

Exercise gyms and similar facilities, however, are not included.

Home-based and residential-based care for seniors, adults, or children are also included. Nevertheless, the Order has provided the following guidance to assist businesses in making this determination:Įssential Healthcare Operations: Includes hospitals, clinics, dentists, pharmacies, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, veterinarians, mental health providers, substance abuse service providers, medical research, laboratory services, or any related healthcare services. Instead, the determination seems to be entrusted entirely to businesses, which may be subject to an instruction from local law enforcement to cease operations. There does not currently appear to be a procedure in place that would allow a business to obtain a provisional designation as an “essential business” under the Order. The Order broadly defines an “essential business” to include nine categories of businesses: (1) essential healthcare operations (2) essential government functions (3) education (4) essential critical infrastructure (5) essential retail (6) providers of basic necessities to economically disadvantaged populations (7) essential services necessary to maintain essential operations of residences or other essential businesses (8) news media and (9) childcare services. What constitutes an “essential business?” Individuals living outside of Denton County who work or conduct business in Denton County for a nonessential business must comply with the Order and work remotely if possible. In addition, because the Order requires non-essential businesses in Denton County to cease onsite operations, the Order also affects residents of nearby counties who work in Denton County. Although businesses that are deemed essential by the Order may remain operating from their normal offices and facilities, they must continue to comply with the social distancing guidelines set forth by the CDC, including maintaining six-foot social distancing. Unless a business falls within the Order’s definition of “essential business,” it must cease all activities, with the exception that employees may continue performing work activities from home to the extent possible. What does this mean for businesses operating in Denton County? Specifically, a violation of the Order is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $1,000 or confinement in jail for a term not to exceed 180 days. Texas Commissioned Peace Officers are authorized to enforce the Order, and violations are subject to criminal and civil enforcement. Specifically, while the Order is in place, individuals residing in Denton County are permitted to leave their residences only to engage in certain “essential activities,” travel to businesses outside of Denton County, provide or perform “essential governmental functions,” or operate “essential businesses,” as such terms are defined in the Order. Similar to other stay at home orders that have been issued around the country, this Order mandates that all individuals living within Denton County “STAY AT HOME” with few narrow exceptions. Denton County is one of at least 22 Texas counties that have issued, or will be issuing, an order of this type to date. on March 24, 2020, and continuing through March 31, 2020, unless extended by the Denton County Commissioners Court or rescinded by Judge Eads. On March 24, 2020, Denton County Judge Andy Eads issued a “stay at home” order ( Order) for individuals residing in Denton County, Texas, effective as of 11:59 p.m. NOTE : Because the COVID-19 situation is dynamic, with new governmental measures each day, employers should consult with counsel for the latest developments and updated guidance on this topic. We’re ready for your tomorrow – because we’re built for it.Global Workplace Transformation Initiative.Littler Restructuring Assessment Solution.General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
