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Coronavirus Disease 2019 - Update
Centers for Disease Control (CDC)'s information on COVID-19
Visit the Joint Information Center's Website
Governor Greg Abbott's Strike Force to Open Texas
Modified Hours & Latest News
Update June 4, 2020 - 3:45 pm
Park reopening Schedule
Update June 2, 2020 - 12:00 pm
Parks and Recreation Update
As the City of Brenham Parks and Recreation Department continues to reopen facilities and amenities and continue programming, we remain proactive and cautious in our adjustments to provide a safe environment for families and our staff as we follow guidance and safety protocols from the Governor’s orders, local public health and safety officials, and the CDC.
While out enjoying the parks and amenities, please continue to use precautions to keep you and your family safe. Remember to exercise physical distancing with all activities, wash your hands or use sanitizer after touching high-touch surfaces, and follow CDC guidelines.
What’s Open
- Parks, trails, and open space
- Restrooms
- Tennis Courts
- Pickleball Courts
- Sports Fields
- Skate Park
Park facilities closed until further notice
- Playgrounds
- Fitness Equipment
- Basketball and volleyball courts
- Park facility rentals
- Flying Horses Carousel
The splashpad at Henderson Park is nearing completion. We are in the final phase of construction which includes adding coating colors to the surface floor along with sodding around the perimeter of the site. We anticipate opening the splashpad in 3-4 weeks. A shade structure surrounding the seating wall will also be added soon thanks to a generous donation by HEB Tournament of Champions Charitable Trust.
Update June 1, 2020
Reopening Plans for Leisure Pool - Beginning June 5th, 2020
The Outdoor Leisure Pool will be opening on weekends with limited hours, 25% capacity, Social Distancing, and a few mandated changes. Come SPLASH with us at the BBAC.
Leisure Pool (outdoor pool) Hours:
Friday - 11 am - 4 pm
Saturday - 10 am - 4 pm
Sunday - 1 pm - 5 pm
Update May 18, 2020 - 6:00 am
Reopening Plan for Blue Bell Aquatic Center set for May 18, 2020
Modified Hours of Operation effective May 18, 2020
Open by appointment only
Monday - Friday: 6:00 am - 1:00 pm
Saturday: 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Sunday: closed
View and Schedule Appointment - or call 979-337-7250
Purchase/Renew Aquatic Pass Membership
We are re-opening our facility on a limited basis. Our operating guidelines will follow all social distancing guidelines and follow all protocols for Preventing Disease Transmission as outlined by the American Red Cross. Our policies will include the following:
- All spectators and guests will be required to follow distancing guidelines as required by Washington County and the State of Texas at all times (currently at 6’).
- All patrons will be required to come dressed for swim. No Locker Rooms Available
- Patrons will be given plenty of space between each other.
- Patrons can reserve 45 min time blocks at the top of the hour.
- We will limit Competition Pool Swimmers to one swimmer per lane.
- Therapy Pool would be limited to 5 people at one time.
- Swim lessons and aerobic classes will be canceled at this time.
- Commonly shared equipment will be properly sanitized at the beginning of every shift and shall not be shared during a shift. Rescue tubes shall be specifically designated for a staff member for their entire shift after being cleaned and sanitized.
- Aquatics lifeguard staff will follow all personal protective guidelines, which include the use of gloves, pocket masks, and barriers when providing any care for patrons.
- Staff shall clean all door handles and commonly touched surfaces with sanitizing wipes on an hourly basis.
Update April 30, 2020 - 6:00 pm
Reopening Plan for Nancy Carol Roberts Memorial Library Set for May 6, 2020
Starting May 6th the Nancy Carol Roberts Memorial Library will begin offering Curbside Checkout and Computer Use by Appointment.
For Curbside Checkout:
Reservations for library materials can be made on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9 am to 5 pm. Items can be reserved online from the catalog at http://brenham.biblionix.com (24/7), by phone at (979)337-7201 or by text at (979)243-5288.
Curbside Checkout and Pick Up days will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 am to 4 pm only.
Call the Library at (979)337-7201 upon arrival, and a staff member will assist you.
All Items must be returned to the outdoor book drop.
For Computer Use and Indoor WiFi Use by Appointment:
Reservations for a 1-hour computer or Wi-Fi sessions can be made online anytime at http://cityofbrenham.evanced.info/signup, or by phone at (979)337-7201, or by text at (979)243-5288.
Reservations for 1-hour time slots will be available on Mondays from 9 am - 4 pm, Wednesdays 9 am - 7 pm and Fridays 9 am - 4 pm.
Services available during computer sessions or Wi-Fi sessions include: printing, copies, faxing, scanning, and web conferencing for interviews, meetings, classes, etc.
We continue to offer virtual storytimes and programs through Facebook Live. Details about our @Home Summer Reading and Recreation Program will be coming soon. We look forward to serving our community in new and innovative ways.
Update - April 10, 2020 - 6:10 pm
Washington County officials announced Friday that a second COVID-19 patient has died. A female, 90-99 years old with multiple underlying conditions passed away Friday afternoon. “It is, again, with a heavy heart that we have to announce that Washington County has lost another of our residents to COVID-19,” said Judge John Durrenberger, Washington County Judge.
The community is asked to keep this family, and all those fighting the COVID-19 battle in your thoughts and prayers and to continue following the CDC guidelines to help reduce the spread during this Easter weekend. If you have questions or concerns regarding COVID-19, please call the toll-free COVID-19 Helpline at 800-845-8035 Currently down, please use the local number: 979-337-8420
Update - April 7, 2020 - 4:30 pm
What action did the governor take concerning state parks and historic sites?
Today (April 7, 2020), Governor Abbott directed the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and the Texas Historical Commission (THC) to close all state parks and historic sites as part of the state's efforts to strengthen social distancing practices and prevent gatherings of large groups of people. Historic sites and state parks will close to the public starting at 5:00 PM this evening and will reopen at the direction of the Governor.
"Social distancing is our best tool to curb the spread of COVID-19 and save lives," said Governor Abbott. "The temporary closure of our state parks and historic sites will help us achieve this goal by preventing the gathering of large groups of people. I urge all Texans to continue to stay at home except for essential services as we respond to COVID-19. By following these social distance practices, we will overcome this challenge together."
Does the governor's state parks closure affect municipal parks?
No. As of now, each city decides whether to close all or a portion of its parks. That's because his existing shelter in place order provides the following:
"This executive order does not prohibit people from accessing essential services or engaging in essential daily activities, such as going to the grocery store or gas station, providing or obtaining other essential services, visiting parks, hunting or fishing, or engaging in physical activity like jogging or bicycling, so long as the necessary precautions are maintained to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 and to minimize in-person contact with people who are not in the same household."
Update - April 6, 2020 - 10:30 am
The Joint Information Center (JIC), comprised of Washington County emergency management officials, the City of Brenham, local school districts, Blinn, the Chamber of Commerce, Baylor Scott and White, Washington County Sheriff's office, etc. have announced the introduction of a streamlined resource for Washington County residents to find COVID-19 information, latest news, positive counts and status, and good news stories. Read More
Follow the County Office of Emergency Management Facebook Page
Update - April 2, 2020 - 4:00 pm
Today, City Council adopted a resolution providing for continuing the Mayoral Declaration of Local Disaster, as amended by City Council, due to a public health emergency related to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. Read the full resolution. Also decided in the Council meeting today, Park Playgrounds, Courts, and Exercise Equipment Closed until further notice.
Update - April 1, 2020 - 11:00 am
An information center has been established within Washington County EMS to provide local elected officials and media outlets the most up-to-date COVID-19 information from various agencies. Read more.
Update - March 31, 2020 - 2:00pm
Restrooms located in City parks and downtown will be closed to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, effective April 1, 2020. Residents are encouraged to continue enjoying the green space. "We still want the public to enjoy the outdoor experience but for the safety of the public and our staff these facilities will be closed." -Dane Rau, Director of Public Works.
Update - March 25, 2020 - 5:00 pm
The City's Collection Station and Recycling Center were inadvertently listed on the closing of City Facilities. They will resume regular operating hours starting March 26, 2020.
Update - March 25, 2020 - 2:00 pm
All City facilities will be temporarily closed to the public, except By Appointment Only, to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). During this temporary closure, the following options are available for your convenience and safety:
- Utility and Municipal Court payments will be accepted via the drive-through from 8 am to 5 pm, Monday - Friday. See All Court Payment Options
- Drive-thru kiosk 24-7
The following facilities will be closed as of 2:00 PM, March 25, 2020, to the public:
- City Hall
- Municipal Court
- Pet Adoption & Animal Services
- Blue Bell Aquatic Center
- Brenham Police Department
- Brenham Fire Department
- Nancy Carol Roberts Memorial Library - View our Facebook Page for virtual programming
- Brenham & Washington County Texas Visitor Center
- City-hosted special events; other events requiring City assistance
- Events at the Barnhill Center in the historic Simon Theater
Online payments are unaffected and may be made at any time. All City of Brenham services continue to operate as normal. To make an appointment, you may call 979-337-7200.
Update - March 20, 2020 - The following Parks & Recreation operations have been suspended until April 3, 2020 (subject to change):
- Park facility rentals (kitchens, All Sports Building)
- The Flying Horses Carousel
- The Blue Bell Aquatic Center (see press release)
- Pet Adoption Center (appointment only, learn more)
- Nancy Carol Roberts Memorial Library
City parks, trails, and other outdoor amenities will be open and available to the public. Be sure to practice Social Distancing.
Residents are encouraged to contact the City with any questions or concerns at 979-337-7200 or follow developing events here.
Pet Adoption Center will be closed for visitors Sunday, March 15 - 22, 2020. If you are interested in adopting please take a look at our Pet Finder Page. If you see a specific animal you are interested in meeting, contact us at 979-337-7351 to make an appointment for a meet and greet.
Brenham Animal Control will be responding to high priority and emergency calls only. High priority/emergency calls include animal bites, injured or sick stray animals, cruelty and neglect complaints, and dangerous or aggressive animals. Non-aggressive strays and nuisance complaints will not be responded to at this time. If you see a non-aggressive stray animal, allow it to make its way home before picking it up/bringing it to the shelter. Lost and found pets? check out our page on Facebook.
Additionally, we will be reducing the number of animals we take in. Non-emergency owner surrenders will not be taken at this time. If you are ill, please keep your pets at home whenever possible.
Please note that domestic animals are not at risk or a risk to humans due to COVID-19. As always, please include your pets in your emergency plans. Keep extra food, collar, and vaccination history on hand, and create an alternative-shelter plan for your pet should you become too sick to care for them.
Update March 19, 2020
Declaration Of Local Disaster due to Public Health Emergency - View declaration
Alcohol Delivery Restrictions temporarily waived - Frequently Asked Questions and To-Go Delivery chart
Update March 13, 2020
Prevention Image - English
Symptoms Image - English
Prevention Image - Spanish
Symptoms Image - Spanish
What to do if you're sick?
The City of Brenham is, more than ever, committed to providing a safe and secure environment for employees and residents and continues to proactively take measures to mitigate concerns over Coronavirus (COVID-19).
“Keeping each resident and our staff safe is our top priority. Every day new and updated information is released. We recommend residents stay focused on the facts by staying informed from credible agencies, like the CDC. We thank everyone for their continued efforts in following the prescribed practices that will help keep this virus under control,” says Mayor Tate.
View the full March 13, 2020 press release
Social Distancing
The Whitehouse is recommending 15 days to slow the spread
Health & Wellness
What can you do? Social Distancing - keeping 6 feet of distance between you and others whenever possible can help limit the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) and flatten the curve. Remain out of congregate settings, avoiding large crowds and gathering if you have to go out.
Keep on covering coughs and sneezes, avoiding touching your face, and washing your hands!
Thanks, City of Mansfield, Texas Municipal Government, for the graphic.
Do you have any questions? Call The COVID-10 helpline
Washington County and the City of Brenham, in collaboration with Faith Mission, have put together a call center about community resources and other information concerning COVID-19.
1-800-845-8035
Calls answered 9 am - 4 pm | Monday - Friday
- Press 1 - for information regarding COVID-19 virus, medical services, current declarations, and executive orders, volunteer opportunities, and other community services.
- Press 2 - for City of Brenham utilities and other city services
- Press 3 - to leave a message
Brenham's Water Supply is Safe
With the Coronavirus (COVID-19) a dominant topic in the news and on our minds, the City of Brenham wants to assure residents on the safety of our water supply. The water system uses chlorine dioxide as a primary disinfectant, which provides a level of pathogen/virus eradication far beyond the EPA’s requirement of 4-log (99.99%). Read more.
Takeout Meal Options
- BrenhamEats.com
- Spreadsheet of Options - no longer updated
- Brenham ISD drive-thru for student lunches (Facebook) (website)
- Takeout and Delivery Service FoodsHere
- Helpful Tips from Brenham Economic Development
- Visit Brenham Texas Dining
- Washington Chamber of Commerce Listing