2020 Census

Getting an accurate census count is essential for the parish. The census determines the allocation of representatives to serve in the legislative bodies of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Louisiana State Legislature, and within voting districts. Census information is also used to distribute more than $675 billion in federal funds annually to support schools, hospitals, fire departments, road improvements, public works, and other social services.

To take the census, visit countdabayou.org and click on “Take the Census” and you will be directed to the U.S. Census 2020 page to complete your census questionnaire that will only take approximately 10 minutes to complete.

For the most updated information regarding COVID-19, residents can do the following:

  • Dial 211 and ask a question.
  • Text LACOVID to 898-211.
  • Visit LA211help.org.

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