TARRANT COUNTY
EXECUTIVE ORDER OF COUNTY JUDGE 8. GLEN WHITLEY
(Amended by Commissioners Court action on March 24, 2020)
WHEREAS, pursuant to Texas Government Code § 418.108, Tarrant County Judge B. Glen Whitley issued

a Declaration of Local Disaster due to Public Health Emergency on March 13, 2020 due to imminent threat of
widespread illness from COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, the County Judge has determined that extraordinary measures must be taken to mitigate the

effects of this public health emergency and to facilitate the efficient, rapid, and cooperative response to the
emergency; and
WHEREAS, the County Judge issued a Declaration of Local Disaster due to Public Health Emergency on

March 13, 2020 and the County Commissioners issued a Renewal of Declaration of Local Disaster due to
Public Health Emergency on March 17, 2020, and on March 18, 2020, the County Judge issued a First
Amended Declaration of Local Disaster due to Public Health Emergency. The County Judge issued a Second
Amended Declaration of Local Disaster due to Public Health Emergency to implement additional measures
to ensure the protection of the residents of Tarrant County on March 21, 2020.
WHEREAS, to remain consistent with the declaration of the Texas Department of State Health Services and
the executive order issued by Governor Greg Abbott as of March 19, 2020 and to harmonize to the extent
possible, the executive orders of Governor Greg Abbott, the Tarrant County Judge and the mandates
contained in the declarations of the Mayors of the Cities of Fort Worth, Arlington and the other cities of Tarrant
County, the County Judge issues this Executive Order.
THEREFORE, Pursuant to Texas Government Code Chapter 418, Be It Proclaimed and ORDERED by the

County Judge that:
1. That a state of disaster and public health emergency is hereby declared for Tarrant County,

pursuant to § 418.108(a) of the Texas Government Code.

2. That this Executive Order of a local state of disaster and public health emergency shall be given
prompt and general publicity and shall be filed promptly with the County Clerk, pursuant to §
418.108(c) of the Texas Government Code.
3. That the Tarrant County Emergency Operations Plan is activated and implemented, pursuant to§
418.108( d) of the Texas Government Code.
4. That the County is authorized to commandeer or use any private property, temporarily acquire, by

lease or other means, sites required for temporary housing units or emergency shelters for
evacuees, subject to compensation requirements, pursuant to § 418.020(c) of the Texas
Government Code.

5. That this Executive Order authorizes the County to take any actions necessary to promote health
and suppress disease, including quarantine, evacuation, regulating ingress and egress from a
disaster area and controlling the movement of persons and the occupancy of premises, pursuant
to § 418.108(f), (g) of the Texas Government Code.

 Executive Order of County Judge B. Glen Whitley
Page 2

6. All persons currently residing within the incorporated and unincorporated territory of Tarrant
County shall stay at their place of residence, except as allowed by this Order. All persons may
leave their residences only for Essential Travel, to work in Essential Businesses, Government
Service, or Essential Critical Infrastructure, or to perform Minimum Basic Operations, as defined
below.
To the extent individuals are using shared or outdoor spaces, they must at all times as reasonably
as possible maintain Social Distancing, defined below.
7. All businesses operating in Tarrant County, except Essential Businesses as defined below, are
required to close to the public. Non-essential businesses may continue Minimum Basic Operations
consisting exclusively of the following as long as Social Distancing is maintained between all
employees and contractors during the activities:

a. Operations necessary to maintain security, upkeep, and maintenance of premises,
equipment or inventory, including but not limited to the care and maintenance of livestock
or animals;
b. IT or other operations that facilitate employees working from home;
c. Facilitate online or call-in sales performed by employees in a store or facility closed to the
public;
d. In-store repair services performed by employees in a store or facility closed to the public.

8. It is ordered that a restaurant with or without drive-in or drive-through services; drive-in restaurant;
drive-through restaurant; liquor stores; or microbrewery, micro-distillery, or winery may only
provide take out, delivery, or drive-in or drive-through services as allowed by law. Social Distancing
is required.
9. All public or private gatherings of any number of people occurring outside a single household are
prohibited, except as otherwise provided herein . Nothing in this Executive Order prohibits the
gathering of members of a household or living unit.
10. All elective medical, surgical, and dental procedures are prohibited anywhere in Tarrant 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.
11. If someone in a household has tested positive for COVID-19, the household is ordered to isolate
at home. Members of the household cannot go to work, school, or any other community function
until cleared by a medical professional but may seek medical services as needed from medical
personnel and facilities.
12. Nursing homes, retirement, and long-term care facilities are to prohibit non-essential visitors from
accessing their facilities unless to provide critical assistance or for end-of-life visitation.
13. Individuals experiencing homelessness are strongly urged to obtain shelter and maintain social
distancing of 6 feet when feasible . If a homeless person is sheltered and exhibits symptoms or is
diagnosed, the shelter's isolation center shall be deemed the residence of the homeless person
solely for the purpose of complying with the requirements of this Executive Order. Medical
personnel shall make the decision whether any other shelter residents shall be required to isolate
based on potential exposure. Available shelters, to the maximum extent practicable, must use
COVI D-19 risk mitigation practices in their operations.

 Executive Order of County Judge 8. Glen Whitley
Page 3

14. That no person shall sell any of the following goods or services for more than the price the person
charged for the goods or services on March 16, 2020 and continuing during the pendency of this
Executive Order:
a. groceries, beverages toilet articles, ice;
b. restaurant, cafeteria , and boarding-house meals; and
c. medicine, pharmaceutical and medical equipment and supplies.
15. Definitions:
a. Social Distancing means maintaining at least 6 feet distance from other individuals,
frequently washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, using hand
sanitizer, covering coughs or sneezes (into the sleeve or elbow, not the hands), regularly
disinfecting high touch surfaces, and not shaking hands.
b. Minimum Basic Operations include the following, provided that employees comply with
Social Distancing:
i. The minimum necessary activities to maintain the value of the business's inventory,
ensure security, process payroll and employee benefits, or for related functions .
ii. The minimum necessary activities to facilitate employees of the business being able
to continue to work remotely from their residences.
c. Essential Activities includes any of the following :
i. To engage in activities or perform tasks essential to their health and safety, or to
the health and safety of their family or household members (for example, obtaining
medical supplies or medication, visiting a health care professional, or obtaining
supplies need to work from home).
ii. To obtain necessary services or supplies for themselves and their family or
household members, or to deliver those services or supplies to others (for example,
food , pet and livestock supplies, and any other household consumer products, and
products necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of
residences). It is strongly recommended that households, to the greatest extent
possible, send only one person to businesses for the purpose of picking up food or
other essential items.
iii. To engage in outdoor activity, provided the individuals comply with social distancing
requirements of 6 feet (for example, walking, biking , hiking , golfing , or running).
iv. To perform work providing essential products and services at an Essential Business
or to otherwise carry out activities specifically permitted in this Executive Order.
v. To care for a family member or pet in another household.

d. Essential Businesses means:
i. Essential Health Care Services. Healthcare operations, including hospitals, clinics,
doctors, dentists, pharmacies, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, other
healthcare facilities , healthcare suppliers, home healthcare services providers,
mental health providers, substance abuse providers, blood banks, medical
research , or any related and/or ancillary healthcare services, veterinary care
provided to animals. Home-based care for seniors, adults, or children. Residential
facilities and shelters for seniors, adults, and children . Healthcare operations do not
include fitness and exercise gyms and similar facilities. Healthcare operations do
not include elective medical, surgical, and dental procedures as established in
accordance with this Executive Order.
ii. Essential Government Functions. All services provided by local, state and federal
governments needed to ensure the continuing operation of the government
agencies to provide for the health , safety and welfare of the public. All Essential
Government Functions shall be performed in compliance with social distancing
requirements of 6 feet, to the extent possible.
iii. Essential Critical Infrastructure Work necessary to the operations and maintenance
of the 16 critical infrastructure sectors as identified by the National Cybersecurity
and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) including public works construction, residential

 Executive Order of County Judge B. Glen Whitley
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iv.

v.

vi.

vii.
viii.

ix.

x.

and commercial construction, airport operations, water, sewer, gas, electrical, oil
refining , roads and highways, public transportation and other transportation
network companies, and ride-sharing services that provide transportation services
necessary for the performance of essential activities, essential businesses,
essential infrastructure, and essential government function, solid waste collection
and removal, internet, and telecommunications systems (including the provision of
essential global, national, and local infrastructure for computing services, business
infrastructure, communications, and web-based services), financial institutions,
defense and national security-related operations, essential manufacturing
operations.
Essential Retail. Food service providers, including grocery stores, warehouse
stores, liquor stores, bodegas, gas stations, convenience stores, and farmers'
markets and other retail stores that sell food products and household staples, pet
and feed stores. Businesses not open to the public that ship or deliver groceries,
food , goods or services directly to residences. Restaurants and other facilities that
prepare and serve food, but only for delivery, take out, drive-in , drive-through or
carry out. Schools and other entities that typically provide free services to students
or members of the public on a pick-up and take-away basis only. The restriction of
delivery or carry out does not apply to cafes and restaurants located within hospital
and medical facilities . Laundromats, dry cleaners, and laundry service providers.
Businesses that provide for the delivery of, or preparation of vehicles. Businesses
that supply products needed for people to work from home, including businesses
providing mail and shipping and post office box. Businesses that supply products
necessary for essential repairs and maintenance of a home or business. Hotel,
motels, and shared rental units, except that all bars , cafes , or restaurants in hotels,
motels, and shared rental units are closed except for pick-up and room service.
Providers of Basic Necessities to Economically Disadvantaged Populations. Social
services and charitable organizations that provide food , shelter, and social services,
and other necessities of life for economically disadvantaged or otherwise needy
individuals; that provide food , shelter, and social services, and other necessities of
life for economically disadvantaged or otherwise vulnerable individuals.
Essential Services Necessary to Maintain Essential Operations of Residences or
Other Essential Businesses. Trash and recycling collection, processing and
disposal, mail and shipping services, building cleaning and maintenance, auto
repair, warehouse/distribution and fulfillment, and storage for essential businesses.
Plumbers, pool services, security services, electricians, exterminators, and other
service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety,
san itation , and essential operations of residences , Essential Activities, and
Essential Businesses. Professional services, such as legal or accounting services,
when necessary to assist in compliance with legally mandated activities.
News Media. Newspapers , television, radio, and other media services.
Financial Institutions. Banks and related financial institutions, consumer lenders,
alternative financial services companies, sales and finance lenders, credit unions,
apprai$ers, and title companies. As much business as possible shall be conducted
with web-based technology to limit in-person contact.
Real Estate Transactions: Services related to current real estate transactions . As
much business as possible shall be conducted with web-based technology to limit
in-person contact.
Childcare Services. Childcare facilities providing services that enable employees
who perform Essential Activities or work for an Essential Business to work as
permitted.

 Executive Order of County Judge B. Glen Whitley
Page 5

xi. Animal Shelters, Zoos, and Other Businesses that Maintain Live Animals.
Businesses that maintain and care for live animals are not permitted to allow any
visitors or patrons but may continue to operate to the extent necessary to provide
the necessary care for the animals. Nothing in this section shall prohibit a nonemployee from entering the premises to perform a health care services or another
Essential Business service.
xii. Construction. Construction under a valid permit issued by a governmental entity.
xiii. Funeral Services. Funeral homes, crematoriums and cemeteries may operate but
no more than ten non-employees may be present at the same time. Social
Distancing is required .
xiv. Wedding Services. Weddings may be held, but not more than ten persons may be
present at any one time . Social Distancing is required . Weddings may not be held
inside a County building .
xv. Worship Services. No in-person worship services are permitted . Needed staff can
attend to produce audio/video or conduct services for transmission.
xvi. Moving Services and Supply. Businesses that provide residential and/or
commercial moving services and necessary moving supplies.
e. Essential Travel. For the purposes of this Executive Order, Essential Travel includes travel
for any of the following purposes.
i. Any travel related to the provision of or access to Essential Activities, Essential
Governmental Functions, and Essential Businesses Essential Critical
Infrastructure, Minimum Basic Operation;
ii. Travel to care for elderly, minors, dependents, persons with disabilities, or other
vulnerable persons;
iii. Travel to or from educational institutions for purposes of receiving materials for
distance learning, for receiving meals, and any other related services;
iv. Travel to return to a place of residence from outside the jurisdiction;
v. Travel required by law enforcement or court order;
vi. Travel by church staff or clergy for the purpose of production of remote delivery of
religious services and other ministries requiring travel ;
vii. Travel related to attending a funeral service; or
viii. Travel required for non-residents to return to their place of residence outside the
County. Individuals are strongly encouraged to verify that their transportation out of
the County remains available and functional prior to commencing such travel.
16. That any certified peace officer or other person with lawful authority is hereby authorized to enforce
the provisions of this Executive Order in accordance with the authority granted under the Texas
Disaster Act of 1975. Any person who violates this Executive Order may be subject to a fine not
exceeding $1 ,000 or confinement for a period not exceeding 180 days.
17. That this Executive Order incorporates the attached table, Disaster Restrictions, as if set forth
verbatim herein.
18. The sections, paragraphs, sentences, clauses and phrases of this Executive Order are severable
and if any phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph or section of this Executive Order should be
declared invalid by the final judgment or decree of any court of competent jurisdiction, such
invalidity shall not affect any of the remaining phrases, clauses, sentences paragraphs and
sections that can be given effect without the invalid provision, and to this end, the provisions of
this Executive Order are severable.
19. This Executive Order is issued in accordance with and incorporates by reference any declaration
of disaster previously issued and adopted by Tarrant County. In the event of a conflict between
this Executive Order and a prior declaration or order pertaining to COVID -19, this Executive Order
prevails.

 Executive Order of County Judge B. Glen Whitley
Page 6

20. This Executive Order shall take effect at 11 :59 pm on the 24 th day of March 2020 and shall remain
in effect until April 7, 2020, unless terminated or modified by a subsequent Order.

ORDERED this the 24th day of March 2020.

 Executive Order of County Judge 8. Glen Whitley
Page 7

Disaster Restrictions
Executive Order Issued March 24, 2020
Locations / Activities
Persons residing in Tarrant County

Restrictions

•
•
•

Stay at place of residence
Practice social distancing
Leave residence for Essential
Activities, or to work at Essential
Businesses, Essential Governmental
Services, Essential Critical
Infrastructure, or to perform Minimum
Basic Operations

All businesses except Essential Businesses

No public occupancy permitted
Minimum Basic Operations allowed
Social Distancing required

Public or Private Gatherings occurring
outside a single household

Prohibited

Food Establishments
Including those at schools, hotels, motels
Excluding those at hospitals

In-house dining - no public occupancy
Drive-in, drive-through, take out, and delivery
is permitted.
Social distancing is required

Worship Services

Closed for in-person services, provided that
staff can attend to produce audio/video
services
Social Distancing required

Elective medical, surgical, and dental
procedures

Prohibited

Price Gouging

Prohibited

Nursing homes, retirement, and long-term
care facilities

Prohibit non-essential visitors unless to
provide critical assistance or for end-of-life
visitation

Essential Travel, summary:
Allowed to carry out activities specifically
permitted in this Executive Order.

Individuals may leave shelter to perform
Essential Activities
Must practice social distancing

 Executive Order of County Judge B. Glen Whitley
Page 8

Essential Businesses, summary:
hospitals clinics
doctors
dentists
pharmacies
pharmaceutical and biotechnology
companies, other healthcare facilities
healthcare suppliers
mental health providers
substance abuse service providers
blood banks
medical research
laboratory services
home-based and residential-based care for
seniors, adults, or children
veterinary care
all services to provide for the health, safety
and welfare of the public
food service providers
food cultivation- farming, fishing, livestock
delivery and shipping not open to the public
laundromats, dry cleaners, laundry service
gas stations
auto-supply & repair, bicycle repair
hardware stores
businesses that supply products needed for
people to work from home
social services, charitable organizations
trash and recycling collection, processing and
disposal
mail and shipping services
building cleaning, maintenance
security services
warehouse/distribution and fulfillment
storage for essential businesses
funeral homes, crematoriums, cemeteries
weddings
plumbers
electricians
exterminators
legal or accounting
news media
financial institutions
real estate transactions
childcare services
businesses that maintain live animals
construction
moving services and supply

Allowed to remain open
Social Distancing required
Essential Businesses providing essential
infrastructure should implement screening
precautions to protect employees and all
activity shall be performed in compliance with
social distancing guidelines attached.

 Executive Order of County Judge B. Glen Whitley
Page 9

Essential Critical Infrastructure, summary:
Work necessary to the operations and
maintenance of the 16 critical infrastructure
sectors as identified by the National
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency
(CISA) including public works construction,
residential and commercial construction,
airport operations, water, sewer, gas,
electrical, oil refining, roads and highways,
public transportation, solid waste collection
and removal, internet, and
telecommunications systems (including the
provision of essential global, national, and
local infrastructure for computing services,
business infrastructure, communications, and
web-based services), financial institutions,
defense and national security-related
operations, essential manufacturing
operations
Minimum Basic 012erations
- operations necessary to maintain security,
upkeep, and maintenance of premises,
equipment or inventory, including but not
limited to the care and maintenance of
livestock or animals;
- IT or other operations that facilitate
employees working from home;
- facilitate online or call-in sales performed by
employees in a store or facility closed to the
public;
- in-store repair services performed by
employees in a store or facility closed to the
public.

Operations allowed for non-essential
businesses
Social distancing required