Stay At Home ordered for individuals in Tarrant County

Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley has signed a declaration ordering individuals within Tarrant County to stay at home and limit errands to those that are essential, such as groceries and medications.

The order begins at 11:59PM tonight through April 7th.

“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.”

All businesses in Tarrant County will be closed to the public, unless they are deemed to be essential.

All public or private gatherings of any number of people occurring outside the home are also prohibited.

“We’re not out here trying to find people to fine,” said Judge Whitley when asked how law enforcement will enforce the measures. He did say that as police patrol neighborhoods, if they see congregated activity at local parks and other public areas, officers will advise them to disperse. The order reads: “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.”

“Any business who can work virtually should,” said Mayor Betsy Price of Fort Worth. “Everyone else: when you are home, stay home.”

Read the full Executive Order, including definitions and other guidelines, here.