As Dallas County nears 100 cases of the new coronavirus, officials announced an amended order that placed new restrictions across the county.
The order takes effect at 11:59 p.m. Saturday and goes through April 3. It amends the order issued by Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins on Monday, which was extended Friday.
As part of the amended order, toilet paper sales will be limited to 12 rolls, or one package per purchase, whichever is greater, until the supply chain meets demand.
“The whole lot of us have to move from selfishness to sacrifice," Judge Clay Jenkins said at a press conference Saturday.
The order emphasized social distancing, stating that people using public parks or trails maintain at least six feet of space from others.
“What we’re trying to do is flatten that curve so we don’t see that huge crush of people now that overwhelms our healthcare system, which then leads to this being a longer, bigger problem and it leads to a much higher casualty count," Jenkins said.
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It also requires that nail, hair and beauty salons, spas, and tattoo and piercing parlors that cannot provide services while maintaining six feet of distance must close.
All medical, surgical and dental procedures deemed to be elective are also prohibited.
Jenkins said the county would need the doctors over those practices to help determine what is deemed elective.
In those cases, he and Dallas County Health Director Philip Huang said they're not only limiting exposure, but preserving the personal protective equipment desperately needed by doctors and nurses right now.
The order does not apply to critical facilities, such as transit facilities, banks, groceries and businesses that provide food, shelter and social services, as long as people are not within six feet of each other for extended periods.
The order also does not apply to office buildings as long as employers take steps "reasonably possible" to implement social distancing.
The number of cases in the county jumped to 95 on Saturday, up from 74 a day earlier.
How to Avoid COVID-19 Infection:
The best way to prevent infection is to take precautions to avoid exposure to this virus, which are similar to the precautions you take to avoid the flu. CDC always recommends these everyday actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:
- 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.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
*Information shared from the Office of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott
