Amarillo continues to report increasing numbers of COVID-19 cases that are mostly due to community spread, which prompted it to increase its alert level to red. Amarillo city officials also announced an emergency notification system today.
According to the City of Amarillo’s COVID-19 report card (pictured in English and en Espanol) issued Friday, there are currently 48 COVID-19 cases being reported in Amarillo – 24 in Potter County and 24 in Randall County - in addition to 16 cases outside of the Amarillo Public Health Department’s jurisdiction (two of which have resulted in death).
Of those cases, 37 are due to community spread, according to the report card. Nine are from recent travel.
The community spread prompted the City of Amarillo to change its coronavirus status level to red (pictured), it’s highest level, meaning residents are required to stay home except for outings essential to their own health, safety and welfare and that of their family members. Under those orders, all businesses except for those essential to public health, safety and wellbeing, are closed. A list of essential businesses can be found here.
According to a press releaseissued by the City of Amarillo on Friday, the city is using the Everbridge Emergency Notification System to alert residents on COVID-19 updates, along with alerts about inclement weather and other public safety information.
Residents can get the alerts via cell phone, SMS, home phone, email, fax, pager and more but according to the press release, residents listed in the City of Amarillo 911 database will be automatically subscribed to the alerts by phone.
Amarillo residents can sign up for emergency alerts pertaining to the coronavirus, inclement weather and public safety here.
Amarillo began offering drive-thru testingabout a week ago.
Individuals who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 are encouraged to call the Amarillo Public Health Department at 806-378-6300. If the symptoms warrant a test, they will then be directed to the drive-thru facility for testing.
