Daily Business Bulletin – March 23, 2020
In order to keep you informed on the evolving impact of COVID-19 on our local community, the Plano Chamber will be publishing updates every weekday as the Daily Business Bulletin. We will share the top news items that you need to read to stay up-to-date on important health, community, and business issues as they develop.
March 23, 2020
- Governor Greg Abbott announced on Sunday that he supported local authorities’ decision to executive shelter-in-place orders, but stopped short of issuing one statewide, indicating he wanted to give his current executive order which banned gatherings greater than 10 people and closed restaurants and bars, as well as schools, throughout the state more time to see if it’s working. He also ordered the postponement of all non-necessary medical surgeries, and waived state regulation allowing more than one patient to be treated in a room to help increase hospital capacity. Furthermore, Governor Abbott waived requirements for final-year nursing students, retired nurses and others that recently moved to Texas to allow them to immediately begin practicing in our hospitals.
- Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins immediately issued a shelter-in-place order for Dallas County following the Governor’s press conference. Judge Jenkins indicated he believes a shelter-in-place is the only way to prevent overwhelming our hospital systems within the next few weeks. Essential businesses such grocery stores, medical offices, construction and more are exempt. It has been reported that Travis County is drafting a similar order.
- Plano City Council postponed tonight’s council meeting as they make arrangements to hold future meetings via video conference. The next meeting is scheduled for March 30.
- Congressman Van Taylor is hosting a Coronavirus Telephone Town Hall in conjunction with Collin County Judge Chris Hill, State Representatives Jeff Leach and Matt Shaheen, and officials from the Collin County Department of Public Health on Tuesday, March 24, 2020 at 3:45 PM CT. You can join the call by signing up here.
- Negotiations over a massive Coronavirus relief bill have stalled in Washington, DC.
