Together We are Denton County Strong

Denton County Togeth er we are Strong

photo courtesy of Judge Andy Eads by Denton County Judge Andy Eads

Iwant to take some time with you to explain the reasons behind our efforts in Denton County to combat the spread of the COVID-19 virus and thank you for your support and many messages of encouragement.

As your County Judge, I issued a Stay at Home mandate on March 24. The full Commissioners Court ratified my emergency order on March 27 and we extended it at our regular meeting on March 31 to go through April 7. We will review it every Tuesday thereafter. We are taking into account the latest information about the situation in Denton County and what we expect the situation to be in the coming weeks.

My first priority is the health and safety of all of you – almost 1 million residents in Denton County – and especially, our most vulnerable populations at risk of severe illness from this virus.

My fervent hope has been and continues to be that we can limit the number of individuals and families who could be tragically affected by this virus.

While we are fortunate to have among the best healthcare providers in the world here in North Texas, this pandemic could push our resources to the limit. With your help, we can together support our medical personnel on the front lines by limiting our exposures to the virus and, thereby, community spread.

Plan your trips to get essentials wisely. Take the necessary precautions to keep you and your families safe. Wash your hands for 20 seconds frequently, especially when touching surfaces outside your home and before you eat. Soap and water is still the best preventive measure to take.

For those who must travel to work, we understand. All we ask is that you practice social distancing and wash your hands even more.

For those able to stay home and work, we offer our sincere appreciation to your employers.

For our retirees, please take advantage of the many services that deliver. If you need help, ask for it.

From the onset of this pandemic, we have been in communication with our partners in our communities, school districts, hospitals, chambers of commerce and other entities to coordinate efforts, provide assistance where needed and to plan ahead for any future outcomes.

In short, we are working together to ensure you – the public – get the help you need when you need it.

We are very fortunate to be part of such a caring community of people in Denton County willing to help others. A Lewisville sofa company switched from making sofas to making masks. A Denton costume retailer is also constructing masks. A local distillery stopped liquor production to use their stills to create sanitizer. Many of our grocery stores, pharmacies and restaurants have developed unique ways to provide services. Grocery stores are offering seniors-only shopping hours, pharmacies are ramping up curbside pickup and restaurants added delivery and curbside services for everyone’s safety.

Churches and religious organizations across our county quickly adapted to online services. Our school districts closed schools quickly and have indicated plans to keep them closed at least through April 19.

Law enforcement and other personnel in our communities have worked closely with us to help ensure the mandatory stay at home order is followed and that nonessential businesses are closing.

Residents are already signing up on our Denton County website, https://dentoncounty.gov, and via email to volunteer their time to help in the battle against COVID-19.

United Way of Denton County and other non-profits are working tirelessly to provide resources and assistance.

It is exactly why I feel so privileged to be part of Denton County as your judge, neighbor, friend and fellow resident.

Together, we are #DentonCountyStrong.