RICHMOND – Following the example set forth by many other counties, Fort Bend County is seeking to limit the COVID-19 spread by closing bars and limiting restaurant services.
A set of guidelines enacting public gathering restrictions for the general public to follow were issued March 16. The order was issued by Fort Bend County Judge KP George, Fort Bend County Health and Human Services Director and local health authority Dr. Jacquelyn Johnson Minter, and other county officials.
The restrictions will expire on March 31 at midnight unless deemed otherwise. The order states that restaurants with or without drive-in or drive-thru services and microbreweries, micro-distilleries, or wineries may only provide take out, delivery, or drive-through services as allowed by law. Business such as nightclubs,lounges, bars, taverns, arcades and private clubs will close up shop as well.
George focused on the unity and teamwork aspects behind these restrictions, stating that flattening the curve couldn't be done alone and would require everyone to work together.
“Minimizing the spread of COVID-19 is something that government officials cannot do alone," George told KHOU.com. "Enacting this order will protect our frontline emergency and medical personnel and those at higher risk of becoming seriously ill from COVID-19. From The White House to our regional partners, we agree that this situation requires all of us, including the young and healthy, to follow and make sacrifices if our community is going to remain healthy and intact. We must listen to the science, data, and medical experts to ensure we do all that we can to flatten the curve and spread of COVID-19.”
Minter confirmed the need to protect the elderly and those with medical conditions that make them more susceptible to the damaging effects of the virus.
“We need to protect our parents, grandparents, and those who have chronic medical conditions,” Minter said. "It will take the entire community to slow the spread of COVID-19. Science shows that proactive measures like this help flatten the curve and slow spread of COVID-19, especially when there is evidence of community spread in our region."
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