Montgomery County judge closes hair salons and tattoo parlors, tightens restrictions on nursing homes

Tattoo artist Dustin “Gil” Gillihan pose for a portrait at Twisted Angels Art Studio, Tuesday, March 24, 2020, in Conroe. Tattoo artist Dustin “Gil” Gillihan pose for a portrait at Twisted Angels Art Studio, Tuesday, March 24, 2020, in Conroe. Photo: Jason Fochtman, Houston Chronicle / Staff Photographer Photo: Jason Fochtman, Houston Chronicle / Staff Photographer Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Montgomery County judge closes hair salons and tattoo parlors, tightens restrictions on nursing homes 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough held his ground Wednesday in refusing to issue a stay-at-home order but he did release updated orders closing hair salons, tattoo parlors and cosmetic businesses as the number of COVID-19 cases jumped to 31.

The order, originally signed March 16 and with the new amendments effective Thursday morning, now restricts visitors to nursing home to critical assistance and end of life visitation.

The orders also stipulates any violation is punishable punishable by a fine not to exceed $1,000 dollars or confinement in jail for a term no greater than 180 days. The order does not extend to law enforcement activities, emergency responses and court operations or grand jury operations.

The order is in effect through April 3.

Keough faced some backlash on social media after announcing Tuesday he would not impose harsher limits on residents amid the growing number COVID-19 in the county. In fact, some surrounding county leaders have contacted Keough for information to avoid issuing stay-at-home orders to their residents.

“We are not putting more restrictions on what we have; our people are being compliant,” Keough said. “The order has teeth. We have law enforcement all over this county ready and willing to bring people into compliance.

“We are going to get through this Montgomery County strong.”

Amended March 18, the order also stipulates all restaurants cease all onsite dining operations but could continue to-go, takeout, delivery and catering operations. Additionally, all bars, clubs, gyms, movie theaters and amusement type businesses needed cease all operations.

The order cancels any event sponsored or permitted by Montgomery County and events greater than 10 people at public facilities. Keough urged events greater than 10 people at private facilities to cease operations as well.

Retail stores, private businesses, clubs or civic organizations and religious organizations to include churches, synagogues, mosques or other places of worship were urged to comply with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines related to 10 persons gathering in any one place or at one time.

Retail stores who sell groceries or medical supplies are exempt from the order.

cdominguez@hcnonline.com