Coronavirus US Update: Dallas County Declares State Of Emergency, Bans Large Gatherings

A day after coronavirus was officially declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization, Dallas County, Texas, announced a state of emergency late Thursday night.

The announcement was made after five more positive cases of the virus were identified in the county, taking the total number of cases to eight. While four of the five new cases were Dallas residents, one was from Balch Springs. One of the new cases did not have any travel history, hence, it was assumed the virus spread within Dallas County. While two of them are in the hospital, the other three are on self-isolation at their homes.

The decision came after consultation with the state health leaders and Dallas County Health and Human Services.

“We have community spread so now it is incumbent on all of us to do everything we can to keep it from spreading,” said Dalls County Judge Clay Jenkins said.

In a statement, Jenkins added that “extraordinary measures must be taken to contain COVID-19 and prevent its spread throughout Dallas County, including the banning of community gatherings of over 500 people and, additionally, potentially requiring individuals, groups of individuals, or property to undergo additional measures that prevent or control the spread of disease”

The ban on public gatherings does not include schools, airports, office towers, theaters or grocery stores as long as more than 500 people are not present at once or within arm’s length of each other.

Judge Jenkins said gatherings of 250 or more people are discouraged in Dallas County, but not prohibited.

The public health emergency declaration takes effect from 11 a.m. Friday to 11 a.m. on March 20. It will remain in effect for no more than seven days unless it is officially continued or renewed by Dallas County Commissioners. Citations could be issued for those who disagree to comply with the order.