5.1 WHAT DOES THE PRESIDENT’S MAJOR DISASTER DECLARATION MEAN FOR THE STATE OF TEXAS?

President Donald J. Trump declared that a major disaster exists in the State of Texas and ordered Federal assistance to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic beginning on January 20, 2020, and continuing.

The President’s action makes Federal funding available for Crisis Counseling for affected individuals in all areas in the State of Texas. Federal funding is also available to State and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations for emergency protective measures, including direct Federal assistance, for all areas in the State of Texas impacted by COVID-19.

5.2 HAS THE STATE OF TEXAS DECLARED A PUBLIC HEALTH DISASTER?

Yes. The Texas Department of State Health Services determined that, as of March 19th, 2020, COVID-19 represents a public health disaster within the meaning of Chapter 81 of the Texas Health and Safety Code. On Aug. 8, 2020, the Governor of Texas extended his Declaration of Disaster for all areas in the State of Texas.

5.3 WHAT ACTION HAS GOVERNOR ABBOTT TAKEN IN RESPONSE TO THE DECLARATION OF PUBLIC HEALTH DISASTER?

5.3.1 GOVERNOR ABBOTT’S WEBSITE:

See https://gov.texas.gov/coronavirus

5.3.2 PHASES TO REOPEN TEXAS:

See https://gov.texas.gov/organization/opentexas

5.3.3 TEXANS HELPING TEXANS: GOVERNOR’S REPORT TO REOPEN TEXAS - The document expands on Phase 1 to Reopen Texas and GA 18. Please note that the checklists in the report are obsolete, but they can be found at https://open.texas.gov/

Individual responsibilities

Special Guidance for Texans over Age 65

Long-term Care Mitigation Plan

Testing actions

DSHS Statewide Contract Tracing Program

Steps to Open Businesses

Minimum standard health protocols for individuals, customers, outdoor sports participants, all employers, retailers, restaurants, movie theaters, libraries and museums, churches/places of worship. For links to checklist pdfs, see Section 5.23 WHERE CAN I FIND THE GOVERNOR’S CHECKLISTS ON REOPENING?

5.4 WHAT ACTION HAS COUNTY JUDGE PAPE TAKEN IN RESPONSE TO THE DECLARATION OF PUBLIC HEALTH DISASTER IN BASTROP COUNTY?

See https://www.co.bastrop.tx.us/page/em.coronavirus

5.5 DOES THIS MEAN ALL BUSINESSES IN BASTROP COUNTY MUST SHUT DOWN?

None of these official Orders close all businesses. The Governor's order allows businesses considered Essential Services to remain open, so long as precautions are maintained to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. The County Judge’s Order requires all businesses that remain open to maintain a daily record of the health of all employees as it relates to COVID-19 symptoms.

5.6 WHAT ARE “ESSENTIAL” BUSINESSES?

5.6.1 Essential Services

Essential Services are as defined in the US Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce, Version 2.0. Government and judicial services are Essential Services. This document is available at: www.tdem.texas.gov/essentialservices

5.6.2 Reopened Businesses

For individuals, customers, businesses and organizations, the Governor’s Strike Force to Open Texas has created easy to follow checklists for health and safety so that we can continue to flatten the curve on COVID-19. Before going out, please click on the relevant links at Section 5.23 WHERE CAN I FIND THE GOVERNOR’S CHECKLIST ON REOPENING – THE MINIMUM STANDARD HEALTH PROTOCOLS?

5.6.2A I AM AN EMPLOYEE OF A RETAIL BUSINESS RE-OPENING. WHAT SHOULD I DO TO KEEP MYSELF AND OUR CUSTOMERS SAFE?

All employees must be trained on environmental cleaning and disinfection, hand hygiene, and respiratory etiquette.

All employees must be screened before coming into the business for new or worsening cough; shortness of breath; sore throat; loss of taste or smell; feeling feverish or a measured temperature greater than or equal to 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit; or known close contact with a person who is lab-confirmed to have COVID-19. Any employee who meets any of these criteria should be sent home.

Upon entering the business, employees must wash or sanitize hands.

All employees must wear face coverings.

Employees must maintain at least 6 feet separation from one another.

Employees must wash or sanitize their hands after each interaction with a customer, and whenever possible, must disinfect any item that came into contact with the customer.

Information from Texas Department of State Health Services.

CHECKLIST FOR RETAILERS

5.6.2B I AM A CUSTOMER. HOW DO I PURCHASE AND OBTAIN GOODS FROM A RETAIL STORE THAT HAS JUST RE-OPENED?

All retail stores may open at 50% capacity for in-store shopping. This percent does not include staff and contractors.

However, pickup, delivery by mail, or delivery to the customer’s doorstep, is still encouraged, especially for those over age 65 or at risk individuals. The customer should wash or sanitize hands before and after every transaction.

Before going, please read CHECKLIST FOR RETAIL CUSTOMERS

5.6.2C HOW DO I SHOP IF I DON’T FEEL COMFORTABLE IN CROWDS?

You can continue to use the options stores set in place before in-store shopping was available. Those age 65 and older and those with underlying health conditions are encouraged to shop remotely. Call the store to see if they still follow the procedures below.

• Retail to-go (curbside):

All payments should be done over the phone or internet if possible, and contact should be minimized if remote payment is not available.

Purchased items should be delivered by the employee to the backseat or trunk of the customer’s vehicle whenever possible to minimize physical contact with the customer.

• Retail delivery to customer’s doorstep:

All payments over the phone or internet if possible, and contact should be minimized if remote payment is not available.

Purchased items should be delivered by an employee or third-party carrier and delivered to the customer’s doorstep. The employee or third-party carrier may not enter the customer’s house or business.

• Retail delivery by mail:

All payments over the phone or internet.

Purchased items should be delivered by mail without customer contact.

• Home Delivery of essential goods and prescriptions

Contact the COVID-19 INFORMATION HOTLINE at 512-303-4300 for assistance.



5.6.3 CAN I OPEN AN OUTDOOR MARKET or SIDEWALK SHOPPING?

Yes. Please be mindful of setting up to allow 6 feet of social distancing.

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*** The following sections are listed on this website under tab REOPENED BUSINESSES:

Section 5.6.4 WHAT BUSINESSES HAVE REOPENED?

Section 5.6.5 CAN I GET MARRIED NOW?

Section 5.6.6 WHAT BUSINESSES ARE STILL CLOSED?

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5.7 WHAT HEALTH MEASURES DO BUSINESSES NEED TO TAKE?

All businesses open to the public in Texas are required to follow Governor Abbott’s minimum health standard protocols. See Section 5.23 WHERE CAN I FIND THE GOVERNOR’S CHECKLIST ON REOPENING – THE MINIMUM HEALTH PROTOCOLS?

Daily monitoring of the health of each employee

General sanitation

Social Distancing measures that keep customers 6 feet apart

Designate an employee on each shift to active monitor and enforce these protocols

Keep records of these actions, which must be available to the Local Health Authority upon request

Businesses should read “Texans Helping Texans: The Governors Report to Open Texas” and follow guidelines therein to keep their customers and employees healthy.

5.8 WHY ARE THESE RESTRICTIONS IN PLACE IN BASTROP COUNTY?

These restrictions on the movement of people and promotion of health measures such as social distancing and wearing face coverings are meant to strengthen and safeguard our communities by curbing the spread of the virus. These coming weeks are critical in the fight against COVID-19. As Texans, we must act responsibly to protect ourselves and our neighbors.

5.9 DOES ANY OFFICIAL ORDER REQUIRE THAT WE CLOSE ALL CITY AND COUNTY OPERATIONS?

No. The Governor’s Order refers to Essential Services as defined in the US Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce, Version 2.0. Government and judicial services are Essential Services. This document is available at: www.tdem.texas.gov/essentialservices

In Bastrop County, governmental and court offices generally closed to public access, but continue to help people via email and phone, or in person if necessary.

5.10 ARE RESTAURANTS OPEN FOR DINE-IN?

Yes, with restrictions. Please see Section 5.6.4A.2

Restaurants throughout Texas may still prepare food for non-dine-in business, such as drive-thru, pick-up, call-in orders, and delivery options. These non-dine-in options are encouraged to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Click on the link for open restaurants in your area: https://www.bastropcares.org/covid-19

5.11 ARE BARS OPEN FOR DINE-IN?

See Section 5.6.4D REOPENED SERVICES ON MAY 22

5.12 WILL GROCERY STORES SHUT DOWN?

Food and food services are Essential Services. We are told that our local grocery stores are here to serve our communities and will not be closing. Their warehouses are full, and deliveries are arriving regularly.

• Please remember to practice social distancing and we encourage you to wear a face covering

• When possible, send only one person from your family to purchase your weekly groceries.

• It is imperative we remember to be kind, only take what you need, and leave some for your neighbors.



5.12.1 DO I NEED TO BUY BOTTLED WATER?

Water provided by the Cities of Bastrop, Elgin, and Smithville, and Aqua Water Supply meet or exceed stringent requirements from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and is safe to drink. The water from your tap is safe to drink.

5.13 WHEN WILL THE TRANSFER STATIONS OPEN?

Bastrop County Transfer Station, 600 Coolwater Dr., Bastrop is not yet open. Other transfer stations around the county are privately owned; we do not control their operating hours.

5.14 ARE DAYCARES OPEN?

Yes. All daycares are reopened. These include YMCA and Boys & Girls Club type care. See Section 5.6.4C.3 Child Care Centers.

5.14.1 DAYCARE FACILITY GUIDELINES

Please follow the guidelines set forth in the checklists under Child Care Centers under Section 5.6.4C.3.



5.14.2 FACE COVERINGS AT DAYCARES

After further review of the CDC’s guidance specifically addressing childcare and child daycare, Bastrop County Judge sees no recommendation for face coverings on children in these programs. Therefore, Bastrop County COVID19 Order #1A does NOT require face coverings for children in daycare or childcare. Teachers, administrators, directors, parents and guardians of children in such programs should review the CDC details on daycares and preschools in the link below, and follow the recommendations.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/guidance-for-childcare.html

5.15 ARE CHURCHES OPEN FOR SERVICES?

Yes.

5.15.1 RIGHTS UNDER U.S. CONSTITUTION AND TEXAS CONSTITUTION

The First Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article I of the Texas Constitution protect the right of Texans to worship and freely exercise their religion according to the dictates of their own consciences. In addition, the Texas Religious Freedom Restoration Act (“RFRA”) provides additional protections to faith communities, and government must ensure that it complies with RFRA when it acts, even during a disaster. Thus, when state or local governments issue orders prohibiting people from providing or obtaining certain services, they must ensure that these orders do not violate these constitutional and statutory rights.

5.15.2 ALTERNATE WAYS OF WORSHIPING REMOTELY

Under Governor Abbott’s Executive Order GA 14, churches are considered Essential Services and can meet in person, though it is encouraged to hold remote services to keep your congregation healthy. Some churches are looking at alternate ways to hold services, such as on Facebook Live or with drive-up services in a parking lot using the car radio. Check with your church to see in what creative ways they are holding services to keep people safe.

5.15.3 GUIDELINES TO FOLLOW IF IN PERSON

If you attend a house of worship, each household must sit at least six feet apart on all sides from other households, and people must wear a face covering.

Other guidelines to follow include:

• Instruct sick employees, volunteers, and guests to stay home;

• Practice social distancing by maintaining appropriate distance between people, that means no hugging non-household members;

• Maintain good hygiene by washing your hands frequently, using hand sanitizer, using your elbow to cover coughs, and not touching your face;

• Implement environmental cleanliness and sanitation practices; and

• Clean and disinfect work areas frequently.

Before going, please read the CHECKLIST FOR CHURCH/WORSHIP ATTENDEES

Houses of worship, like providers of other essential services, are to follow additional guidance from the White House and CDC whenever possible.

When conducting services, houses of worship may consider implementing the following practices:

• Encourage all attendees who are 65 and above to stay home and watch the services online, or provide a “senior service” exclusively for attendees 65 and above to attend in person.

• Ask all attendees who have an underlying at-risk health condition to stay home and watch the services online.

• Equip ushers and greeters with gloves and masks.

• Consider keeping child care closed, unless the house of worship can comply with CDC guidelines for child care facilities.

• Ensure all attendees sanitize their hands and put on a mask before entering the building.

• Ensure attendees sit with their family unit, use social distancing between each unit, and, if necessary, add more service times to facilitate distancing.

• Clergy should dismiss attendees by family unit, maintaining social distancing.

• Staff should sanitize seats and frequently touched surfaces between services.

• Consider refraining from passing collection plates and instead provide a central collection box in the building or encourage online giving.

• Consider how the sacraments can be administered without attendees having to touch the same surfaces and objects.

CHECKLIST FOR CHURCHES/PLACES OF WORSHIP

5.15.4 THESE GUIDELINES DO NOT VIOLATE THE RELIGIOUS LIBERTY OF HOUSES OF WORSHIP.

Under the extraordinary circumstances in which we temporarily live, these guidelines provide that houses of worship may remain open. The guidelines make only recommendations to houses of worship. They do not violate the religious liberty of houses of worship because the government has a compelling interest in recommending this guidance (stopping contagion) and the guidance is the least restrictive means of serving that compelling interest (allowing houses of worship to stay open for ministry, but suggesting ways that help slow the spread of COVID-19).

5.16 WHAT DO I DO IF MY CAR REGISTRATION IS ABOUT TO EXPIRE?

The Bastrop County Tax Office is open by drive through and in the lobby. However, customers must wear a face covering in the building. The Bastrop County Tax Office employees are still working on your behalf and are available by the following means:

Drive-Thru and in office are both available in Bastrop, Smithville, and Elgin offices

Online Vehicle registrations

Online tax payments.

Mail all tax and vehicle transactions - PO Box 579, Bastrop, TX 78602

Drop boxes available at all locations

Email: taxoffice@co.bastrop.tx.us

Phone:512-581-7161

5.17 CAN I GET MY HAIR OR NAILS DONE?

Yes, with some restrictions. See Section 5.6.4B, 5.6.4B.3

Before going, please read the CHECKLIST FOR NAIL SALON CUSTOMERS

CHECKLIST FOR NAIL SALONS / SHOPS

5.18 SHOULD I BE WORKING FROM HOME?

Yes, if feasible, working from home is encouraged. Please talk to your owner or manager.

5.19 CAN I FILE FOR UNEMPLOYMENT IF I QUIT BECAUSE I’M AFRAID OF GETTING THE VIRUS?

No. Unemployment benefits are only for those who have been laid off or fired from their jobs.

However, the Governor’s Executive Order does make exceptions for people who refuse rehire based on specific reason which are reviewed on a case to case basis. See Texas Workforce Commission: https://www.twc.texas.gov/texas-workforce-commission-issues-guidance-unemployment-claimants



5.20 I FEEL BUT MY DOCTOR DOESN’T THINK I NEED TO BE TESTED. MY BOSS WANTS A NOTE OR I’LL BE FIRED. WHAT DO I DO?

You can call one of the medical hotlines to be evaluated. See Section 1.5.1 I THINK I HAVE COVID-19, BUT I HAVEN’T SEEN A DOCTOR. WHAT DO I DO NOW?

Your employer may not require a doctor’s note for your sick absence. However, because you are symptomatic, the Judge’s Order mandates that you self-quarantine yourself for 14-days or until you are released by a medical doctor.

Your entire household must also self-quarantine for 14 days. You and other members in your household are forbidden to go to work, school, daycare, social or religious gatherings, shopping or any other community function, until released by a Medical Doctor.

5.21 CAN I GET NEW TIRES ON MY CAR OR GET OTHER MAINTENANCE DONE?

If a business is open, you may buy their products/services but many are taking appointments rather than walk-ins to maintain social distancing guidelines. Please call ahead to see if they are taking customers and when you should go.

5.22 WHERE CAN I FIND THE GOVERNOR’S CHECKLIST ON REOPENING – THE MINIMUM STANDARD HEALTH PROTOCOLS?

In Governor Abbott’s “Texans Helping Texans: The Governor’s Report to Open Texas,” there are several checklists provided to assist individuals, businesses, and churches with the minimum standard health protocols. Entire list of PDF documents is at https://gov.texas.gov/organization/opentexas

Individuals are encouraged to read any document relevant to their upcoming outing before heading out the door.

Businesses are encouraged to post the relevant checklists for themselves and their customers in an easy to read location, and to do more than the minimum if their situation calls for more rigorous safety measures.

The entire report, “Texans Helping Texans: The Governor’s Report to Open Texas,” is posted on the OEM’s page under RECOVERY: https://www.co.bastrop.tx.us/page/em.coronavirus

5.22A INDIVIDUALS

CHECKLIST FOR INDIVIDUALS

SPECIAL GUIDANCE FOR TEXANS OVER 65



CHECKLIST FOR OFFICE-BASED EMPLOYEES



5.22B BUSINESSES

CHECKLIST FOR ALL EMPLOYERS

CHECKLIST FOR SINGLE PERSON OFFICES

CHECKLIST FOR MANUFACTURERS

CHECLIST FOR OFFICE-BASED EMPLOYERS

5.23 CAN I THROW A BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR MY CHILD?

Yes, however keeping the event small, social distancing of 6 feet even between children, hand washing and face coverings are recommended if people not in the same household are in attendance.

• Do not let the child blow out candles on a cake – airborne droplets are the easiest way COVID-19 is spread.

• Do not have a buffet of food or utensils set out.

• Have one person wearing gloves serve each person all food and drink.

• Do not let children use playground equipment since it cannot be sanitized between children playing on it.

• Those age 65 and older and those with underlying health conditions are advised to not attend.

Since it is difficult to keep excited children separated, hosting a virtual birthday party with his friends, with only in-person attendance for those in your household, would be better to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

In Governor Abbott’s Executive Order GA 23 signed May 18, it states: “In accordance with guidance from DSHS Commissioner Dr. Hellerstedt, and to achieve the goals established by the President to reduce the spread of COVID-19, every person in Texas shall, except where necessary to provide or obtain Covered Services, minimize social gatherings and minimize in-person contact with people who are not in the same household.”

5.24 CAN I THROW A BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR MY SON?

Yes, however keeping the event small, social distancing of 6 feet even between children, hand washing and face coverings are recommended if people not in the same household are in attendance.

• Do not let the child blow out candles on a cake – airborne droplets are the easiest way COVID-19 is spread.

• Do not have a buffet of food or utensils set out.

• Have one person wearing gloves serve each person all food and drink.

• Do not let children use playground equipment since it cannot be sanitized between children playing on it.

• Those age 65 and older and those with underlying health conditions are advised to not attend.

Since it is difficult to keep excited children separated, hosting a virtual birthday party with his friends, with only in-person attendance for those in your household, would be better to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

In Governor Abbott’s Executive Order GA 23 signed May 18, it states: “In accordance with guidance from DSHS Commissioner Dr. Hellerstedt, and to achieve the goals established by the President to reduce the spread of COVID-19, every person in Texas shall, except where necessary to provide or obtain Covered Services, minimize social gatherings and minimize in-person contact with people who are not in the same household.”

5.25 CAN I VISIT MY MOM IN THE NURSING HOME?

Yes, with restrictions. On Aug. 6, Governor Abbott has reopened nursing homes, assisted living and long term care facilities for limited visitation. If you are feeling sick, please do not visit. These restrictions are to keep the most vulnerable of our population safe.

5.25.A NURSING HOMES

At nursing homes, there must be no active cases of COVID-19 among residents and no confirmed cases of staff in the last two weeks. Physical contact between residents and visitors is not allowed. Only outdoor visits will be allowed.

5.25.B ASSISTED LIVING AND LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES

At assisted living facilities, some indoor visits will be permitted, provided there are plexiglass barriers, there are no active cases of the novel coronavirus among residents and there are no confirmed cases among staff in the last two weeks. Physical contact between residents and visitors will not be permitted.

