County Judge clarifies Gov. Abbott’s restrictions, punishment for violation

Young County Judge John Bullock released clarifications Friday about Gov. Greg Abbott’s COVID-19 restriction orders and the punishment for those looking not to follow the orders.

Bullock said the restriction on gatherings of 10 persons does include cashiers, waiter staff, cooks and more. The restriction will limit meetings such as Young County Commissioners Court, city council, civic clubs, church services and other meetings.

For commissioners court, the county offers a livestream service for the meeting. Only necessary participants, media and commissioners court members will be allowed during the meeting.

“Other attendees may attend via (YouTube) by putting into your browser co.young.tx.us then scroll to the bottom of the page where you will find past Archived CC meetings,” Bullock wrote in a press release. “When I have activated the (Wi-Fi) connection a tab will appear ‘LIVE’ click there and you should be in the meeting.”

Under the governor’s restrictions, bars, clubs and restaurants are closed to in-house dining and drinking, but can offer drive-thru, pick-up or delivery services. Visitation at nursing homes, retirement and assisted living centers and long-term care facilities are suspended unless it is for critical assistance.

Bullock wrote in his release that rumors have passed stating that some may ignore the directives of the federal, state or local government and stressed this is a serious incident, with the last public health disaster being declared in 1906 in the state of Texas for the smallpox epidemic.

“Violations of the Governor’s Executive Order, GA 08 will be reported to the Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM) which could result in the TABC suspending or withdrawing an Alcohol License, fine and or prosecution,” Bullock wrote. “Local violations can result in a class B Misdemeanor, prosecuted to a maximum fine of $1,000.00 and/or 180 day confinement and loss of Alcohol license.”