5 Fort Worth businesses cited, accused of violating coronavirus emergency declaration
Five businesses and three residents have been issued citations and accused of violating the city’s coronavirus emergency declaration order issued in March.
A Fort Worth restaurant/bar has been issued two citations, according to city records.
Since March, along with the restaurant, two gaming businesses, a car wash and a discount furniture store have been issued citations.
Three residents who attempted to feed the homeless on city streets also were issued citations for violating the emergency declaration, according to city records.
Like most of America, Tarrant County and the city have closed non-essential businesses in attempts to stop the spread of the new coronavirus.
As of Friday, there have been 1,175 Tarrant County residents who are known to have tested positive for the virus. Thirty-five have died.
In March, Fort Worth and Tarrant County ordered residents to stay home unless traveling for essential business under the emergency declaration.
The city and county regulations are enforceable through a $1,000 fine and up to 180 days in jail, but officials have said law and code enforcement officers are focused on education, not ticketing.
In all cases, authorities first have talked to a business or resident, and given them a verbal warning. After several verbal warnings, a citation is issued. The citations are heard in municipal court.
City officials did not identify the businesses that were cited.
“We don’t want to further advertise or cause harm to these small businesses,” said city spokeswoman Diane Covey in a Friday email. “Our intent is to enforce the city’s emergency declaration to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”
