Multiple counties issue shelter-at-home declarations

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COVID-19 Response

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Dallas and Hunt Counties have issued shelter-at-home declarations, although Hopkins County has not issued such a declaration as of press time Tuesday.

According to Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom on Monday, Hopkins County emergency management would not be considering a shelter-athome “anytime soon.”

Dallas County’s declaration, issued March 22, came on the heels of Dallas County health and human services reporting that their cases of COVID-19, also known as coronavirus, had entered into the triple digits. At 131 cases and two deaths at the time they issued the shelter-at-home, Dallas County had the highest number of cases in the state, above both Travis (Austin) and Harris (Houston) counties. By press time, Dallas County’s cases had surged to 155 with four deaths.

Hunt County’s declaration, issued on the morning of March 23, did not seem to be in response to a case of COVID-19. As of March 23, Hunt County certified on their health portal they did not have any confirmed cases of COVID-19. By the next day at 11 a.m., Hunt County confirmed they did, in fact, have an active case of the virus, according to county civil attorney Daniel Ray.

Collin County issued their shelter-at-home declaration on the afternoon of March 23. At that time, Collin County had as many as 38 cases and one death in their county. The group that called for the shelter-at-home was comprised of 17 city mayors, according to the declaration by County Judge Chris Hill.

Rockwall County issued their shelter-at-home declaration on the morning of March 24 after a meeting of their commissioner’s court, according to the signed papers by Judge David Sweet. The city of Rowlett publicized via their web page the evening of March 23 that they had two active cases of the virus, yet one fell within Dallas County and one fell within Rockwall County.

Citizens may only leave their homes to perform tasks essential to their health and safety, or to the health and safety of their family or household members, the declarations read.

All residents shall not leave their homes to work except to perform businesses and services that are considered essential. This includes those who work in hospitals, pharmacies, essential critical infrastructure, grocery stores, warehouse stores, liquor stores, gas stations, businesses that provide food, shelter, social services for the economically disadvantaged, trash and recycling services, funeral homes, news media, and childcare services.

Citizens may engage in outdoor activity, provided the individuals comply with social distancing requirements of 6 feet.

All elective medical, surgical and dental procedures shall be cancelled, the declaration said. Doctors will assess with patients what constitutes “elective,” according to the declarations.