Two weeks ago in Dallas, a crowded running trail, bustling malls and packed restaurants were the norm.

Now, Dallas’ mayor and the county’s top official have issued orders for people to shelter in place — essentially prohibiting any gatherings as officials try to slow the spread of the new coronavirus.

But despite those orders, the city has received at least 853 calls about large gatherings in the past week. Before that, the number was zero. According to the mayor’s office Tuesday, 150 violation notices were issued after the calls, which are similar to warnings before a citation is issued.

The source of the complaints? Restaurants, bars and gyms that were not complying with the orders.

After Dallas County and the city’s shelter-in-place orders were imposed over the past two days — which are some of the strictest in the state — Dallas city officials grappled with how to enforce the orders. The issue came up during an ad-hoc City Council committee meeting convened to address the coronavirus pandemic.

Officials tasked code compliance officers with enforcing the orders, but they are likely to face staffing challenges as they have about 180 officers to respond to calls. At one point, the city discussed the possibility of litigation to stop repeat offenders.

Joggers on the Katy Trail in Dallas ran past a sign advising social distancing measures on March 23, 2020. (Juan Figueroa / Staff Photographer)

Policing people to stay in their homes except for crucial work and errands is uncharted territory for officials — and even police. According to the order, all businesses that aren’t deemed essential also must stop operating. The county’s order applies to more than two dozen cities, including Dallas, Coppell, Cedar Hill, Cockrell Hill and DeSoto.

On Tuesday, Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson issued emergency regulations that would enforce the county’s stay-at-home order in parts of the city that don’t fall under the county’s jurisdiction. The order includes parts of Collin, Dallas, Denton, Kaufman and Rockwall counties.

The Code Compliance Department — which typically deals with issues like high weeds and bulk trash — has been brought to the frontlines of the city’s COVID-19 response.

Code officers now patrol the Katy Trail, a popular Uptown bike and running spot that has become the leisure site for many stuck at home. Code compliance officers placed signs on the trail, reminding people that 6 feet of distance is needed at all times for compliance during outdoor exercise.

Roxana Rubio, who works for Dallas’ public affairs office, said a majority of the violations were related to restaurants still working without drive-through, takeout or delivery.

“We have also received complaints about bars, private clubs, gyms, commercial amusement and theaters still operating,” Rubio said.

Places with the most calls regarding gatherings were in District 6, which encompasses West Dallas and Bachman Lake, and District 10, which includes Lake Highlands and Hamilton Park, according to Rubio.

If a business doesn’t follow the amended emergency regulations, code officers can issue violation notices and citations that get sorted out at city court. They can also request assistance if needed from Dallas police.

Officials said fines for noncompliance can range from $50 to $2,000. It’s unclear how much authority police have in enforcing county orders or how citations will be handled as the city municipal court remains closed.

Adam McGough, co-chair of the COVID-19 ad hoc committee that focuses on social issues, said officials were navigating a “historic” time for the city and country.

But how to make sure people follow the rules to limit the spread will be crucial moving forward.

“That’s going to come up in all of our areas of focus. How do we deal with enforcement and what does that look like?” McGough said in a meeting with officials Sunday night.

Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins’ order came the same day the number of positive coronavirus cases in the county continued to rise.

Chris Caso, Dallas’ city attorney, said his office was further reviewing the legal implication of the order for “repeat offenders.” At one point, Caso said, there could be a potential for litigation as a last resort.

“Obviously we want to take every step before that," Caso said at the meeting. "Warnings, citations — but that is a possibility.”