Dallas County limits ‘recreational’ gatherings to slow cases of coronavirus

Dallas County continued to crack down on crowds Wednesday, limiting social events to fewer than 10 people to slow the spread of coronavirus.

Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins announced the update at a news conference after the county confirmed a total of 39 known presumptive positive coronavirus cases.

The new limit applies to “recreational” gatherings such as house parties or pick-up basketball games, Jenkins said. Large-scale “community” gatherings such as weddings, funerals and other religious services are still limited to 50 people.

“Less is better,” Jenkins said. “I’ve lost a lot of sleep. I’ve done a lot of praying, talked to a lot of doctors about this. I’m not at the point where I’m going to tell a family, at this point, they can’t go to their loved one’s funeral.”

The effort stops short of the “shelter in place” policies other major cities are enacting to curb the spread of the coronavirus, which so far has killed more than 100 people in the United States, including two in North Texas. However, it is among the strictest policies on public gatherings in Texas.

“It’s going to get worse before it gets better," Jenkins said. “We’re not in a place where we need to shelter in place. I will tell you every interaction you have has some risk.”

Jenkins suggested the county would announce Friday an “exponentially” greater number of new COVID-19 cases. COVID-19 is the disease that follows the coronavirus.

Jenkins, who leads the state’s second-largest county, also suggested statewide action would be announced Friday. Jenkins has criticized Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, for not enacting a shutdown of bars and restaurants. Jenkins said this week that the effort to stop the coronavirus from spreading in Dallas would mean little if the state did not take action.

Abbott said earlier on Wednesday that he’d make an announcement on new statewide efforts Thursday.

“I think the governor is catching up to where you’ve seen the counties of Dallas and Bexar and Travis and El Paso and Harris lead," Jenkins said. “I’ve encouraged him to look at those five counties that have led in this crisis.”

He added that it would be important for counties to have the flexibility to enact stricter regulations if necessary: “We’re seeing a rapid community spread. We have to act aggressively.”

He once again urged North Texans to stay home unless absolutely necessary and not to horde food and other household supplies.

“If a trip is not critical, don’t do it,” he said.

Jenkins added that a trove of tests is on the way, and plans are underway to open two massive testing sites that will be able to collect samples from 5,000 people a week. The new sites will be reserved mostly for individuals over 60 and those with chronic health conditions.

Among other changes announced Wednesday: a temporary halt to eviction hearings by Dallas County peace officers.

This is the second time Jenkins has updated his order since it was first issued last week.

The Dallas County commissioners are expected to meet Thursday to vote on whether to extend the order for a month. Meanwhile, the Dallas City Council agreed to enact Mayor Eric Johnson’s orders until the end of April.