On March 24, 2020, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo issued a
shelter-in-place order (the "Order") for individuals residing in
Harris County, Texas. The Order, issued to slow the spread of the
virus that causes 2019 Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), is effective
from 11:59 p.m. on March 24, 2020, until 11:59 p.m. on April 3,
2020. The Order aims to reduce person-to-person contact in light of
the contagious nature of the virus and "flatten the
curve" by reducing the impact to healthcare providers to
protect public health and safety.
Just like other orders issued around the country, the Order
mandates that all individuals living within Harris County, which
includes Houston and much of its surrounding metropolitan area, to
stay at their place of residence, subject to certain exceptions.
Specifically, while the Order is in effect, individuals in Harris
County are permitted to leave their residences only to engage in
"Essential Activities," to perform or conduct
"Essential
