North Texas, including the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, has rolled back its COVID-19 reopening in light of rapidly increasing COVID-19 hospitalizations. Under Texas Governor Abbott’s order, counties in a designated hospital district must roll back their reopening under the Governor’s order (GA-32) if the percentage of COVID-19 patients in area hospitals reaches 15 percent or more for 7 consecutive days. As a result of the rollback, all bars must close and essential businesses are limited to 50% capacity limits (down from 75%). Bars are defined as establishments whose sales are derived 51% or more from alcohol, as opposed to food sales and other merchandise. Dallas County reported 2,122 Covid-19 cases on December 3, 2020, while Tarrant County reported 1,894 COVID-19 cases. Under Governor Abbott’s order, restrictions will only be re-relaxed if the hospital district sees hospitalization rates below 15% for at least 7 consecutive days.
Virtus Law, PLLC continues to monitor changes in this area and will continue to post relevant updates to this website.