Judge Bullock makes additional amendment to Imminent Disaster declaration

Editor’s Note: Some amendments in Judge Bullock’s order do not follow Gov. Abbott’s current order. Until Gov. Abbott makes an announcement to open certain businesses, citizens should continue to follow the order from the state. Texas’ current order can be found at https://gov.texas.gov/uploads/files/press/EO-GA-16_Opening_Texas_COVID-19_FINAL_04-17-2020.pdf

In an effort to mirror Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's Executive Order GA 16 to begin opening non-essential businesses under a "retail-to-go" model, Young County Judge John Bullock has amended his March 17 Local Declaration of Imminent Disaster.
Effective 12:01 a.m. on Friday, April 24, retail services that are not deemed essential, but may be provided through pickup, delivery or delivery by mail, will be allowed to reopen. These services must follow compliance with DSHS requirements found at www.dhstexas.gov/coronavius. Additionally, Bullock added the requirement that schools suspend classes through the end of the 2019-2020 school year.

Bullock added portions of Exhibit B that he believes to be reasonable additions to the order. However, these additions conflict with GA 16 from Gov. Abbott. These additions include opening hair salons and barbershops with proper personal protection equipment (PPE) and operating by appointment only. Gyms, under Bullock's order, are allowed to reopen provided CDC and DSHS guidelines are followed, but are not allowed to open under Gov. Abbott’s current order.
In an email and phone call with The Graham Leader, Bullock said those additions do not follow GA 16 and that he believes Gov. Abbott could make these changes in the near future. Gov. Abbott is expected to have a press conference on Friday, April 24 or Monday, April 27. In the event of contradiction between Judge Bullock’s order and Gov. Abbott’s executive order, Judge Bullock is not allowed to open businesses that Gov. Abbott orders to remain closed.

With those two additions, a change in Judge Bullock's order will not be necessary should Gov. Abbott allow those businesses to reopen in a future executive order.

Judge Bullock's changes will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, April 24, and will remain in effect until 12 a.m. on Friday, May 1.