Judge relaxes Governor’s amended COVID-19 order

WAXAHACHIE – As residents in Ellis County were making plans for the Fourth of July this past weekend, Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a proclamation mandating no outdoor gatherings with more than 10 people. 

The only exception would be if the county judge approved gatherings more than that number allowed.

Ellis County Judge Todd Little decided this past Friday to let the residents decide.

“It is the responsibility of Ellis County to come together during these unprecedented times and take precautionary action to protect the health of our community,” Judge Little said. 

“I have good faith in the Ellis County citizens to exercise wisdom and sound judgment while celebrating their liberties and independence as Texans this Fourth of July weekend.” 

While Ellis County health officials recommended residents practice appropriate social distancing while in public, including wearing a mask and sanitizing hands as necessary, Little said he would not go so far as to mandate group sizes for the holiday weekend.

Commissioner Paul Perry, pct. 3, added to that sentiment, “You should keep your distance from folks, and especially folks who are not part of your normal circle,” Perry advised. 

“And you should get on with your life, because life is here to be lived and we should not be operating  like we are under siege. People can only handle so much of that, and I think it is time to give people a break.”

While Little did sign the proclamation Friday permitting Ellis County citizens to have outdoor gatherings of more than 10 people he also said, “I support personal liberties, and I think when you decide people need to mandate or not mandate masks, I would always side on not wearing masks or not mandating wearing masks.”

Little said depending on the situation with COVID-19 and the increasing numbers, “I think as a judge you can’t make pre-judgments,” but he concluded, “Obviously, intelligence means you remain flexible and listen to the professionals and you watch citizens and use wisdom in your decisions. However, at this point I am leaning toward not changing my mind as County Judge.”

To date, there is no expiration date for the Governor’s recent proclamation amending his earlier Executive Order, and no expiration for Judge Little’s Order for Ellis County.