RO ORDERS: WEAR A MASK OR ELSE

RED OAK - The governor of Texas has spoken. So, what does that mean for cities and counties locally whose orders have been stricter than Governor Greg Abbott’s orders?

For example, the city of Red Oak in Ellis County.

That city decided a few weeks ago to take a stricter approach to the COVID-19 orders than had even been taken by the Ellis County Judge Todd Little.

The city of Red Oak’s Mayor Mark Stanfill decided everyone in that city – resident and visitor alike – must wear a mask.

In fact, there were signs along Ovilla Road stating it was mandatory.

At the Starbucks where I get my coffee everyday, there was a handwritten note on the menu board that said all employees and customers must wear a mask.

Red Oak City Manager Todd Fuller said Monday after Gov ernor Abbott’s press conference, “As far as I am aware, council is not planning to rescind or amend them [Red Oak city orders]. “Therefore, they would remain in effect until the governor’s latest order takes effect on May 1.

“At that point, the governor’s order will supersede all local orders and masks will no longer be required – but are still recommended.”

While Texas businesses that have been shut tight has certainly hurt the state’s economy, moves like Stanfill’s might also have hurt the city of Red Oak even more.

For the stores that are open, some locals said they just did not shop in that city because it was the only city who forced the mandatory mask rule.

“I decided to shop in neighboring Waxahachie or Lancaster,” said Ellis County resident Kay Wiggs, explaining she shopped at the Walmart and Starbucks in Waxahachie instead of her regular stops at those establishments in Red Oak.

“To try and remember which city has which rule is not worth it,” she said. “It is more convenient to shop during this time where you know the rules.”

The governor issued an executive order in a press conference Monday, stating on May 1 businesses that could reopen would include retail stores, malls, movie theaters, restaurants, non-interactive museums and libraries. Churches and places of worship could also expand capacity, but should still observe social distancing.

This decision was Abbott’s phase one to open Texas and establish statewide minimum health protocols.

Ellis County Judge Todd Little said in response to Abbott’s plan to reopen Texas, “By working together as a county, we have been successful in minimizing the loss of life and ongoing effects from COVID-19. COVID-19 has had a negative effect on all of us – it has affected our time with family and friends, our economic well-being, our schools and local businesses, and life as we know it here in Texas.”

Judge Little also commended Governor Abbott’s three-phase plan to safely and carefully reopen the Texas economy.

“The first priority of the plan is to protect the most vulnerable population, principally those individuals 65 and over and those with underlying conditions. A further priority is to continue robust testing and contact tracing across the state of Texas. The governor’s plan will require a commitment to social distancing and rely on guidance of medical professionals and data as we proceed forward. As Texans continue to join in the efforts of rebuilding our way of life, we will rely on entrepreneurs and business owners to kick start the Texas economy as we meet the criteria to fully reopen the State.”

Little declared a local disaster in Ellis County on March 17. Ellis County’s “Stay-Home, Stay-Safe” order expires April 30.

“Let it be clear that residents are free to stay home if they feel the need,” Little concluded. “I encourage all residents to wear masks while in public and to practice distancing where practicable. Residents should avoid all gatherings where safe distancing practices are not achievable. Everyone should recognize the partnership between customers and the businesses they patronize.”