City Council Amends COVID-19 Restrictions, Additional Businesses and Services May Reopen May 8

By Susan Schrock, Office of Communication

Posted on May 06, 2020, May 06, 2020

The Arlington City Council voted Tuesday to amend the City’s emergency measures related to how people work, travel and gather in public during the coronavirus outbreak to remain consistent with Gov. Greg Abbott’s latest executive orders.

Abbott announced on Tuesday that additional businesses and services would be allowed to open to the public under the State of Texas’ ongoing plan to safely and strategically open Texas while minimizing the spread of COVID-19.

Click here to read Gov. Abbott’s May 5, 2020 executive order.

In March, the Mayor and City Council declared a local state of disaster for the City of Arlington as a result of the coronavirus. The City has continually updated its Stay Home, Work Safe measures as it works collaboratively with Tarrant County and the state to ensure that all appropriate and necessary measures are taken to protect public health and limit the spread of COVID-19.

Click here to read the City of Arlington’s most recent ordinance amendment from May 5, 2020.

What can open starting Friday, May 8:

Cosmetology salons, hair salons, barber shops, nail salons/shops, and other establishments where licensed cosmetologists or barbers practice their trade can operate with at least six feet of social distancing between operating work stations.

Tanning salons; provided, however, that all such salons must ensure at least six feet of social distancing between operating work stations.

Swimming pools; provided, however, that (i) indoor swimming pools may operate at up to 25 percent of the total listed occupancy of the pool facility; (ii) outdoor swimming pools may operate at up to 25 percent of normal operating limits as determined by the pool operator; and (iii) local public swimming pools may so operate only if permitted by the local government.

What can open starting Monday, May 18:

Services provided by office workers in offices that operate at up to the greater of (i) five individuals, or (ii) 25 percent of the total office workforce; provided, however, that the individuals maintain appropriate social distancing.

Manufacturing services, for facilities that operate at up to 25 percent of the total listed occupancy of the facility.

Gyms and exercise facilities and classes that operate at up to 25 percent of the total listed occupancy of the gym or exercise facility; provided, however, that locker rooms and shower facilities must remain closed, but restrooms may open.

What’s still closed:

People shall avoid visiting bars, massage establishments, tattoo studios, piercing studios, sexually oriented businesses, or interactive amusement venues such as bowling alleys, video arcades, amusement parks, water parks, or splash pads, unless these enumerated establishments or venues are specifically added as a reopened service by proclamation or future executive order of the governor.

The use of drive-thru, pickup, or delivery options for food and drinks remains allowed and highly encouraged throughout the limited duration of the Governor’s executive order.

Nursing homes, state supported living centers, assisted living facilities, and long-term care facilities must also remain closed to visitors unless to provide critical assistance.