JOINT CONTROL ORDER OF THE LOCAL HEALTH AUTHORITIES FOR
TARRANT COUNTY, THE CITY OF ARLINGTON, AND THE CITY OF BURLESON
REGARDING PUBLIC AND NON-RELIGIOUS PRIVATE SCHOOLS

WHEREAS, Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley issued a Declaration of Local Disaster Due to Public Health
Emergency on March 13, 2020, and the Mayors of Cities with Local Health Authorities within Tarrant County
also issued local disaster declarations in response to the imminent threat of widespread illness from COVID19; and
WHEREAS, the situation regarding COVID-19 in Tarrant County, Texas is rapidly evolving with observed
high rates of transmission through community spread, Tarrant County is reporting high numbers of COVID19 cases and hospitalizations; and
WHEREAS, congregate settings, including schools, present increased challenges to control the spread of
COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, the Texas Education Agency ("TEA") does not have general authority to close schools due to
public health, and TEA has acknowledged that such authority lies with the local heath authority, the
Department of State Health Services, and the Governor; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the authority of Sections 81.082(a), and 121.024 of the Texas Health and Safety
Code, and Sections 85.1 (g) and 97.6(h) of the Texas Administrative Code, unless specifically preempted
by the Texas Department of State Health Services, a Local Health Authority has supervisory authority and
control over the administration of communicable disease control measures within its jurisdiction when
necessary to protect the public health.
THEREFORE, effective immediately and continuing through 11 :59 p.m. on September 27, 2020, the Local
Health Authorities hereby impose the following control measures on all public and non-religious private
schools in Tarrant County, the City of Arlington, and the City of Burleson (collectively referred to as "School
Systems") offering instruction to students in any and all grades, pre-kindergarten through grade 12:
1.
School Systems shall not re-open for on-campus, face-to-face instruction or activities until September
28, 2020, except:
a.
Administrators, teachers, and staff may conduct or facilitate virtual or remote learning
processes while on-campus provided they strictly follow the existing guidance for social
distancing and facial coverings;
b.
All school-sponsored events and activities, including but not limited to clubs, sports,
band, choir, fairs, exhibitions, academic and/or athletic competitions, and similar student
activities may only take place remotely or outdoors, with social distancing requirements of
a minimum of six feet 1 , facial coverings, and other established safety protocols determined
by the School System;
c.
Special education instruction may occur when necessary and in accordance with
TEA guidelines so long as and when feasible, facial coverings are worn over one's nose
and mouth, and social distancing measures of at least six feet are followed;
d.
Students whose individual education plans cannot be implemented with remote
learning or who have limited household connectivity to the internet may be provided inperson instruction with social distancing and facial coverings, as feasible.

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Individuals from the same household are not required to maintain six feet of social distancing.

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 2.
Prior to September 28, 2020, all School Systems shall re-open schools through virtual, remote, or
distance learning only as per each School System's own plan and provide curbside meals from the school
campuses while following Federal, State and Local guidelines to prevent transmission of COVID-19 in the
workplace.
3.
School personnel are permitted to return to school campuses and facilities to provide virtual, remote
or distance learning instruction and related instructional activities, to provide food distribution including free
and reduced lunch services, and to perform administrative duties. Such duties and activities are to be
conducted consistent with the health guidance protocols issued by the TEA.
4.
At least two weeks prior to re-opening for on-campus instruction and on-campus activities, each
School System shall submit a written plan for resuming on-campus instruction and extra-curricular activities
to the Local Health Authority with jurisdiction over the school. The School System may make the plan
available for parents, teachers, staff, and the general public.
This Joint Control Order is intended to remain consistent with and to harmonize the Executive Orders of
Governor Greg Abbott (as extended or modified). The Texas Attorney General opined that the Governor's
orders cannot mandate that the safety measures detailed herein be implemented by a religious private
school. We strongly urge religious private schools to implement health and safety measures to protect the
health and well-being of students, teachers, staff, parents and our community.
This Joint Control Order is issued pursuant to the authority of the undersigned Local Health Authorities for
Tarrant County, the City of Arlington, and the City of Burleson on this _;;_1_ day of July 2020 and shall
remain in full force and effect unless modified, extended or superseded by law.

ORDERED this the -21_ day of July 2020.

CATHERINE A. COLQUITT, M.D.
Local Health Authority and Medical Director
County of Tarrant

CYN 1-ttA SIMMONS, M.D.
Local Health Authority and Medical Director
City of Arlington

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STEVE MARTIN, M.D.
Local Health Authority and Medical Director
City of Burleson

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