NEW CASES IN DALLAS

As of 10 a.m. on March 26, Dallas County Health and Human Services is reporting 56 additional positive cases of 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19), bringing the total case count in Dallas County to 303.

The seventh death from COVID-19 is a woman in her 90s who was a resident of the city of Dallas.  She had been critically ill in an area hospital and did not have other high-risk chronic health conditions. Of cases requiring hospitalization to date, about two-thirds (67 percent) have been either over 60 years of age or have had at least one known high-risk chronic health condition.

WNBA HOLDING VIRTUAL DRAFT 2020 ON APRIL 17

The WNBA Draft 2020, presented by State Farm, will be held as scheduled on April 17, league officials have announced, but in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the WNBA will conduct a virtual draft without players, guests and media present.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert will announce the draft picks live on ESPN2 with coverage beginning at 7 p.m. CST, and top prospects will take part remotely.

The draft will also be available on the ESPN App.

During the draft, the WNBA will honor Alyssa Altobelli, Gianna Bryant and Payton Chester, who tragically passed away in a helicopter accident on Jan. 26.  The WNBA also plans to honor the late Kobe Bryant, a passionate advocate of the league, at the draft and during the upcoming season.

The WNBA is conducting ongoing scenario planning around the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the upcoming season, including the currently scheduled start of training camp on April 26 and the scheduled tip of the WNBA season on May 15, and will provide updates regarding any changes to key dates.

NATIONAL TRANS VISIBILITY MARCHING GOING VIRTUAL

The National Trans Visibility March will celebrate the courage it takes to live openly and authentically, while also raising awareness about the discrimination trans people still face.

Last year over 5,000 transgender, gender non-conforming, non-binary and people gathered in Washington D.C with another 40,000 marching virtually. Although the current administration has intentionally rolled back efforts to prevent inclusion of transgender communities have mobilized and issued a call to action to dismantle the social structures that have oppressed and disenfranchised this community.

This year, on Oct. 3, we will march “virtually”due to COVID-19 connecting thousands of people from around the world to let people know that we are here, we matter, and we count.

In addition, we in the trans community during this coronavirus pandemic want to reinforce the health information given by Medical experts and our elected officials about the importance of safety and precautions that we all need to take to reduce exposure and the spread of the virus.

  • DO wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds, with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub.
  • DO cover your nose and mouth with a disposable tissue or flexed elbow when you cough or sneeze.
  • DO avoid close contact (1 meter or 3 feet) with people who are unwell.
  • DO stay home and self-isolate from others in the household if you feel unwell.
  • DON’T touch your eyes, nose, or mouth if your hands are not clean.

For more information please visit www.nationaltransmarch.com.

DALLAS HOLOCAUST AND HUMAN RIGHTS MUSEUM OFFERS FREE VIRTUAL PROGRAMMING

Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum is offering the free virtual program Carl Wilkens: Rwanda’s Pathways Back to Trust on Thursday, April 2 at 7 p.m. CST.

Wilkens is a humanitarian aid worker who put his life on the line to save lives during the Rwandan genocide. He will share personal stories from the genocide and his recent trips to Rwanda, as well as lessons learned about survivors, perpetrators and his journey.

Originally the event was to be held at the museum, but now will be available on Zoom.

Go here to register, and a link will be sent to registered guests via email 24 hours in advance and again 30 minutes prior to the program.

This is just one of many programs DHHRM is hosting for the public virtually. Visit the museum’s website for more information.

NEED GLASSES QUICK? HEAD TO FASHION OPTICAL

Fashion Optical offers emergency relief for people that need corrective lenses in a hurry. They can make progressive lenses in-house within 24-hours, with most prescriptions filled the same day. They have an onsite optometrist at Oak Lawn Eye Associates and area conveniently located in the heart of the gayborhood, at Lemmon and Oak Lawn Avenue. Fashion Optical is always open 7-days a week and, as an essential business, remain open despite the shelter in place order. Get more info online at fashionopticaldallas.com or call 214-526-6006.

A MESSAGE FROM DPD ABOUT SHELTER IN PLACE ENFORCEMENT

Dallas Police officers were previously provided a summary of the shelter in place order for Dallas County. The city has now adopted similar regulations. Essentially, the regulations require all individuals anywhere in the city of Dallas to shelter in place – that is, stay at home – except for certain essential activities.

DPD’s first line of defense is an educational approach. Officers will inform residents of the shelter in place regulations and the reasons for their implementation. Next, officers will ask them to disperse as a means of voluntary compliance. Given the seriousness of this COVID-19 pandemic, violators are expected to leave the area peacefully.

Officers will not stop residents and ask for ID or documentation supporting their need to be out of their residence without other legitimate reasons for the stop.

At this time, DPD will focus on educating the public.

ORIGINAL MARKET DINER CLOSING FOR 2 WEEKS

The Original Market Diner, 4434 Harry Hines Blvd., has announced it will be closing for at least two weeks, possibly longer.

DEEP SUSHI CLOSES TEMPORARILY

Deep Sushi restaurant, 2624 Elm St., is shutting down until further notice in an effort to do “our part to protect our customers as well as our employees.”

VIRTUAL BREWING UP BUSINESS PLANO

Chamber members, like you, are successful because you are resilient, innovative, and persistent. The Chamber continues to work for and serve our members during these unprecedented times and circumstances. Therefore, the Chamber is holding April’s Brewing up Business, social distance style, by video conference. We need human interaction now as much as ever, and the Chamber is here to provide a network of support.
So, brew your own coffee, make your own breakfast, or pick it up or have it delivered from Waffle O’licious, if you want to stay in the routine. Gather around your laptop, phone, or PC, and let’s have a virtual Brewing Up Business.

Participants will give their 30-second commercial/elevator speech and have a chance to discuss obstacles, ideas, and self care.
Due to scheduling unpredictability, the Dallas Wings will not have a presentation at this time. We hope to have the opportunity to support the Wings and their season when it is safe to do so.

OJEDA’S DALLAS LOCATION SUSPENDING SERVICE

Management at Ojeda’s Restaurants announced earlier today via Facebook that for the safety of its customers and guests, the Dallas location will “suspend all services while Dallas County is under this shelter-in-place order. It is not worth the risk.” Locations in Plano and in DeSoto remain open “for now” for curbside pickup and delivery via UberEats.

“We look forward to the day we are all past this, praying that it comes soon,” said the post, signed by The Ojeda Family. “We will survive this and come back to reopen stronger than ever!”

URGE CONGRESS TO INCLUDE 501(c)(6) ORGANIZATIONS IN STIMULUS BILL

Tony Vedda, CEO and president of the North Texas LGBT Chamber of Commerce, is asking supporters to contact their U.S. representatives and senators to urge them, to include 501(c)(6) organizations in the stimulus package now under consideration.

“Congress is debating a massive economic stimulus package. The current bill language includes ‘nonprofit organizations’ as eligible for the $350 billion in support for small businesses [in an effort to blunt the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on the U.S. economy], but they define nonprofits being included as exclusively 501(c)(3) groups,” Vedda wrote in an email to Chamber members and supporters. “The package does not include 501(c)(6) organizations [such as the Chamber].

“Contact your elected officials and encourage them to ensure all associations are eligible for the emergency stimulus included in this package,” he continued. “We have been working with the American Society of Association Executives on this issue. You can use their platform to send a message. Whether sending email directly, or using this online platform, here is an updated message you can send that is specific to chambers of commerce. Act quickly as this is moving fast. Thank you!”

NEW SYMPTOMS IDENTIFIED

The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery says that loss of smell and taste are symptoms of COVID-19, based on anecdotal evidence. If you lose those senses, you should report it to your doctor and self-quarantine. Fever and dry cough are among the common symptoms of the disease.

DALLAS COVID-19 TESTING SITES CHANGE CRITERIA

As of noon today (Monday, March 23), the two COVID-19 testing sites in the city of Dallas are updating criteria and lifting the age restriction in order to test more North Texans.

The new criteria for testing sites is as follows:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Cough
  • Must show a temperature of 99.6 or higher

The sites operate daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and are located at American Airlines Center, Parking Lot E, 2500 Victory Plaza, and at Ellis Davis Field House, 9191 S Polk St.

For more information contact Rocky Vaz at rocky.vaz@dallascityhall.com.

CHAMBER HOLDING BREWING UP BUSINESS VIA VIDEO CONFERENCE

The North Texas LGBT Chamber of Commerce will hold its April Brewing up Business event “shelter-in-place style” —  by video conference — on Thursday, April 2, from 8:30-9:30 a.m.

Participants will give their 30-second commercial/elevator speech and have a chance to discuss obstacles, ideas and self care.

To participate, REGISTER HERE. Those who register will receive a link to join the Ring Central meeting, and will need to join by video.

This program is complimentary to Chamber members and registered guests.

AOC POSTPONING EVENING OF HOPE

Officials with the AIDS Outreach Center in Tarrant County today announced that they are postponing “Evening of Hope … Roarting 20s: Vision of Hope” until Sept. 12.

Evening of Hope is AOC’s largest fundraising event each year. This year’s keynote speaker will be Jeanne White Ginder, mother of Ryan White.

Watch for more details to be released closer to the new date for the event.

RESOURCE CENTER ANNOUNCES THRIVE IS GOING VIRTUAL

In accordance with guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control, officials with Resource Center announced today (Monday, March 23), that the center will not be able to resume its regular program schedule on March 27 as originally planned.  However, Community Programs Manager Allison Johnson noted that THRIVE programs for LGBTQ adults ages 50 and older, including the weekly support group, Let’s Talk and monthly mixers, will all be available through the virtual video and chat platform Zoom beginning April 1.

There will be audio-only and chat box options available for those who don’t have video capability or who choose not to use the video option.

Visit MyResourceCenter.org for details.