COVID-19 Update

Driver License Offices to Reopen

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) will begin reopening driver license (DL) offices by appointment only and with limited services. The reopening of DL offices will happen in a phased approach, in order to allow DPS to keep customers and our staff as safe as possible, while also adhering to new safety guidelines and social distancing practices in place due to COVID-19. Appointment availability will be rolled out in phases. The first phase of appointments became available May 22.

SERVICES AVAILABLE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

A new appointment solution, which has been in the works for several months, will take effect in DL offices as they reopen. The appointment solution allows customers to book appointments for a specific day and time up to six months in advance. DPS is moving to appointments only as part of our efforts to provide additional convenience and reduce the time Texans spend waiting in line at DL offices.

Within the new online appointment system, customers can walk through the available appointment options, schedule appointments on a specific date and time, receive appointment confirmations, set up a reminder, and reschedule or cancel an existing appointment. Once customers schedule their appointment, they’ll receive a confirmation email to bring with them to their appointment.

Upon arrival at the DL office, customers can check-in with their smart device or by using the kiosk inside the office. Due to social distancing requirements related to COVID-19, we are asking that customers wait in their car after checking in. Customers will receive a text message when it’s time to come inside to complete their transaction.

LIMITED SERVICE OFFERINGS, PHASED REOPENING

As DL offices begin their phased reopening, services will be limited to customers with appointments only who are seeking a first-time Texas DL, commercial driver license (CDL), learner license or identification (ID) card, as well as those who need to take a driving test. These will be the ONLY services available at DL offices during these initial phases of reopening.

Extensions To Payment Deadlines For Certain Employers

Governor Greg Abbott announced that the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has extended payment deadlines for designated reimbursing employers that are required to pay a share of unemployment benefits on Friday. Designated reimbursing employers include non-profits, local governments, school districts and other qualifying employers who reimburse TWC for the full amount of unemployment benefits to be paid to eligible former employees.

TWC’s action delays the due date for the June 1 payment to December 31, 2020. This action also waives interest and penalty charges during the same time period, and does not reduce or eliminate this payment for reimbursing employers. Instead, it provides more time for these employers to secure resources to meet these and other liabilities as they deal with the implications of COVID-19. This extension also does not delay or prevent Texans who qualify for unemployment benefits from receiving these resources.

Executive Order Terminating Air Travel Restrictions Related To COVID-19 Pansemic

Abbott issued an Executive Order (GA-24) terminating air travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic on Thursday. The Governor’s new order immediately terminates all restrictions contained in the Governor’s previous Executive Order (GA-20) that mandated temporary quarantines for air travelers arriving from the following areas of the United States: California; Connecticut; New York; New Jersey; Washington; Atlanta, Georgia; Chicago, Illinois; Detroit, Michigan; or Miami, Florida.

HHSC To Expand COVID-19 Testing To All State Hospitals, State Supported Living Centers

Abbott directed the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to expand COVID-19 testing to all patients, residents, and staff at the 23 state-operated inpatient psychiatric hospitals and living centers throughout Texas on Thursday.

HHSC operates 13 state supported living centers (SSLCs) that provide 24-hour residential care, medical services, and vocational training for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The agency also operates 10 state hospitals that provide acute inpatient psychiatric care for adults, children and adolescents.

Today’s announcement expands testing to all patients, residents and staff to further assess the scope and extent of possible infections at facilities statewide. Previously, residents and patients were tested if they displayed symptoms of COVID-19 or had possible exposure to the virus. The new round of testing will cover those who have shown no signs of COVID-19 or have not been tested within the last 30 days.

HHSC is working with the Texas Department of State Health Services to expand testing for the 4,700 patients and residents as well as 18,000 employees at the SSLCs and state hospitals. Testing kits are already making their way to the facilities and several local health departments have offered their assistance.

All facilities continue to follow strict adherence to CDC guidelines in place to protect the health and safety of residents, patients and staff. All staff wear masks and are trained in infection control procedures, proper use of personal protective equipment and social distancing measures. Visitor restrictions to state hospitals and SSLCs remain in place and HHSC continues to screen all employees for fever and respiratory illness prior to entering its facilities. Any person with a fever or unexplained signs of respiratory illness is not allowed entrance to HHSC facilities.