Are you planning to attend a festival in Dallas County, TX? If so, you should be aware of the health and safety measures that are in place to protect you and other attendees. The Dallas County Department of Health and Human Services (DCHHS) has issued a number of orders and guidelines to help contain the spread of COVID-19. Event attendees and staff are strongly encouraged to wear a mask if they are not vaccinated. Masks will be required for all fairgoers in indoor spaces. Dallas County already requires the use of masks in many indoor public spaces, although the state is suing for that rule.
Karissa Condoianis, senior vice president for public relations at the Texas State Fair, said they are following the county. As of noon Friday, 194 cases of COVID-19 had been reported in Texas, including 74 cases in Dallas County, nine cases in Denton County, and 18 cases in Collin County. This announcement comes as Dallas County begins to report a decline in the daily COVID-19 case count. The recent public health orders from Dallas County and the City of Carrollton were issued in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the community so as not to overwhelm local medical facilities, protect high-risk populations, and maintain a strong local economy and workforce. All businesses operating in Dallas County, except essential businesses, must cease all activities at facilities located within the county. The Dallas County Department of Health and Human Services (DCHHS) announced the extension of the emergency housing assistance program for residents who have been financially affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
As of Sunday night, there were 334 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Texas, including 131 cases in Dallas County, 30 cases in Denton County, and 31 cases in Collin County. The statement and order come in response to news that, on Thursday, March 12, the Dallas County Department of Health and Human Services (DCHHS), the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the community spread of COVID-19 or coronavirus in Dallas County. Executive orders from the Office of the Governor and the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) public health disaster declaration combine to assist local partners in ongoing efforts to respond, track progress and limit the spread of COVID-19 in Texas. The distribution is managed by the Texas Department of Health Services in collaboration with health authorities in Collin, Dallas, Denton and Tarrant counties. In addition, Dallas County residents who have been the subject of an eviction lawsuit may be eligible for rental assistance through the Texas Eviction Diversion Program (TEDP), funded by the Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs. All businesses operating in Dallas and Denton counties, except essential businesses, must cease all activities at facilities located within the counties. The Dallas County declaration prompted municipalities with county jurisdictions to issue similar statements and orders in an attempt to contain the rapid spread of the new virus, giving health professionals more time to treat those affected.
Each county is subject to its own health orders, recommendations and restrictions, in addition to state and national mandates, guidelines, and recommendations. Attending festivals can be a great way to have fun while staying safe during these uncertain times. It is important to be aware of all health and safety measures that are being implemented by local authorities such as wearing masks if you are not vaccinated or ceasing all activities at facilities located within certain counties. The Dallas County Department of Health and Human Services (DCHHS) has issued a number of orders and guidelines to help contain the spread of COVID-19 which should be followed by all attendees.
Additionally, there are programs available such as rental assistance through TEDP which can help those who have been financially affected by this pandemic. By following these guidelines we can ensure that everyone stays safe while having fun at festivals.
