News & Updates:
By the Numbers: As of April 5, 2020 there are 337 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Denton County, including 28 in the Town of Little Elm. As a result, we’re sharing our closures, resources, and reminders about social distancing to help flatten the curve and keep our community safe.
What is the Town doing?
As COVID-19 continues to spread, the Town of Little Elm remains in regular contact with county and state health authorities. We are also taking appropriate proactive and precautionary measures, including increased cleaning and disinfection of highly trafficked areas and closures of facilities to help reduce the spread of the virus.
What is the role of the County Health Department?
The Health Department investigates cases, follows up with individuals who are being monitored and reports to the state information about local cases.
What is the Town’s role?
The Town of Little Elm supports County initiatives and operations as needed. We maintain our role as authority and response regarding our facilities.
How is COVID-19 spread?
The virus can be spread by coughing and sneezing, close personal contact and touching your face after touching a surface with the virus on it. Symptoms may include: fever, cough, difficulty breathing, body aches, and severe illness.
COVID-19 may also spread from person-to-person between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet), or via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
Some researchers believe that COVID-19 could potentially be spread by touching a surface or object that is contaminated with the virus, and then touching mouth, nose, or eyes.
The CDC believes symptoms of COVID-19 may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure.
What happens after April 1?
While our closures and program suspensions are slated to April 1, we are continuing to monitor the situation and may adjust our timelines in the future.
What about facility rentals?
No rentals will take place at this time, and staff is working to contact individuals and groups who currently have facilities reserved. No new rentals will be accepted at this moment. If your rental or event was canceled, you will receive a refund. Contact the Parks and Recreation Department for more information at 972-731-3296.
Are we cleaning public facilities?
Absolutely. In addition to our regular cleaning and sanitation protocols, we have stepped up cleaning in all public buildings, to include hourly sanitation of surfaces.
If you need a permit or to pay a bill, we suggest you utilize our online services through our Virtual Town Hall.
What Is social distancing?
According to the Denton County Public Health Department, the term "social distancing" refers to:
- Avoiding groups of people and large events (the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say no more than 10 people)
- Staying six feet away from other people, when possible
- Skipping handshakes, hugs, and high-fives
- Using online transactions
- Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
- Staying home if you are sick
- Businesses, organizations, universities, and school districts choosing to close schools, cancellation of events, or requesting that employees and students stay home.
You are being asked to do this because social distancing helps to slow the spread of COVID-19 and can help to prevent overwhelming of our medical facilities. Even if you do not fall into a high-risk category, consider that many others do. We all play a part in public health.
Who can I call if I have COVID-19 questions?
We encourage you to direct your questions to the Texas Department of State Health Services any day of the week from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dial 2-1-1, then choose option 6. The Denton County Public Health Department has also established a hotline for questions at 940-349-2585.