CITY OF ROCKWALL, TEXAS MAYORAL DECLARATION OF LOCAL STATE OF DISASTER DUE TO PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY
WHEREAS, beginning in December 2019, a novel coronavirus, now designated SARSCoV2 which causes the disease COVID-19, has been declared a global pandemic by the World
Health Organization; and
WHEREAS, the symptoms of COVID-19 can cause a severe illness, including coughing,
fever, shortness of breath and cause further complications including death; and
WHEREAS, COVID-19 virus mainly spreads between people who are in close contact
with one another through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or
sneezes; and
WHEREAS, on March 13, 2020, the Governor of the State of Texas issued a proclamation
certifying that COVID-19 poses an imminent threat of disaster in the state and declaring a state of
disaster for all counties in Texas; and
WHEREAS, the City of Rockwall, Texas, is taking extraordinary measures to prevent the
spread of COVID-19 and prevent the spread throughout the City of Rockwall, including
recommending the postponement or cancellation of all public and community events greater than
ten persons as suggested by the Center for Disease Control within the Rockwall city limits; and
WHEREAS, Social Distancing is a necessary component of the prevention of the spread
of this virus. All citizens should maintain, wherever possible, a six-foot separation between
individuals.
WHEREAS, Restaurants, Bars, and Coffee shops’ occupancy shall be limited to fifty
percent occupancy as determined on its Certificate of Occupancy. Restaurants are encouraged to
make use of curbside pickup or delivery services.
WHEREAS, said state of disaster requires that certain emergency protective measures be
taken pursuant to the Texas Disaster Act of 1975 relating to Emergency Management and Public
Health, pursuant to Chapter 418 of the Texas Government Code.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED BY THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF
ROCKWALL, TEXAS:
SECTION 1. That a local state of disaster for public health emergency is hereby declared
for the City of Rockwall Texas, pursuant to Section 418.108(a) of the Texas Government Code.
SECTION 2. That pursuant to Section 418.108(b) of the Texas Government Code the
state of disaster for public health emergency shall continue for a period of not more than seven (7)
days from the date of this declaration, unless continued or renewed by the City Council of the City
of Rockwall, Texas.
SECTION 3. That pursuant to Section 418.108(c) of the Texas Government Code this
declaration of a local state of disaster for public health emergency shall be given prompt and
general publicity and shall be filed promptly with the City Secretary.
SECTION 4. That pursuant to Section 418.108(d) of the Texas Government Code, this
declaration of a local state of disaster activates the City of Rockwall, Texas, emergency
management plan.
SECTION 5. That this declaration hereby limits Restaurants, Bars, and Coffee Shops
occupancy to fifty percent occupancy as determined on its Certificate of Occupancy.
SECTION 6. That the City Manager takes measures to facilitate online payments and
authorize the waiver of online transaction fees.
SECTION 7. That all applications for permits and development be submitted online or
through the U.S. Mail.
SECTION 8. In accordance with Texas Government Code §418.173, a person who
knowingly or intentionally violates this declaration commits an offense, punishable by a fine up to
$1,000.00 or confinement in jail for a term that does not exceed 180 days.
SECTION 9. That this declaration shall take effect immediately from and after its
issuance.
DECLARED this 18th day of March, 2020.
