Dallas County orders residents to stay home under ‘shelter in place’ coronavirus rules
Dallas County residents have been ordered to stay home except for work and essential errands.
County Judge Clay Jenkins announced the shelter in place order, including the stoppage of all businesses not deemed essential, early Sunday evening. The order takes effect at 11:59 p.m. Monday. It’s the first Texas county to take such measures.
Dallas County announced 36 additional coronavirus cases earlier Sunday, raising the total to 131.
“This order is our best chance to flatten the curve here in Dallas County and save as many lives as possible. It makes me sick that we’re at this point,” Jenkins said. “It doesn’t matter if your job is in Fort Worth or whether your job is in downtown Dallas or Plano, if you live here, you’re under this order.”
Exercise and walking dogs outside are still allowed, but people must stay at least six feet away from one another. Restaurant delivery and pickup service is still permissible. Grocery stores may remain open.
Religious services can only be televised and staff must be limited on-site to 10. All elective surgery and dental work has been postponed until further notice.
State representatives from the county and surrounding areas praised the move.
“As a community spread area, the stay-at-home order is our best bet to flatten the curve and manage the rising threat this disease presents to each and every person in our county,” state Rep. Victoria Neave, D-Dallas, said in a statement. “I strongly encourage all residents of Dallas County to follow his declaration carefully — for the safety of yourself and your fellow Texans.”
Said state Rep. Chris Turner, D-Grand Prairie, in the release: “Judge Jenkins’ decisive leadership will save lives. Absent clear direction from Governor Abbott, it is up to our local officials to make the hard choices to protect the public health.”
This story was originally published March 22, 2020 at 6:48 PM.
