Notable local developments regarding the response to COVID-19, or the novel coronavirus.
County
In an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus, Tarrant County issued a stay-in-place Executive Order on Tuesday, March 24, 2020. The order was amended it on March 27, and again on April 3.
Key provisions:
- All persons shall stay at their place of residence; only essential travel is permitted.
- Most public or private gatherings of any number of people occurring outside a single household are prohibited.
- Individuals sharing indoor or outdoor spaces must practice social distancing.
- Non-essential businesses may continue Minimum Basic Operations, but shall not allow members of the public to occupy business premises.
- Restaurants may provide service only by drive-through, curbside, or carryout service.
- All elective medical, surgical, and dental procedures are prohibited.
- If someone in a household has tested positive for Covid-19, the entire household must isolate at home.
The most recently amended version of the Order remains in effect until April 30, 2020, unless terminated or modified by a subsequent order.
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. A second Executive Order was issued on March 31.
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.
TRACKING COVID-19 IN TARRANT COUNTY
Total number of confirmed cases, as reported by Tarrant County Public Health
| Date | No. | Recovered | Deaths |
| 3/13 | 2 | N/A | N/A |
| 3/16 | 5 | N/A | N/A |
| 3/20 | 29 | 2 | 1 |
| 3/24 | 71 | 3 | 1 |
| 3/25 | 90 | 3 | 1 |
| 3/26 | 100 | 3 | 1 |
| 3/30 | 155 | 1 | 3 |
| 4/2 | 288 | 18 | 3 |
| 4/3 | 383 | 23 | 7 |
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Benbrook currently has four cases; one has recovered and there have been no deaths.
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.In addition, the Benbrook Economic Development Corporation has created a reimbursement program for temporary signs. Benbrook consumers are encouraged to continue to support local eateries by using their drive-through, curbside pickup, or delivery options.
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
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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)