FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – March 25, 2020 (Waxahachie, Texas) The City of Waxahachie has issued a Shelter-In-Place order is response to COVID-19. This order takes effect on March 26, 2020 at 11:59 p.m., and will continue through 11:59 p.m. on April 16, 2020. This order is also in line with similar orders issued by Ellis County and other regional agencies, including Dallas County and Tarrant County.
“It is essential that this virus be slowed to protect the safety and wellbeing of our community and its citizens. The most efficient way to do so is to significantly limit person to person contact, which this order greatly limits,” said Mayor David Hill. “We are coming alongside Ellis County and other neighboring cities and agencies to strengthen restrictions to proactively combat this growing pandemic together,” said Hill.
The Shelter-In-Place Order requires that all individuals anywhere within the City of Waxahachie stay home except for certain essential activities and work to provide necessary business and government services, or perform needed public infrastructure construction, including housing.
Essential activities include tasks necessary to health and safety (including obtaining medical supplies or visiting a healthcare professional), obtaining required supplies such a food, pet food or essential household items, or caring for a family member in another household. Residents are allowed to engage in outdoor activities such as walking or running, but must comply with social distancing requirements of six feet.
Restaurants may only provide take out or delivery services during this time. Religious and worship services may only be provided through video or teleconference. Additionally, all public or private gatherings of any number outside a single household are prohibited. All elective medical, surgical and dental procedures are also not allowed.
Essential businesses include healthcare facilities, governmental facilities, governmental functions, critical infrastructure, and essential retail (includes grocery stores, warehouse stores, convenience stores/gas stations). Businesses that support food cultivation, livestock, and farming are also considered essential. Auto supply, hardware stores, laundromats, and businesses that sell supplies for people to work from home are also allowed. A complete list off allowed businesses is included in the attached Shelter-In-Place Order.
“While the Shelter-At-Home Order does carry restrictions farther, this order is absolutely necessary to protect all members of our community, especially those most vulnerable,” said Michael Scott, City Manager. “It is imperative that all of us comply and work together to stop the spread of this virus. The sooner we do so, the sooner we can return to the normalcy of our daily routines,” said Scott.
The City and its staff will continue working daily with state and local health officials and authorities to ensure that the latest information and preventative procedures are enacted for the safety of our community. Updates will be provided as they are available on the City website at www.waxahachie.com, as well as the City’s social media accounts.
For more information or questions regarding this news release, please call 469-285-6895 or email aborders@waxahachie.com.
SHELTER IN PLACE ORDER - COMPLETE DETAILS