Should you go to work? Here are the ‘essential businesses’ during Dallas’ coronavirus lockdown

Has your business been deemed “essential” to society during Dallas County’s shelter in place order?

Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins issued an amendment to the “Stay Home Stay Safe” order Sunday requiring all people living in Dallas County to stay home – except for a handful of essential activities and jobs.

Local officials are hoping that the order will help control the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. Hospital groups have warned that if more Texans don’t stay at home, hospitals could run out of beds to treat coronavirus patients by late April.

The shelter in place order takes effect at 11:59 p.m. Monday. Neighboring counties and the state so fare haven’t gone as far as Dallas County in imposing restrictions.

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Below is a list of the jobs in Dallas County that will still be cleared to go to work Tuesday.

Dallas County’s order classifies health care, government, media, specific retail operations, social services and child care businesses as “essential.” Employees of essential businesses are still encouraged to practice social distancing, maintaining at least six feet between people in public, workplaces and residences.

‘Essential’ health care businesses

• Hospitals
• Clinics
• Dentists
• Pharmacies
• Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies
• Healthcare suppliers
• Mental health providers
• Substance abuse service providers
• Blood banks
• Medical research facilities
• Laboratory services
• Veterinary care for animals

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‘Essential’ government functions

• Government functions that are “needed to ensure the continuing operation of the government agencies to provide for the health, safety and welfare of the public” are broadly included.

‘Essential’ infrastructure businesses

• Public works construction
• Residential and commercial construction
• Airport operations
• Water, sewer, gas, electrical businesses
• Oil refining
• Road and highway work
• Public transportation (including DART rail and buses)
• Solid waste collection and removal
• Internet and telecommunications systems businesses
• Financial institutions
• Defense and national security-related operations
• Essential manufacturing operations

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Such orders, already carried out in California and New York, aim to reduce people’s movement and contact with others. Generally, sheltering in place requires people to stay home except for essential activities, such as grocery shopping, visiting the doctor or going to the bank.

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‘Essential’ retail businesses

• Grocery stores
• Warehouse stores
• Big-box stores
• Bodegas
• Liquor stores
• Gas stations and convenience stores
• Farmers’ markets that sell food products and household staples
• Businesses that ship or deliver groceries directly to homes
• Restaurants and other facilities that prepare and serve food are only permitted to remain open for delivery or carry out services
• Laundromats, dry cleaners, and laundry service providers
• Automotive suppliers as well as auto and bicycle repair services
• Hardware stores
• Any business that supplies products needed for people to work remotely during the pandemic

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‘Essential’ services

• Businesses that provide social services and services necessary to life for the economically disadvantaged
• Trash and recycling collection, processing and disposal
• Mail and shipping services
• Building cleaning and maintenance
• Warehouse, distribution and fulfillment services
• Storage services for essential businesses included in this list
• Funeral homes, crematoriums and cemeteries
• Plumbers, electricians, exterminators, and other services necessary for maintaining the safety, sanitation, and operations of residences and businesses included in this list
• Professional services like legal and accounting services for businesses included in this list
• News media
• Child care facilities that provide services to employees of businesses included in this list.