Mayor Issues Declaration of Local Disaster for COVID-19

DENTON, TX, March 13, 2020 (5:30 p.m.) – On Friday, March 13, Mayor Chris Watts signed a declaration of local disaster for public health emergency to minimize the potential impact of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in the City of Denton. Mayor Watts also issued an order prohibiting mass gatherings of 250 people or more in the City of Denton, effective from 5 p.m. Friday, March 13 until 5 p.m. Friday, March 20.

The declaration of disaster for public health emergency will last for the next seven days unless otherwise extended by the Denton City Council.

With a disaster declaration and this order in effect, the City of Denton is able to:

• Gain access to short-term funding opportunities.

• Activate the emergency management plan.

• Postpone non-essential Municipal Court proceedings.

• Suspend all utility shutoffs for residential customers unable to pay.

• Provide the City Manager authority to expend up to $50,000 in funding to the United Way of Denton County to assist individuals and families in the City of Denton, who have experienced income or job loss due to COVID-19, in eviction avoidance.

The City of Denton strongly urges organizations that serve high-risk populations, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to cancel gatherings of more than 20 people. Residents are urged not to attend non-essential gatherings to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

The City of Denton continues to closely monitor the developing situation with COVID-19.

Click here to see the declaration and order for more information. Visit www.cityofdenton.com/coronavirus and www.dentoncounty.gov/coronavirus for additional updates.

Contact: Ryan Adams, (940) 349-8565, Ryan.Adams@cityofdenton.com