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For those who are questioning why some businesses are allowed to remain open and others are not, during the Shelter In Place Order in Texarkana, Texas, this information may help you.
From the Texas Division of Emergency Management, under Texas Executive Order GS-14, there are
17 Sectors on the DHS Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce List
You must read the entire document, before making a request to find whether or not your business may be considered as Essential. Be ready…there’s a lot of ‘legal-ese’ in the wording, so you will need to read this carefully. In fact, knowing what is NOT considered Essential, may be easier:
Per Texas Executive Order GA-14 the following are NOT considered “essential services”:
Cosmetology Salons
Gyms
Massage Establishments
Tattoo Studios
Piercing Studios
Eating/Drinking Inside of Bars/Restaurants/Food Courts
The use of drive-thru, pickup, or delivery options for food and drinks is allowed and highly encouraged throughout the limited duration of the executive order.
And, in regards to church services:
Are you providing a religious service in a church, congregation, or house of worship?
A.) This sector is considered “essential service” under Texas Executive Order GA-14. If religious services cannot be conducted from home or through remote services, they should be conducted consistent with the Guidelines from the President and the CDC by practicing good hygiene, environmental cleanliness, and sanitation, and by implementing social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Hopefully, this will help you and your business or industry, during these new and uncertain times.