As of 12:01 am on April 2nd, 2020 Victoria County city officials issued a Stay Home-Stay Safe Order. The order was issued expressly as a result of the rapid spread of the virus causing COVID-19 with the desire from our Victoria county officials to continue to protect the community to the greatest extent that they are able at this time.

Our officials are closely following and adhering to the safety guidelines set forth by the Center for Disease Control, as well as state and federal laws established by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and President Donald Trump.

Victoria Mayor, Rawley McCoy stated that Victoria officials are often exceeding the safety guidelines set forth by state and federal officials as well as being on target in the steps taken nationwide to protect its citizens.

According to the Center for Disease Control, there are less than a handful of ways known at this time to stop the spread of COVID-19, one of which is to social distance yourself by at least 6 ft. in public, as well as thoroughly washing your hands and cleaning and disinfecting frequently as well as self isolating at home.

The Stay Home- Stay Safe Order in its simplest terms mandates, which means the terms are enforceable by law, that social distancing requirements are to be strictly adhered to by the community beginning 12:01 am April 2nd and lasting through but not limited to, April 30th.

Section 3 states, " Victoria is ordered to stay at home, except where necessary to provide or obtain essential services." This means It is not acceptable to be in public unless you have to leave your house for essential reasons such as grocery shopping, getting gasoline or picking up prescriptions.

Section 5 states, "Each person seeking to provide or obtain essential services is ordered to comply with mandatory social distancing requirements of maintaining a distance of 6 ft. between all people, regardless of location." This order applies to ALL locations outside of the household.

Section 7 states that "All businesses are ordered to comply with social distancing requirements and thorough and frequent cleaning of all areas that are frequently touched."

Section 10 states that "Any persons experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19 are ordered to isolate at home. Except to the extent necessary to obtain health care."

Section 13 states that "Any person who violates this order commits an offense punishable by a fine of not more that $1,000 and confinement in jail for a term not to exceed 180 days.

The complete Stay Home- Stay Safe order is available online or on the Victoria Operations Emergency Management Facebook page here.

Mayor Rawley McCoy emphasizes the importance for the Victoria community to "use their common sense" when making decisions regarding social distancing and essential needs. Your actions not only affect you as an individual but also affect your family's and the community's health and safety as well.

There is no set curfew at this time.

If you have questions please do not hesitate to call the Victoria COVID-19 Hotline at 361. 580.5796

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