Coronavirus News
Richardson joins Dallas and enacts shelter in place order for COVID-19
In an effort to fight the spread of the coronavirus, the city of Richardson will join Dallas with a mandatory shelter-in-place order, which will be in effect until April 30. The order was voted in unanimously by Richardson City Council at a meeting on March 23.
It specifies that Richardson residents must remain at home unless on essential trips such as the supermarket.
Nearly all businesses will be closed other than those providing essential services including supermarkets, pharmacies, pet stores, gas stations, and auto shops. Restaurants may remain open for takeout and delivery services only.
Other exceptions include hospitals, media, essential government and infrastructure, and childcare services for employees who are performing essential duties.
Government offices will remain open, but the mayor and city manager can cancel city council meetings without council approval.
Gatherings of any number are no longer allowed, other than family members within a household. Religious and worship services may only be provided by video and teleconference.
The Richardson order is basically the same as the order enacted on March 22 by Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins. The Dallas order begins at 11:59 pm on March 23, and will be in effect until at least April 3.
Richardson is also copying Judge Jenkins' rule limiting toilet paper sales to 12 rolls or one package at a time, to foil what has been a giant hoarding trend.
The Richardson City Council is guaranteeing basic city services such as water regardless of payment status, and is waiving collection on fines, evictions, and late fees.