Effective Dec. 4, all businesses in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, including those in Collin and Dallas counties, whose occupancy rates were increased to 75 percent in October are required to lower their occupancy rates to 50 percent. The reductions come after the percentage of COVID-19 confirmed patients in regional hospitals, as a percentage of available hospital beds, exceeded 15 percent for seven consecutive days.
The automatic reduction is authorized through Gov. Greg Abbott’s Executive Order GA-32, which states bars must close temporarily and restaurants, retail stores, office buildings, manufacturing facilities, gyms and exercise facilities and classes, museums, and libraries may operate at 50 percent capacity. The use by bars or similar establishments of drive-thru, pickup, or delivery options for food and drinks remains allowed to the extent authorized by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, or TABC. A full list of affected businesses can be located at https://open.texas.gov/. As part of the governor’s order, elective medical procedures must also temporarily stop.
The reductions will remain in place until there are seven consecutive days where the percentage of COVID-19 confirmed patients in regional hospitals as a percentage of available hospital beds is at 15 percent or less.
