Waxahachie/Red Oak get new orders for pandemic

WAXAHACHIE – For residents in Waxahachie, that city has issued an updated Disaster Declaration Order in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

The new order is effective immediately.

The order basically extends the original order issued March 16, 2020 giving the city the ability to enact certain protective emergency measures.

This is said to be designed to ensure the continued safety and health of the community, according to a City of Waxahachie press release. It will also allow the city to access reimbursement funding in the event expenses are incurred as a result of COVID-19.

“With this Declaration, all previous mayoral disaster declarations are repealed, and incorporates the provisions of any executive order or similar directive issued by the President of the United States, Governor of Texas, or County Judge and/or Commissioners Court of Ellis County,” the press release stated. “Specifically, this order incorporates Governor Abbott’s order GA-18 related to the expanded and systematic plan to reopen Texas. This order also aligns the city with the timelines of any declarations issued by the governor.”

Waxahachie City Manager Michael Scott said “Issuing this declaration was necessary to put the City of Waxahachie fully in line with the Governor of Texas as we begin to re-open our state. Additionally, having this order in place will allow the city to continue to access reimbursement funding for COVID-19 related expenses.”

In Red Oak, Mayor Mark Stanfill and council reminded residents Governor Greg Abbott’s executive orders went into effect May 1, 2020 at 12:01 a.m.

“At that time, his orders will supersede any of the City of Red Oak’s orders that may be more restrictive to any essential or reopened service,” the press release stated.

The release said the city would no longer be enforcing the requirement to wear masks.

“Even after the governor’s order supersedes ours, I still strongly urge you to follow CDC guidelines, which recommend the use of face coverings. Houses of worship should conduct as many activities as possible remotely and should follow the minimum health protocols listed in these guidelines when providing services in person,” the press release added.