HOUSTON — Earlier this week, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo signed an order outlining measures to protect public health by ordering restaurants, bars, and nightclubs to cease operations with the exceptions of takeout, delivery, or drive-thru service.
But what happens if establishments refuse to abide by the order?
The county said on their website that violators of this order are subject to fines and up to 180 days in jail.
To report restaurants, bars, or nightclubs violating current public health orders to cease dine in operations please call 832-839-6941.
The restrictions kicked in on Tuesday at 8 a.m. and apply to all drinking and eating establishments within the Houston city limits, Harris County and unincorporated Harris County areas.
Both city and county officials said the decision was made to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
Can they do that?
Since the county is under a public health emergency declaration, the county does have the authority to close down businesses, according to KHOU 11 legal analyst Gerald Treece.
“If the county deems that there is a health emergency, the county has the authority to close any establishment, including a bar,” Treece said. “You put the rules in neutral and general police power takes over. General police power: to protect the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of that jurisdiction.”
During this time, if a business refuses to comply, the county does have authority to fine an establishment and then take the owner to court to seek an injunction, which would shut a business down, according to Treece.
If there are widespread compliance issues, the National Guard could step in.
“They can prevent violence, they can enforce the law, including injunctions, including an order from the city or county,” Treece said.
This new set of rules can last as long as an emergency declaration is in place.
“It will last as long as the emergency health crisis exists, according to the experts who are advising the county and the city,” Treece said.
Coronavirus symptoms
The symptoms of coronavirus can be similar to the flu or a bad cold. Symptoms include a fever, cough and shortness of breath, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Most healthy people will have mild symptoms. A study of more than 72,000 patients by the Centers for Disease Control in China showed 80 percent of the cases there were mild.
But infections can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death, according to the World Health Organization. Older people with underlying health conditions are most at risk.
The CDC believes symptoms may appear anywhere from two to 14 days after being exposed.
Human coronaviruses are usually spread through...
- The air by coughing or sneezing
- Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
- Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands.
Help stop the spread of coronavirus
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Eat and sleep separately from your family members
- Use different utensils and dishes
- Cover your cough or sneeze with your arm, not your hand.
- If you use a tissue, throw it in the trash.
Lower your risk
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- If you are 60 or over and have an underlying health condition such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes or respiratory illnesses like asthma or COPD, the World Health Organization advises you to try to avoid crowds or places where you might interact with people who are sick.
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