THA Calls for Communities to Implement Shelter-in-Place Provisions
Texas hospitals continue to have concerns about the availability of personal protective equipment and
other significant challenges as we continue to respond to COVID-19. Texas hospitals understand that
the current executive orders are in place, and there is a need for more time and information to
determine whether additional steps need to be taken.
Given the projections and gravity of the situation, Texas hospitals support strong shelter-in-place
provisions, and the Texas Hospital Association is urging all Texas communities to quickly implement
these strict provisions to minimize the spread and protect our health care workers. In the interim,
Texas hospitals also support the Governor:
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Continuing to closely monitor capacity, projections, case counts, and spreads so that stricter
statewide actions can be implemented quickly.
Being prepared to implement stricter provisions, including a statewide shelter-in-place
provision as the situation becomes necessary.

The shelter-in-place policy should, at a minimum, include the following elements:
1. Closure of non-essential businesses. The Governor defines essential business using U.S.
Department of Homeland Security guidelines, or others as appropriate.
2. Six-foot distancing enforced in essential business services.
3. Essential travel only. This includes travel by car, motorcycle, scooter, train, plane or public
transit. All travel also must comply with six-foot distancing rule.
4. For patients who are 65 or older or have compromised immune systems or underlying
conditions:
a. Remain indoors; any outdoor activities should be solitary.
b. Vulnerable populations should not visit homes with more than one person inside.
c. Strictly follow the six-foot distance rule.
d. Do not use public transport unless it’s an emergency.
5. Enhanced communication about the need for compliance.