Last updated on March 23, 2020
Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins has issued a stay-at-home order which goes into effect at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, March 23.
According to the order by Judge Jenkins, “all individuals currently living within Dallas County are ordered to shelter at their place of residence.” and “all businesses operating within Dallas County, except Essential Businesses…are required to cease all activities at facilities located within the County.” All essential businesses must also comply with social distancing guidelines previously set “to the greatest extent possible.”
The county defined essential businesses as: Essential Healthcare Operations (hospitals, dentists, pharmacies, etc.), Essential Government Functions (services provided by local governments), Essential Critical Infrastructure (operations from the 16 critical infrastructure sectors as identified by the National Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency), Essential Retail (grocery strores, warehouse stores, liquor stores, gas stations, businesses that supply products for people to work from home, etc.), businesses that provide food, shelter, and social services for the economically disadvantanged, Essential Services Necessary to Maintain Essential Operations (trash and recycling collection, processing, and disposal, funeral homes, plumbers, etc.), News Media, and Childcare Services.
Worship services have also been limited to video or teleconferencing. Churches must also limit their staff to 10 people or less on site when conducting their services.
The order will be in effect until at least April 3.
