Fort Bend County Judge KP George amended and extended the stay home order for his county yesterday evening. The amended order now extends through April 30 or when the county’s emergency declaration is lifted, whichever comes sooner. Additionally, some restrictions have been strengthened in order to increase protections against the spread of COVID-19.

“I trust my team of medical and public health experts that advise staying home during April is the only tool we have to save lives,” George said in a Facebook post announcing the order.

The updated order was developed to match requirements set forth in Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s most recent order addressing the COVID-19 pandemic and incorporating public feedback requested via an online survey, George said.

Almost 900 Fort Bend County residents responded anonymously to the poll which asked questions about household makeup, how residents were staying informed about COVID-19 and asked for typed-in feedback regarding how residents felt the county’s administration should act regarding the pandemic moving forward.

“Everything we can do. Please, please continue the Stay at Home Save Lives order through April and anything else possible. Our six-year-old is severely immunocompromised and immunosuppressed and she depends on herd immunity. She depends on us to save her life,” one response read.

The order requires all Fort Bend County Residents to remain at home except when necessary and encourages working from home rather than at the office – and those that must work to practice social distancing. The decree also permits residents to leave home as needed to provide or obtain essential services such as buying groceries, attending medical appointments or working in an essential services field such as at a grocery store or hospital.

According to the order, essential services include grocery, warehouse, big-box, liquor and convenience stores. Farmers Markets that sell food products and household staples, bodegas and gas stations are also included. Agricultural professionals such as farmers and ranchers are also essential. Laundromats, dry cleaners and laundry service providers, auto repair and supply stores, bicycle repair facilities and hardware stores are also permitted to remain open. Businesses that supply products necessary for people to work from home and firearm retailers are also considered essential.

Restaurants may remain open but must provide services only through curbside, delivery and carry-out.

Service providers such as electricians, plumbers, exterminators and related maintenance professionals may continue to operate and provide services. Trash and recycling collection, mail and shipping, funerary, veterinary and health and welfare services may also remain in operation.

News services such as radio, television and newspapers may remain open.

Childcare service providers may remain open, but only if they provide childcare to other essential businesses. Transportation service providers may also remain open.

All essential services are required to practice social distancing as much as possible.

Violation of the order is subject to a possible fine of up to $1,000 and possible jail time up to 180 days, the order said.

“We don't back down to the enemy. We come together and protect the vulnerable, be leaders, strengthen our communities and look out for our neighbors as ourselves,” George said.