News

The City of Amarillo has confirmed the second case of measles in a resident of Potter and Randall Counties. Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus that can lead to severe, life-threatening illness, particularly among individuals who are not vaccinated. The most effective protection against measles is the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Measles spreads through direct contact with infectious droplets or airborne transmission when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can remain in the air and continue to be infectious for up to two hours after the infected person has left the area. Symptoms typically develop 7 to 21 days after exposure and may include: A person with measles is contagious from about four days before the rash appears to four days after. Individuals who suspect they may have measles should stay home during this time to prevent spreading the virus. People who think they have measles or may have been exposed to measles should isolate themselves and call their healthcare provider before they arrive to be tested. It is important to let the provider know that the patient may have measles and to get instructions on how to come to the office for diagnosis without exposing other people to the virus. The best way to prevent getting sick is to be immunized with two doses of MMR. Given the ongoing risk of exposure with the current regional measles outbreak, Amarillo Public Health recommends that infants 6-11 months be given an early dose of MMR to decrease the risk of developing measles. Infants who receive an early dose of vaccine should continue to receive the MMR vaccine according to schedule. Adults and children who are uncertain that they have received two doses of measles vaccine, should consider a second dose. Providers should report any suspected

In recognition of Good Friday, City of Amarillo (COA) offices will be closed on Friday (April 18). The COA service schedule for the week: The schedule for Solid Waste services: Ross Rogers and Comanche Trail Golf Complexes will have normal hours of operation.

How about soccer fields? A fishing pond? An outdoor stage? The City of Amarillo (COA) Parks and Recreation Department and the COA Planning Department are asking residents to provide vital feedback on a proposed neighborhood park for the Eastridge neighborhood. A park was defined a top priority in the Eastridge Neighborhood Plan with amenities unique to this culturally rich part of Amarillo. Residents can provide input on the proposed park by completing a survey at: https://bit.ly/3G2w97T The survey will be available until May 5. In addition, residents can provide feedback in-person at an Eastridge community event set for April 24 from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Eastridge School Park. “City parks are the focal point of neighborhoods. Whether it be for recreation or for neighborhood events, parks can bring people together,” said COA Director of Planning Emily Koller. “Community input is vital as part of the Eastridge Neighborhood Plan, and the city wants to foster as much resident participation as possible as this proposed plan progresses. We hope the online survey helps provide a voice for residents.”

Parts of Osage Street will be temporarily closed beginning Monday (April 14) as part of the study phase for a reconstruction project from 34th Ave. to 58th Ave. The reconstruction study will require various lane closures. A consultant for the City of Amarillo will be obtaining geotechnical data for the future design of the project. The current study phase will temporarily impact traffic. Motorists travelling northbound or southbound will encounter a closed lane. As the study phase progresses, the closed lane will be adjusted. Traffic in this area will be impacted through the end of April – depending on weather conditions. Motorists are advised to take precautions due to the changing lane closure and seek alternative routes.  The city and its consultant would like to thank residents, businesses and motorists for their patience and understanding.  For more information, contact the COA Capital Projects and Development Engineering Department at (806) 378-9334.  Also for more information contact City of Amarillo Media Relations Manager Dave Henry at 806-378-5219 or by email at david.henry@amarillo.gov. ###

Thanks to a collaborative effort between the City of Amarillo (COA) Animal Management and Welfare Department (AAMW), the Amarillo Police Department and the COA Municipal Court, more than 80 warrants related to animal control were cleared in the span of a week in March. “Community awareness and complying with city ordinances are essential to the health and safety of our neighborhoods,” said AAMW Director Victoria Medley. “Pet owners must be aware of their responsibilities and comply with city ordinances to ensure both public safety and the well- being of animals. “This is our collective goal of the AAMW compliance campaign.” The compliance campaign consisted of 988 active AAMW warrants to 308 defendants. Of these 308 defendants, 206 defendants were identified as residing with the city limits. APD officers served warrants at defendant residences.  APD cleared 45 warrants, and an additional 38 warrants were cleared by the Municipal Court – resulting in the clearance of 83 total warrants in the span of a week. Of these warrants, 74 percent were in the category of Animal At Large (an animal not on a leash outside of the owner’s yard) or related to rabies vaccination (either not vaccinated or the animal did not have a rabies vaccination tag). The remaining 26 percent were in various categories, including Animal Surrender Bite (failure to surrender an animal to AAMW that has bitten a human or another animal) or improper animal tethering. “Education is the primary goal. We want pet owners to be aware of city ordinances pertaining to their animals. These ordinances are for the safety of the public and their pets,” Medley said. Chapter 8-2 of the COA Municipal Code pertains to animal ordinances. For information, go to the COA Municipal Code at : bit.ly/42EUCsG For more information contact City of Amarillo Media Relations Manager Dave Henry at 806-378-5219 or by email at david.henry@amarillo.gov. ###