Notable recent local developments regarding the response to COVID-19, or the coronavirus.

County
On Saturday, March 21, Tarrant County amended for the second time the Declaration of Disaster originally issued March 13. Key provisions include:

• Most non-essential businesses must close.
• Social gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited until further notice.
• People who do gather must practice “social distancing,” by maintaining a space of at least six feet between themselves at all times.
• If someone in a household has tested positive for COVID-19, the household is ordered to isolate at home, and other members of the household cannot attend any community functions.

The provisions remain in effect through March 28, and are enforceable by law.

State
On March 19, the Texas Health and Human Services department declared a public health emergency. That same day, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued an Executive Order that temporarily prohibits dining in at bars and restaurants, closes all Texas schools and gyms, and bans gatherings of more than 10 people, effective through April 3.

City
On March 16, Benbrook Mayor Jerry Dittrich issued an Order regarding the coronavirus response. The Mayor’s Order, which was amended on March 17, also strongly urges individuals to avoid gatherings of 10 or more persons, and further states that this recommendation applies to all members of our community, not just those individuals who are considered at “high-risk” for contracting the virus.

Also on March 16, Mayor Dittrich issued a Declaration of Local Disaster, which makes the City eligible to receive federal and state assistance with any needed response and recovery.

Supporting our Businesses
In an effort to assist local businesses during the crisis, the City has temporarily relaxed its signage regulations, allowing business owners to put up temporary portable signs or banners.

The Benbrook Economic Development Corporation is offering a reimbursement program for these type signs; for more information, call 817-249-6091. Benbrook consumers are encouraged to continue to support local eateries by using their drive-through, curbside pickup, and/or delivery options.

Current Status
As of Monday Morning, March 20, Tarrant County Public Health has reported a total of 47 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the county, including one Benbrook resident; two individuals have recovered and there has been one death. On Friday afternoon, the County had reported 29 cases.

In the event of a local medical emergency, Benbrook’s public safety teams are prepared to respond quickly with the appropriate precautions. City officials recognize the seriousness of the crisis. They are monitoring the situation daily, and will carefully consider the best course of action. At all times, City officials urge citizens to follow the recommendations of public health and safety officials, remain calm, and continue to work together in the spirit of our community.

Related Resources
Subscribe to Benbrook City News Flashes and other Alerts
See a list of local cancellations and closures
Follow the City on Facebook, Twitter, and Next Door
Texas Health and Human Services; the department can also be reached by dialing 211.
Tarrant County Public Health; the County has set up a coronavirus hotline, 817-248-6299 (staffed only during regular business hours)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Benbrook Police Department non-emergency: 817-249-1610
Benbrook Fire Department and Emergency Services: 249-1727
Benbrook City Hall: 817-249-3000 (staffed only during regular business hours)
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) coronavirus website