Here’s Everything You Need To Know About Dallas County Shelter In Place Order

Allie

10 months ago

Are you confused about what the Dallas County Shelter In Place order means? Do you need answers about what you can do now that you’re stuck at home? Keep Reading Because This Article Will Tell You Everything You Need To Know About Dallas County’s Shelter In Place Order:

Have to work remotely? Here’s How To Work From Home And Actually Get Things Done.

Schools in Texas are ordered to remained CLOSED through the end of the school year.

You may be wondering what you can and cannot do under Dallas County’s Shelter In Place order. In this article I will explain what the order means for you and your family, and what is being done to mitigate substantial economic losses people and businesses are suffering, such as information about the newly passed CARES Act. Here’s Everything You Need To Know About Dallas County’s Shelter In Place Order:

Here’s What You Need To Know About Dallas County Shelter In Place Order

What does Shelter In Place mean?

Shelter In Place means exactly that–you stay at home. The exceptions are that you may leave home to do the following: get groceries, pick up food from restaurants, buy pet supplies, go to the doctor or dentist, and go to work if your job is an “essential” business. You may also help or take care of relative with needs.

You are also allowed to do a few other activities such as go for a bike ride, jog, exercise, walk the dog, etc. as long as you stay at least six feet away from anyone else. Apparently, people aren’t following this rule and so Dallas is threatening to close all parks and trails. Don’t ruin it for everyone else.

You may also do essential home repairs such as repair a plumbing leak or repair your roof.

You may not visit a nursing home, play a round of golf, or go to church (except televised services).

The Dallas County order even has a provision about buying toilet paper. “All sales of bath or toilet tissue occurring in Dallas County are limited to the greater of: (a) twelve (12) rolls per purchase or (b) one (1) package per purchase.”

Can I let my kids go to the playground?

No. Neighborhood playgrounds have been closed.

Am I allowed to go to work?

Depends on if your employment is considered essential business or not. Keep reading to find out because we answer that question below.

Struggling with working remotely? Here’s How To Work From Home And Actually Get Stuff Done.

Who is under quarantine in Dallas County?

If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or you have been in contact with someone who is diagnosed with the illness, then you cannot leave your home for two weeks.

Quarantine requirements have now been expanded to include travelers returning from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, anywhere in Louisiana, Chicago Illinois, Detroit Michigan, California, and Atlanta Georgia.

What happens if I violate Dallas County Shelter In Place order?

If you violate Dallas County’s shelter in place order, then you could face a $1,000 fine and/or 180 days in jail. You can read the full shelter in place order here.

How long does the Dallas County Shelter In Place order last?

Dallas County’s mandatory shelter in place order has been extended. Check Dallas County’s COVID-19 website for the latest information.

What is an essential and nonessential business under Dallas County Shelter In Place order?

Essential and nonessential businesses have been defined by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Examples of essential businesses include: hospitals, clinics, dentists, physicians, urgent care facilities, pharmacies, daycare, blood and plasma banks, veterinary care, addiction treatment centers, emergency services, news media, utilities, banks, public transportation, internet services, repair services, restaurants with take out, curbside, drive thru or delivery services (NO DINE-IN ALLOWED), grocery stores, hardware stores, liquor stores, gas stations, convenience stores, laundry mats, and home office supply stores. CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL LIST.

Do I need a note from my employer to go to work?

The county does not require paperwork from your employer as proof that your employer is an essential business at the time we published this article.

If you are a business in Dallas County and you’re unsure if your business is considered “essential,” then direct your Business Questions to BusinessCovid19@DallasCounty.org. There are massive fines and even possible jail time for those that do not follow the mandatory shut down.

If you are a business in Dallas County and you need essential workers for your essential business, then call (214) 302-5555.

What if I can’t pay my rent, mortgage or other bills?

Federal, state, and local officials have created measures to help mitigate the financial problems people are facing due to the coronavirus shut down.

FHA-backed mortgages won’t go into default for a month.

Texas Supreme Court has halted evictions for renters through mid-April, and Dallas County has taken that a step further by not scheduling eviction hearings through at least mid-May. You may still be responsible for back rent and late fees, so definitely talk to your property manager or landlord. If you still have problems or you’re being threatened with eviction, then call this guy:

Local cities have halted utility shut offs for a month. The Public Utilities Commission has suspended utility cutoffs and related fees for retail customers. It’s a good idea to call your utility if you have any questions.

Coronavirus testing: All testing and potential vaccines for COVID-19 will be covered at no cost to patients thanks to the newly passed CARES Act. Here’s a list of Dallas County locations offering coronavirus testing.

What if I’ve lost my job and now I’m unemployed due to coronavirus shutdown?

If you’ve lost your job due to COVID-19 shutdown, then you should know that unemployment benefits have been expanded and now covers independent contractors and self-employed persons who normally wouldn’t be eligible.

The CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act) act expands unemployment insurance to $600 weekly and adds an additional 13 weeks past Texas’ 26 weeks.

The CARES act will also give $1,200 to individuals or $2,400 to married couples if your income is under $75,000 (single) or $150,000 (married). Each dependent child gets you an additional $500. Checks will be automatically sent out to those that filed their 2019 or 2018 federal taxes and will be sent to the bank account or mailing address on file.

The Texas Workforce Commission has relaxed their requirements to people who need child care in order to return to work.

What if my business has suffered an economic loss due to the coronavirus shutdown?

The SBA (Small Business Administration) is offering loans to businesses that have suffered an economic loss due to the coronavirus shutdown.

Texas Women’s University is offering $1 million in grants at $10,000 each for women-owned businesses affected by the crisis.

The CARES Act is dedicating $350 billion towards preventing layoffs and business closures while workers have to stay home during the COVID-19 outbreak. Companies with 500 employees or fewer that maintain their payroll during the shutdown can receive up to 8 weeks of cash-flow assistance. If employers maintain payroll, the portion of the loans used for covered payroll costs, interest on mortgage obligations, rent, and utilities would be forgiven. You can all 880 pages of the bill here.