In December 2019, a novel (new) coronavirus known as SARS-CoV-2 ('the virus") was first detected and subsequently began causing outbreaks of the coronavirus disease COVID-19 that spread globally. The virus is easily transmitted through person to person contact, especially in group settings. As a result, the Federal Government, State of Texas, Dallas County, and the Town of Addison issued a series of declarations and orders to take measures to slow the spread of the virus and protect the ability of public and private health care providers to handle the influx of potential new patients and safeguard public health and safety.
The President of the United States issued a Proclamation Declaring a National Emergency Concerning the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) on March 13, 2020.
The Texas Governor followed with a State of Disaster Declaration for the State of Texas on March 13, 2020.
On March 23, 2020 Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins issued an amended order directing all non-essential businesses and activities to cease in-person operations and for all personnel of non-essential businesses to shelter-in-place. On April 3, 2020 the Dallas County Commissioners Court voted to extend the county's declaration of a Local Public Health Emergency until May 20, 2020.
On April 16, 2020:
- The Dallas County Judge issued an amended order requiring persons over the age of two to wear some form of covering over their nose and mouth when patronizing an essential business or using public transportation. The order stated that a violation of the order may be punishable through criminal or civil enforcement.
On April 17, 2020
- The Dallas County Commissioners Court issued an amended order that; allows stores that sell fabric to operate for the sole purpose of selling school supplies and fabric and other supplies needed to make cloth coverings and masks, and added language stating that the failure to wear a cloth covering cannot result in any civil or criminal fines or penalties.
On April 21, 2020:
- The Dallas County Commissioners Court voted to extend the shelter-in-place order until May 15, 2020.
On April 23, 2020:
- The Dallas County Judge issued a revised order to be consistent with the Governor's Order, which removed elective surgery language, updates language on religious and worship services, and requires schools to be closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year.
On April 27, 2020:
- The Governor of Texas issued several Executive Orders to begin safely opening Texas businesses.
- Executive Order No. GA 18 relates to the safe strategic reopening of select services, which it defines as retail services that are not "essential services" that may be provided through pickup or delivery. It also allows the reopening of dine-in restaurant services, for restaurants that operate at up to 25 percent of the total listed occupancy of the restaurant. Movie theaters, museums, and libraries are also allowed to reopen with similar restrictions.
- Executive Order No. GA 19 relates to hospital capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic. This Order requires all hospitals in the State of Texas to reserve at least 15% of its capacity to for the treatment of COVID-19 patients.
- Executive Order No. GA 20 relates to expanding travel without restrictions. This Order supersedes the previous Order that required a mandatory self-quarantine of persons traveling into Texas from the State of Louisiana. A mandatory self-quarantine is still required for persons traveling to the State Texas from several other States in which COVID-19 exposure risks are high.
On May 4, 2020:
- Dallas County issued a supplemental order on reopened services and food processing plants requiring their adherence to Minimum Standard Health Protocols, in The Governor’s Report to Open Texas, issued April 27, 2020.
On May 5, 2020:
- The Governor of Texas issued Executive Order GA 21 that expanded the reopening of services as part of the safe, strategic plan to Open Texas in response to the COVID-19 disaster. Some of the changes include:
- The ability of cosmetology salons, hair salons, nail salons, tanning salons and barber shops to reopen on May 8, 2020.
- Gyms and exercise facilities will be able to reopen with 25% capacity on May 18, 2020.
- Non-essential manufacturing and other offices will be able to reopen Monday, May 18 as long as they operate at up to the greater of either five employees or 25% of their workforce, provided employees maintain appropriate social distancing.
On May 7, 2020:
- The Governor of Texas issued Executive Order GA 22 that amended all prior orders to eliminate confinement in jail as an available penalty for any violation of the executive orders.
On May 18, 2020:
- The Governor of Texas issued Executive Order GA 23 the second phase of Reopen Texas and provided an updated list of what types of businesses and activities can resume and when.
To date, the Town of Addison's orders have mirrored those of Dallas County. Because of the rapidly changing environment, Addison will no longer create its own amended orders and will rely on the Governor's Executive Orders and Dallas County orders from this point forward. We anticipate additional changes in the upcoming days as the State continues its plan to slowly reopen businesses.
The Town has taken the following actions:
- The closure of all Town facilities for public access has been extended.
- All in-person Addison Athletic Club camps and classes for April and May period have been canceled.
- The Addison Athletic Club reopened to the public on May 18, 2020 with modifications to adhere to State and County orders. Third-party outside exercise programs are being held virtually at the discretion of the vendor.
- The Addison Conference and Theatre Centre (ACTC) will remain closed.
- Special Events: The May Addison After Dark Event, Boots Brews & BBQ, has been canceled.
- Taste Addison has been canceled.
- Parks and Public Works crews are continuing their work to maintain the Town’s assets.
- The Town of Addison has taken (and will continue to take) actions to prevent the spread of the virus. Everyone is encouraged to follow Social Distancing recommendations.
For more information on the previous updates from the Town related to the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit the Town’s website www.AddisonTexas.net/covid19. |