Following local/county regulations are the key ?
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Coming the heels of Texas Governor Greg Abbott Tuesday?s announcement of a ?statewide edict? which seems to say all Texas should stay home, Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley issued a stronger statement {{more: continue …}}that spelled out in more details what was expected of residents of this county.?The TarrantCounty Executive Order Modified on April 3, 2020
?extends the current stay at home order from April 7 to April 30. It also has included restrictions on all in-person religious services during the stay-at-home order. It went into effect Friday April 3 at 6 pm.?The new order included the following statement, ?the Tarrant County public health officer identifies substantial community spread/transmission; therefore, all in-person gatherings of any size are prohibited.??Tarrant County now has over 400 cases of COVID-19 with 418 and 11 deaths reported as of today, Sunday, April 4. Tarrant has seen a steady climb since March 15 when there were just 5 cases. Next door neighbor, Dallas County, topped 1000 cases and has reported 18 deaths.?Dallas County has also extended the stay-at-home to April 30 along with City of Arlington. The City of Fort Worth is expected to do so by Tuesday. The City of Kennedale has been reaffirming Tarrant County?s restrictions and requirements.?So many declarations and recommendations ? what to do?
?With national, state, county and city decrees and orders coming out almost daily, how do you figure it all out. It can be confusing but this is what you need to know.?National? …?So far, the national government has only issued recommendations, giving guidelines and best practices solutions. It allows state government and local entities to decide what and how to enact specific orders. The federal government has taken specific action in regard to international travel and border closings and some related items to businesses.?The most recent example is a recommendation by the federal government on the use of protective face coverings. It was issued as a recommendation that individuals should decide on their own but as one that is advised by the CDC.?That recommendation has no power of enforcement behind it and so far it remains for the individual states, counties and cities to consider additional action if any. For most it seems to be one of those things that if it is raining outside you should wear a hat. Common sense says yes along with some science that a dry head could be better for your health especially if it is cold outside.? Then again, some people do and some don?t.?State …?This depends on where you live. Most states have some type of stay-at-home order/recommendation and defines what essential businesses that can remain open. Some states have orders that apply to only specific areas of the state that are hardest hit. A few states simply follow the national government and only have recommendations and requests. Texas has tried to trod that in-between area of request and requirements. And, like the national government does with states, Texas allows cities and counties to issue specific rules and regulations, dictated by their individual circumstances.??County …??This level is where the most specific actions have been taken, at least in Texas. Counties in Texas have enforcement powers over both incorporated cities and unincorporated/rural areas.?Under the current emergency declarations acts taken by many counties during the COVID-19 outbreak, orders and declartions issued by a county must be followed by any and all residents, businesses and visitors of that county.?While cities must follow the county’s actions, local city governments are allowed to supplement the county actions with stronger version if they feel that there is a need.??City …?Cities must follow what has been decreed by any higher governmental body, but each may add stricter requirements or rules that they feel warranted in their respective towns. Examples would be curfews, closing of parks and other venues in the cities, restrictions of traffic, etc. The City of Kennedale and Arlington have followed Tarrant County lead but have added some restrictions such as closing of city offices to the public and sealing off playground equipment.??General rule?…??If you are following local regulations, restrictions and recommendations you should be okay.?Just remember be aware of your city’s published information and the?county’s COVID-19 updates.?Tarrant County and Dallas County generally have the same approach. Also listen for updates by both the federal and state government.??P.S.? If a state trooper stops you, it is still a good idea to do as he/she says.?
