On Friday afternoon, Denton County Judge Andy Eads signed a Disaster Declaration and Executive Order regarding the coronavirus pandemic.
Denton County, as of Friday evening, has no confirmed cases, but Eads said in a press conference that the decision to call the Disaster Declaration because of community spread in other parts of North Texas. The declaration is an advisory to urge residents to avoid gatherings of 250 people or more and to take other precautions to try to limit the spread.
“Even without confirmed positive or presumptive positive cases in Denton County, the public health is at risk as COVID-19 continues to spread throughout North Texas,” said Dr. Matt Richardson, Director of Denton County Public Health. “As COVID-19 spreads locally, throughout Texas, and nationally, this disaster declaration creates strong recommendations to assist in inhibiting COVID-19 spread throughout Denton County.”
The declaration means that a local state of disaster is in effect for no more than seven days, unless it is renewed by the Denton County Commissioners Court, and it activates the county’s emergency operation plan, Eads said.
“Denton County community members’ health is of the utmost importance and this disaster declaration assists us in protecting public health within our county,” Eads said. “We strongly urge businesses, schools, places of worship, and community members to follow the guidance set forth this evening.”
Eads also asked residents to be “thoughtful and generous” regarding shortages of sanitary products such as toilet paper, hand sanitizer and soap.
Eads recommended residents stay informed of the current state of the coronavirus in Denton County by checking the Denton County Public Health website or social media pages. Click here for more information.
