North Texas News

The Denton County Commissioners Court acknowledged the need to view Gov. Greg Abbott’s coronavirus-related executive orders as over-arching and superseding to any local orders.

The Disaster Declaration and Executive Order was approved last month by Denton County Commissioners Court. These orders will remain in effect. However, it is understood that any orders given by the governor will override any local orders.

According to the Cross Timbers Gazette, Denton County Judge Andy Eads made these comments following the issuance of executive orders at the state level.

“Our actions today keeps us congruent with the state directive for reopening the economy," Eads said. "The most recent orders by Gov. Abbott do stand as statewide directives. The county cannot reopen the economy with stricter measures than what the statewide order allows. We are aware of the concerns that allowing businesses to reopen could lead to a potential increase in the number of COVID-19 cases."

Eads said the county will diligently work to educate the public about the need to continue practicing social distancing and to promote the wearing of face coverings when going to work or visiting a retail establishment.

"It is important that everyone continues to practice good judgment and best practices as we begin to reopen the economy," Eads said. "We are not out of the woods on the COVID-19 pandemic.”

As of May 1, Texas reported 29,229 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, including 816 deaths. Denton County has 765 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

The state's "stay-at-home" executive orders originally issued March 31 was allowed to expire April 30. The governor has, however, ordered schools to remain closed for the remainder of this school year.

The governor also has established a "strike force" aimed at re-opening the state. According to the orders, "The Strike Force will represent a collaboration among medical professionals and public and private leaders, and shall have as its principal charges the following advisory duties, as well as any other advisory tasks assigned by the governor."

A list of Abbott's executive orders can be found here: https://gov.texas.gov/coronavirus.