Mayor Eric Johnson’s statements on Dallas County’s emergency ‘Safer-at-Home’ order and other COVID-19 updates
DALLAS — Below are updates from the Office of Mayor Eric Johnson on efforts to address COVID-19’s spread.
‘Safer-at-Home’
The following is a statement from Mayor Johnson regarding the county’s latest emergency orders:
“We are still working through the language of the county’s quickly evolving orders and discussing the best ways to enforce these orders citywide, but I support a stay-at-home approach to slow the spread of COVID-19. While this approach likely means our city will experience economic difficulties, our top priority is public health, and it’s vitally important that we take the steps necessary to save lives and prevent strain on our healthcare system.
“I am confident that regulations such as Dallas County’s most recent ones will help flatten the curve of COVID-19’s spread in Dallas, but this disease does not respect political boundaries. Therefore, I believe a statewide or regional approach, as opposed to a county by county or city by city approach, is the best way to defeat this pandemic and defeat it quickly.”
Ad Hoc Committee on COVID-19 Human and Social Recovery and Assistance
The following is a statement from Mayor Johnson, which was read by co-chair Adam McGough at Sunday night’s teleconference Ad Hoc Committee on COVID-19 Human and Social Recovery and Assistance meeting.
“Deputy Mayor Pro Tem McGough: I want to start by thanking you for pulling together this meeting so quickly.
“As you well understand, difficult times lie ahead for our city. COVID-19 will test us like never before. And while I am sure that just a month ago, all of you thought you would be focused on other issues around this time, our city’s top priority now must be dealing with COVID-19. I have personally devoted all my time and energy to our city’s emergency response.
“As part of that effort, earlier today I sent a letter to Governor Abbott requesting additional statewide restrictions and guidance for local governments across Texas. This was a request that was made in consultation with medical professionals and with broad support from the leaders of our city’s hospitals, universities, and school districts. I also believed, and still do believe, that we need to address COVID-19’s spread as a state and as a region to ensure compliance across political boundaries.
“As the COVID-19 situation has evolved rapidly over the past few weeks, so have the measures that are needed to slow the spread of the disease and reduce the strain on our healthcare system.
“And because of these measures, not all of which we have even seen yet, our residents’ quality of life and some of our city’s most vulnerable populations will undoubtedly experience negative short term effects.
“Accordingly, I have assigned to this committee two important tasks: 1) minimize that negative impact on the quality of life for residents of the City of Dallas, particularly the homeless, seniors, and other vulnerable populations — and 2) monitor and ensure compliance with our City’s emergency regulations.
“This is also the time to begin laying the groundwork for our complete recovery from COVID-19.
“I know this work will be hard, but I believe this committee is in very capable hands, and I have faith that we will all get through this together. Our city has made undeniable progress over the years, and our city council is now needed to help us move through these challenges and beyond.
“Thank you for your time, and I look forward to seeing your work.”
Inside Texas Politics appearance
Mayor Johnson discussed dealing with COVID-19 on WFAA-TV’s Inside Texas Politics, which aired Sunday morning.
Click here to watch the interview.
Work with the Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks continue to partner with the Mayor’s office and the City of Dallas as we deal with the spread of COVID-19.
Mavericks players and executives are purchasing meals at local restaurants for workers at COVID-19 drive-up testing sites. Last night, Seth Curry purchased 115 dinners from Mangiamo Italian Restaurant. Follow #MavsSupportLocal on Twitter for more.
And click here to see a COVID-19 public service announcement with Mayor Johnson and Dallas Mavericks point guard Jalen Brunson.
