Shelter-in-place starts tonight for Woodlands retirement community after 12 residents test positive for COVID-19

THE WOODLANDS, Texas (KTRK) -- A shelter-in-place order has been issued for a Woodlands retirement community after 12 residents tested positive for coronavirus. One of those residents is in the hospital.

The order at Conservatory at Alden Bridge goes into effect tonight at 6.

No one will be allowed to enter or exit the address or individual living units after the deadline, except for medical professionals, caregivers, law enforcement and people bringing in food.

The mandatory order, which was issued by the Montgomery County judge and the health department, says residents may leave the facility before 6 p.m. in order to stay in another household, but they must continue to self-isolate and won't be allowed back into the facility until April 13.

As of Sunday night, 976 COVID-19 patients were hospitalized, and 433 ventilators were being used with a 'strong inventory' of 897 still available, SETRAC reported.

According to The Conservatory, the facility is not considered a nursing home or an assisted-living facility. It's considered an apartment complex for the 55+ community that offers communal dining and recreational activities.

"Since the first case of COVID-19 was diagnosed in relation to this facility, all communal activities were suspended, and residents were asked to stay in their individual apartments and monitor themselves for symptoms of COVID-19," read a news release from Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough.

The county also released guidance to the apartment complex's residents who choose to stay in their individual units.

• Stay in your own apartment at all times.

• Do not let visitors, including family, neighbors or providers, in your apartment.

• Always stay at least 6 feet away from any other person.

• Take your temperature twice a day, once in the morning and once at night.

• If you develop a fever or cough, call Public Health at 936-523-5040. This line is available 24 hours a day.

• If you have trouble breathing, call 911.

• Wash your hands, for 20 seconds, using soap at least four times a day, or as much as possible.