COVID-19

ServeBridge connects churches with nonprofits and the city to provide accurate information in crisis situations. We’ll add you to our email list to receive important updates from the city.

PRAY FIRST

Let us join together in prayer as the local body of Christ-followers as we serve our city. Let us bathe our ministries and communities in prayer.

LATEST UPDATES

COVID19 RESPONSE

CDC: Interim Guidance for Communities of Faith

CDC offers these suggestions for faith communities to consider and accept, reject, or modify, consistent with their own faith traditions, in the course of preparing to reconvene for in-person gatherings while still working to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

This guidance is not intended to infringe on rights protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution or any other federal law, including the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 (RFRA).

Mask Requirements

  • Face masks will be required in all Tarrant County businesses and at outdoor gatherings with more than 100 people beginning at 6 p.m. Friday through 6 a.m. Aug. 3. This applies to employees and visitors at businesses that offer goods or services to the public.
  • Individuals are required to wear masks when in areas open to the public where social distancing is not feasible and where it is estimated that 100 people or more are present.
  • All people 10 years or older are strongly urged to wear a face covering over their nose and mouth when in an area open to the public where it is difficult to keep six feet away from other people or working in areas that involve proximity with coworkers.
  • The requirement of a face covering does not apply if covering the nose and mouth poses a significant mental or physical health risk to the individual.
  • Face coverings include masks, scarves, bandannas or a handkerchief. And residents are asked to maintain social distancing of at least six feet from others when not in their own homes.
  • At restaurants people should wear a mask when walking in and keep it on until they are seated. Then they can take the mask off. But if they get up to walk around, or go to the restroom, they should put the mask back on, officials said.
  • Face coverings include masks, scarves, bandannas or a handkerchief.
  • Churches and polling places for voting are exempt.

Mayor Betsy Price's Daily Updates

Join Mayor Betsy Price Facebook live event daily 6pm. Click below and ‘Like’ Mayor Price’s official Facebook page to join the Facebook live event.

Email: betsy.price@fortworthtexas.gov

Mayor Betsy Price's YouTube Channel

For those who do not have FaceBook, you can tune into the Daily Live Updates on Mayor Price’s YouTube Channel.

City of Ft. Worth COVID19 Webpage

The City of Fort Worth is working with its partners at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Texas Department of Health and Human Services, and Tarrant County Public Health to closely monitor the COVID-19 outbreak.

City of Ft. Worth COVID19 Updates

AUGUST 12, 2020: CARES Act funding still available to families

The Neighborhood Services Department encourages Fort Worth families to apply for CARES Act funding that helps with housing and other household expenses caused by hardships related to COVID-19.
Families who are unable to pay rent, mortgage or utility payments or need help paying for groceries and medicine may be eligible for assistance from the Coronavirus Relief Fund.

MAY 1, 2020: Re-opening Fort Worth

The City of Fort Worth stands ready as a resource for you as we work to meet the challenges of the days ahead. In that spirit, the City’s Code Department has worked closely with Fort Worth’s Committee on Re-Opening the Economy (CORE Team), comprised of local business and community leaders to establish a set of helpful guidelines and recommendations as you work toward re-opening your business or establishment. To be clear, these are guidelines – not requirements – that are outlined to help you think through what it means to live, work, and play responsibly during this time.

If you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at 817-392-8478 or COVID19@fortworthtexas.gov.

White House: Guidelines for Opening Up America Again

April 23, 2020: President Trump has unveiled Guidelines for Opening Up America Again, a three-phased approach based on the advice of public health experts. These steps will help state and local officials when reopening their economies, getting people back to work, and continuing to protect American lives.

Proposed Phased Approach:

  • BASED ON UP-TO-DATE DATA AND READINESS
  • MITIGATES RISK OF RESURGENCE
  • PROTECTS THE MOST VULNERABLE
  • IMPLEMENTABLE ON STATEWIDE OR COUNTY-BY-COUNTY BASIS AT GOVERNORS’ DISCRETION

Important Information for Faith-based Organizations

FAQ Regarding Participation of Faith-Based Organizations in PPP and EIDL

April 3, 2020 SBA PPP Affiliation Interim Final Rule

  • Are faith-based organizations, including houses of worship, eligible to receive SBA loans under the PPP and EIDL programs?
  • Are there any limitations on how faith-based organizations can use the PPP and EIDL loan money they receive?
  • How will churches qualify if have not been informed of tax-exempt status by the IRS? Do organizations have to request and receive tax exempt status or just meet the requirements of 501(c)(3) status to be eligible?
  • Will my organization be sacrificing its autonomy or its First Amendment or statutory rights if it requests and receives a loan?
  • What legal requirements will be imposed on my organization as a result of our receipt of this Federal financial assistance? Will those requirements cease to apply when the loan is either repaid in full or forgiven?
  • Is my faith-based organization disqualified from any SBA loan programs because it is affiliated with other faith-based organizations, such as a local diocese?
  • Does my faith-based organization need to apply for this exemption or include any documentation of its religious beliefs or practices to fall within this affiliation exemption?
  • How do I know where my organization fits in SBA’s size standards table? Should I use the table to determine whether my organization is a small business that is eligible to participate in the PPP program?

News

Ft. Worth Church and Nonprofit Leaders update 4-16-2020

See below for detailed information and resource links mentioned in today’s email. If you are a pastor church leader or nonprofit and want to get on our email list, please contact us and we’ll add you. Don’t forget that you can list your volunteer opportunities with the ServeBridge community. It’s free and very easy.

read more

Volunteer Opportunities in Fort Worth

A listing of ServeBridge Nonprofits and Church Partners volunteer opportunites. This list will continue to grow as needs are reported. 

Important Contact Information

For questions about the Fort Worth response to COVID-19 and the Stay at Home declaration:

Call 817-392-8478

Email COVID19@fortworthtexas.gov

For city services questions: 

Call 817-392-1234

Email 1234@fortworthtexas.gov

For health questions about COVID-19:

Call 817-248-6299

COVID-19 Prevention

Although there is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19, the best way to prevent infection is to take these precautions:

  • 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.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • 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.  More info…

COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions

COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions
Last updated at 12 p.m. March 25, 2020
More information…