Coronavirus (COVID-19)

March 31

Order - Allowing Donations
UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 418.108, DALLAS COUNTY JUDGE CLAY JENKINS ORDERS:

1. Dallas County departments in possession of unused or unneeded medical equipment and supplies shall provide the unused or unneeded medical equipment and supplies to nursing homes, long term care facilities, organizations serving homeless individuals, and hospitals in Dallas County.
2. This EXECUTIVE ORDER does not require Dallas County and its departments to provide medical equipment and supplies that are needed for Dallas County’s ongoing operations.
3. This EXECUTIVE ORDER does include any medical equipment and supplies that may be expired per their packaging or manufacturer instructions.
4. Pursuant to Texas Local Government Code § 81.032, the Commissioners Court can accept donations of property, as such, any Dallas County department that receives a donation of medical supplies or equipment is ordered to immediately notify the Dallas County Emergency Operations Center.

Click here to read the full order.

March 31

Amended Order
UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 418.108, DALLAS COUNTY JUDGE CLAY JENKINS ORDERS:

1. Effective as of 11:59 p.m. on March 31, 2020, and continuing until 11:59 p.m. on April 3, 2020:
   1. All individuals currently living within Dallas County are ordered to shelter at their place of residence. For the purposes of this Order, residences include hotels, motels, shared rentals, and similar facilities. To the extent individuals are using shared or outdoor spaces, they must at all times as reasonably as possible maintain social distancing of at least six feet from any other person when they are outside their residence. All persons may leave their residences only for Essential Activities, or to provide or perform Essential Governmental Functions, or to operate Essential Businesses, all as defined in Section 2.
   2. All businesses operating within Dallas County, except Essential Businesses as defined in below in Section 2, are required to cease all activities at facilities located within the County except Minimum Basic Operations as defined in Section 2. For clarity, businesses may continue operations consisting exclusively of employees or contractors performing activities at their own residences (i.e. working from home). To the greatest extent possible, all Essential Businesses shall comply with the Social Distancing Rules attached, including maintaining six feet social distancing for both employees and the general public.
   3. All public or private gatherings of any number of people occurring outside a single household or living unit are prohibited, except as otherwise provided herein. Nothing in this Order prohibits the gathering of members of a household or living unit.
   4. All elective medical, surgical, and dental procedures are prohibited anywhere in Dallas County. Hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, dental offices, and other medical facilities are directed to identify procedures that are deemed "elective" by assessing which procedures can be postponed or cancelled based on patient risk considering the emergency need for redirection of resources to COVID-19 response.

Click here to read the full order.

March 31

Rules for the Construction Industry - Frequently Asked Questions
Reglas para la industria de construcción - Preguntas frecuentes

March 29

Order - Regarding Long-Term Care Facilities
UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 418.108, DALLAS COUNTY JUDGE CLAY JENKINS ORDERS:

1. This Order shall be in effect beginning at 11:59 p.m. on March 29, 2020 and until 11:59 p.m. on April 3, 2020, or until it is either rescinded, superseded, or amended pursuant to applicable law.
2. This Order applies to all Long-Term Care Facilities (“LTCFs”) in Dallas County, Texas.

Click here to view the full order.

March 29

Order - Rules for the Construction Industry

This document provides guidance for persons and business associated with the building and construction industries and trades on the meaning and application of Order issued by Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins on March 29, 2020 (the “Order”).

Click here to view the rules.

Orden - Reglas para la industria de construcción

Este documento proporciona orientación para las personas y empresas asociadas con las industrias de la construcción y el comercio sobre el significado y la aplicación de la Orden emitida por el juez del condado de Dallas Clay Jenkins el 29 de marzo de 2020 (la "Orden").

Haga clic aquí para ver las reglas.

March 29

Amended Order: Summary of Changes (to date)

Click here to view the full summary.

March 29

Amended Order - Stay Home Stay Safe
UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 418.108, DALLAS COUNTY JUDGE CLAY JENKINS ORDERS:

1. Effective as of 11:59 p.m. on March 29, 2020, and continuing until 11:59 p.m. on April 3, 2020:
   1. All individuals currently living within Dallas County are ordered to shelter at their place of residence. For the purposes of this Order, residences include hotels, motels, shared rentals, and similar facilities. To the extent individuals are using shared or outdoor spaces, they must at all times as reasonably as possible maintain social distancing of at least six feet from any other person when they are outside their residence. All persons may leave their residences only for Essential Activities, or to provide or perform Essential Governmental Functions, or to operate Essential Businesses, all as defined in Section 2.
   2. All businesses operating within Dallas County, except Essential Businesses as defined in below in Section 2, are required to cease all activities at facilities located within the County except Minimum Basic Operations as defined in Section 2. For clarity, businesses may continue operations consisting exclusively of employees or contractors performing activities at their own residences (i.e. working from home). To the greatest extent possible, all Essential Businesses shall comply with the Social Distancing Rules attached, including maintaining six feet social distancing for both employees and the general public.
   3. All public or private gatherings of any number of people occurring outside a single household or living unit are prohibited, except as otherwise provided herein. Nothing in this Order prohibits the gathering of members of a household or living unit.
   4. All elective medical, surgical, and dental procedures are prohibited anywhere in Dallas County. Hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, dental offices, and other medical facilities are directed to identify procedures that are deemed "elective" by assessing which procedures can be postponed or cancelled based on patient risk considering the emergency need for redirection of resources to COVID-19 response.

Click here to view the amended order.

Orden Enmendada - Quédate en Casa Quédate a Salvo
BAJO LA AUTORIDAD DEL CÓDIGO DE GOBIERNO DE TEXAS SECCIÓN 418.108, JUEZ DEL CONDADO DE DALLAS CLAY JENKINS ORDENA:

1. En vigencia a partir de las 11:59pm del 29 de marzo de 2020 y continuar hasta las 11:59 p.m. en 3 de abril de 2020:
   1. Todas las personas que viven actualmente en el condado de Dallas tienen la orden de refugiarse en su lugar de residencia. Para los propósitos de esta Orden, las residencias incluyen hoteles, moteles, alquileres compartidos e instalaciones similares. En la medida en que las personas utilicen espacios compartidos o al aire libre, deben mantener en todo momento razonablemente posible distanciamiento social de al menos seis pies de cualquier otra persona cuando estén fuera de su residencia. Todas las personas pueden abandonar sus residencias solo para Actividades Esenciales, o para proporcionar o realizar Funciones Gubernamentales Esenciales, o para operar Negocios Esenciales, todo como se define en la Sección 2.
   2. Todos los negocios que operen dentro del Condado de Dallas, excepto los Negocios Esenciales como se define a continuación en la Sección 2, deben cesar todas las actividades en las instalaciones ubicadas dentro del Condado. Para mayor claridad, las empresas pueden continuar las operaciones que consisten exclusivamente en empleados o contratistas que realizan actividades en sus propias residencias (es decir, trabajan desde casa). En la mayor medida posible, todos los Negocio Esenciales deberán seguir las Recomendaciones de Distanciamiento Social adjuntas, incluido el mantenimiento de distancia social de seis pies para los empleados y el público en general.
   3. Se prohíben todas las reuniones públicas o privadas de cualquier número de personas que ocurran fuera de un solo hogar o unidad de vivienda, excepto que se estipule lo contrario en el presente. Nada en esta Orden prohíbe la reunión de miembros de un hogar o unidad de vivienda.
   4. Todos los procedimientos electivos médicos, quirúrgicos y dentales están prohibidos en cualquier parte del condado de Dallas. Los hospitales, los centros de cirugía ambulatoria, los consultorios dentales y otras instalaciones médicas deben identificar los procedimientos que se consideran "electivos" mediante la evaluación de qué procedimientos pueden posponerse o cancelarse basado en el riesgo del paciente, teniendo en cuenta la urgente necesidad de redireccionar los recursos a los esfuerzos contra el COVID-19.

Haga clic aquí para ver el pedido modificado.

March 24

Amended Order - Stay Home Stay Safe - FINAL ORDER
UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 418.108, DALLAS COUNTY JUDGE CLAY JENKINS ORDERS:

1. Effective as of 9:00 p.m. on March 24, 2020, and continuing until 11:59 p.m. on April 3, 2020:
   1. All individuals currently living within Dallas County are ordered to shelter at their place of residence. For the purposes of this Order, residences include hotels, motels, shared rentals, and similar facilities. To the extent individuals are using shared or outdoor spaces, they must at all times as reasonably as possible maintain social distancing of at least six feet from any other person when they are outside their residence. All persons may leave their residences only for Essential Activities, or to provide or perform Essential Governmental Functions, or to operate Essential Businesses, all as defined in Section 2.
   2. All businesses operating within Dallas County, except Essential Businesses as defined in below in Section 2, are required to cease all activities at facilities located within the County. For clarity, businesses may continue operations consisting exclusively of employees or contractors performing activities at their own residences (i.e. working from home). To the greatest extent possible, all Essential Businesses shall comply with the Social Distancing Guidelines attached, including maintaining six feet social distancing for both employees and the general public.
   3. All public or private gatherings of any number of people occurring outside a single household or living unit are prohibited, except as otherwise provided herein. Nothing in this Order prohibits the gathering of members of a household or living unit.
   4. Restaurants with or without drive-in or drive-through services and microbreweries, micro-distilleries, or wineries may only provide take out, delivery, or drive-through services as allowed by law.
   5. Religious and worship services may only be provided by video and teleconference. Religious institutions must limit in-person staff to ten (10) people or less when preparing for or conducting video or teleconference services, and all individuals must follow the Social Distancing Guidelines including the six feet social distancing.
   6. All elective medical, surgical, and dental procedures are prohibited anywhere in Dallas County. Hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, dental offices, and other medical facilities are directed to identify procedures that are deemed "elective" by assessing which procedures can be postponed or cancelled based on patient risk considering the emergency need for redirection of resources to COVID-19 response.

Orden Enmendada - Quédate en Casa Quédate a Salvo - ORDEN FINAL
BAJO LA AUTORIDAD DEL CÓDIGO DE GOBIERNO DE TEXAS SECCIÓN 418.108, JUEZ DEL CONDADO DE DALLAS CLAY JENKINS ORDENA:

1. En vigencia a partir de las 9pm del 24 de marzo de 2020 y continuar hasta las 11:59 p.m. en 3 de abril de 2020:
   1. Todas las personas que viven actualmente en el condado de Dallas tienen la orden de refugiarse en su lugar de residencia. Para los propósitos de esta Orden, las residencias incluyen hoteles, moteles, alquileres compartidos e instalaciones similares. En la medida en que las personas utilicen espacios compartidos o al aire libre, deben mantener en todo momento razonablemente posible distanciamiento social de al menos seis pies de cualquier otra persona cuando estén fuera de su residencia. Todas las personas pueden abandonar sus residencias solo para Actividades Esenciales, o para proporcionar o realizar Funciones Gubernamentales Esenciales, o para operar Negocios Esenciales, todo como se define en la Sección 2.
   2. Todos los negocios que operen dentro del Condado de Dallas, excepto los Negocios Esenciales como se define a continuación en la Sección 2, deben cesar todas las actividades en las instalaciones ubicadas dentro del Condado. Para mayor claridad, las empresas pueden continuar las operaciones que consisten exclusivamente en empleados o contratistas que realizan actividades en sus propias residencias (es decir, trabajan desde casa). En la mayor medida posible, todos los Negocio Esenciales deberán seguir las Recomendaciones de Distanciamiento Social adjuntas, incluido el mantenimiento de distancia social de seis pies para los empleados y el público en general.
   3. Se prohíben todas las reuniones públicas o privadas de cualquier número de personas que ocurran fuera de un solo hogar o unidad de vivienda, excepto que se estipule lo contrario en el presente. Nada en esta Orden prohíbe la reunión de miembros de un hogar o unidad de vivienda.
   4. Los restaurantes con o sin servicio al coche o drive-through y micro cervecerías, micro destilerías o bodegas solo pueden proporcionar servicios para llevar, entrega o drive-through según lo permita la ley.
   5. Los servicios religiosos y de adoración solo se pueden proporcionar por video y teleconferencia. Las instituciones religiosas deben limitar el personal en persona a diez (10) personas o menos cuando se preparan o realizan servicios de video o teleconferencia, y todas las personas deben seguir las Recomendaciones de Distanciamiento Social, incluida la distancia social de seis pies.
   6. Todos los procedimientos electivos médicos, quirúrgicos y dentales están prohibidos en cualquier parte del condado de Dallas. Los hospitales, los centros de cirugía ambulatoria, los consultorios dentales y otras instalaciones médicas deben identificar los procedimientos que se consideran "electivos" mediante la evaluación de qué procedimientos pueden posponerse o cancelarse basado en el riesgo del paciente, teniendo en cuenta la urgente necesidad de redireccionar los recursos a los esfuerzos contra el COVID-19.

Haga clic aquí para ver el pedido modificado.

March 23

FAQ: Stay Home Stay Safe
Preguntas Frequentes: Quedate en Casa, Quedate a Salvo

March 21

Amended Order
UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 418.108, DALLAS COUNTY JUDGE CLAY JENKINS ORDERS:

1. Effective as of 11:59 p.m. on March 21, 2020, and continuing until 11:59 p.m. on April 3, 2020:
   1. Public or private Recreational Gatherings and Community Gatherings (as defined in Section 3 below) are prohibited anywhere in Dallas County.
   2. Restaurants with or without drive-in or drive-through services and microbreweries, micro-distilleries, or wineries may only provide take out, delivery, or drive-through services as allowed by law.
   3. Bars, lounges, taverns, private clubs, arcades, bowling alleys, theaters, gyms, fitness centers, gymnastics studios, and martial arts studios shall close.
   4. Massage parlors, nail salons, hair salons, barber shops, beauty salons, hair removal services, spas, tattoo and piercing parlors, and all other non-medical, personal care services that cannot be provided while maintaining six feet of distance shall close.
   5. Dallas County Tax Offices and passport offices shall close for in-person services.
   6. All elective medical, surgical, and dental procedures are prohibited anywhere in Dallas County. Hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, dental offices, and other medical facilities are directed to identify procedures that are deemed "elective" by assessing which procedures can be postponed or cancelled based on patient risk considering the emergency need for redirection of resources to COVID-19 response.

Click here to view the summary.

March 20

Governor Abbott Announces Approval Of Emergency Designation For Small Business Disaster Loans From U.S. Small Business Administration

Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has included the entire state of Texas in its Economic Injury Disaster Declaration and granted access to its Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, which will provide long-term, low-interest loans to qualifying businesses across the state.

"Small businesses are the foundation of our state’s economy and they need all the help they can get as the ripple effects of COVID-19 impact their everyday operations," said Governor Abbott. "Today’s decision by the U.S. Small Business Administration to make Economic Injury Disaster Loans available to qualifying small businesses across Texas is a vital lifeline for Texas small business owners who are doing their best to adapt to these trying times."

The Governor's request was driven by COVID-19-related economic losses across Texas related to major event cancellations, loss of walk-in customers, depletion of stock from suppliers, and client cancellations. Governor Abbott also commented on the SBA’s rapid turnaround to a request he made by letter just three days ago.

"The overriding message of this time in history is that we are all in this together," said Governor Abbott. "From people responsibly remaining at home to protect themselves and their communities to the small businesses adapting to serve them, Texans are showing their willingness to serve the greater good and that’s why we’ll overcome this together. That’s what Texans do. We are not only Texas Strong, we are #TexasBizStrong."

Texas small businesses who believe they may be eligible for an SBA EIDL should visit www.sba.gov/disaster where they can directly apply for assistance. The online application is the fastest method to receive a decision about loan eligibility.

March 18

Amended Order: Summary of Changes (to date)

1. Distinguishes between “Community Gatherings” and “Recreational Gatherings”
   1. Community Gatherings are limited to 50 or fewer people. Community Gatherings are events like weddings, religious services, funerals, and other gatherings that brings together or is likely to bring together 50 or more persons at the same time in a single room or other single confined or enclosed space.
   2. Recreational Gatherings are limited to 10 or fewer people. Recreational Gatherings are indoor or outdoor events that are primarily social or recreational in nature that brings together or is likely to bring together 10 or more persons at the same time in a single room or other single confined or enclosed space. Examples of Recreational Gatherings are parties, backyard barbecues, social events, sporting events, and other gatherings.
2. Suspends all delivery hour restrictions for transport to or from any entity involved in the selling or distribution of food products, medicine, or medical supplies in Dallas County for the next 60 days.
3. Advises the Dallas County Justices of the Peace to suspend eviction hearings and writs of possession for at least the next 60 days to prevent renters from being displaced and to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19.
4. Closes Dallas County Tax Offices and passport offices for in-person services.
5. Clarifies that all gyms in Dallas County are to close.
6. Makes minor changes, such as adds farmers markets to the definition of food suppliers.

Click here to view the summary.

March 18

Amended Order
UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 418.108, DALLAS COUNTY JUDGE CLAY JENKINS ORDERS:

1. Effective as of 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18, 2020, and continuing until 11:00 a.m. on March 20, 2020
   (a) Public or private Recreational Gatherings and Community Gatherings (as defined in Section 3 below) are prohibited anywhere in Dallas County
   (b) Restaurants with or without drive-in or drive-through services and microbreweries, micro-distilleries, or wineries may only provide take out, delivery, or drive-through services as allowed by law,
   (c) Bars, lounges, taverns, private clubs, arcades, and gyms shall close.
   (d) Dallas County Tax Offices and passport offices shall close for in-person services.

Click here for more information.

March 16

Final Amended Order of County Judge Clay Jenkins
UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 418.108, DALLAS COUNTY JUDGE CLAY JENKINS ORDERS:

1. Effective as of 11:59 p.m. on Monday, March 16, 2020, and continuing until 11:00 a.m. on March 20, 2020
   (a) public or private Community Gatherings (as defined in Section 3 below) are prohibited anywhere in Dallas County
   (b) Restaurants with or without drive-in or drive-through services and microbreweries, micro-distilleries, or wineries may only provide take out, delivery, or drive-through services as allowed by law,
   (c) Bars, lounges, taverns, or arcades and private clubs shall close.

Click here for more information.

March 15

Dallas County Cancels All Jury Trials through May 8, 2020

Dallas County is cancelling all jury trials for Dallas County Criminal Courts, Civil Courts and Justice of the Peace (J.P.) Courts through May 8, 2020. Dallas County citizens summoned to appear at the Frank Crowley Criminal Courthouse, at the George Allen Civil Courthouse, or a J.P. Court prior to May 8, 2020 should not report nor call to reschedule their service.

Click here for more information.

March 13

DCHHS 2019 Novel Coronavirus Information and Current Number of Dallas County Cases

March 12

Community Gatherings - Order of County Judge Clay Jenkins

The virus that causes 2019 Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) is easily transmitted through person to person contact, especially in group settings, and it is essential that the spread of the virus be slowed to protect the ability of public and private health care providers to handle the influx of new patients and safeguard public health and safety. Because of the risk of the rapid spread of the virus, and the need to protect the most vulnerable members of the community, this Order prohibits community gatherings, of 500 persons or more anywhere in Dallas County beginning at 11 a.m. on March 13, 2020, and continuing seven days through 11:00 a.m. on March 20, 2020, as defined by Section 3 herein.

Click here for more information.

March 12

DECLARATION OF LOCAL DISASTER FOR PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY
UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 108, DALLAS COUNTY JUDGE CLAY JENKINS ORDERS:

1. Effective as of 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 13, 2020, and continuing until 11:00 a.m. on March 20, 2020, public or private Community Gatherings (as defined in Section 3 below) are prohibited anywhere in Dallas County.
2. In addition, the Office of the Dallas County Judge and the Dallas County Department of Health and Human Services (“Health Authority”) strongly recommends canceling, rescheduling, or not attending events with more than 250 persons. The Office of the Dallas County Judge and the Health Authority strongly urges organizations that serve high-risk populations to cancel gatherings of more than 10 people. These recommendations are based on the social distancing practices attached to this Order as well as the “Implementation of Mitigation Strategies for Communities with Local COVID-19 Transmission” issued by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”). The Office of the Dallas County Judge and the Health Authority urges people to not attend nonessential gatherings during the duration of this Order in order to help slow down the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Click here for more information.