Morris COunty Judge issues statement regarding Gov. Abbott's re-opening plan

Morris County Judge Doug Reeder issued a lengthy statement regarding Gov. Abbott's plans to begin Phase I on the state's re-opening plan this afternoon. Judge Reeder announced his plans to not extend his April 3 Amended Disaster Declaration, though he does not plan to terminate the Local State of Disaster at this time. Judge Reeder's explanation of Gov. Abbott's latest Executive Order, as well as his own intentions for Morris County, can be read below.

"I’m sure many of you listened to Governor Abbott’s announcement this afternoon as I did. The Governor outlined a plan to reopen Texas businesses over the next several weeks. Phase I of the Governor’s plan starts on Friday, May 1st, with the opening of retail stores, restaurants, malls, museums, libraries, and movie theatres, albeit at a limited capacity. In addition, outdoor sports with up to 4 participants can resume (e.g. tennis and golf).
Phase II of the Governor’s plan is set to begin on May 18th provided that there is no spike in the number of cases during Phase I. Phase II of the plan would include opening retail stores, restaurants, malls, museums, libraries, and movie theatres at a greater capacity. Phase II would also presumably include opening businesses such as hair salons/barber shops and gyms as well.
Some will agree with the Governor’s approach and some will disagree. Regardless, Texas is taking the first important steps toward restarting the economy. While safety has always been and will continue to be the first priority we must get back to work. Every day that passes without the resumption of business results in an increased negative impact on business owners, employers and employees. I understand that every business is “essential” to those business owners and employees that have been adversely affected by the pandemic.
To that end, I do not plan to extend the restrictions I made in my April 3rd Amended Declaration of Local State of Disaster. Those restrictions applicable to individuals, essential businesses, and places of worship are set to expire at 11:59pm on April 30th. I will allow those restrictions to expire at that time. Later this week, I plan to issue new orders and recommendations for our citizens, local businesses, and places of worship consistent with the Governor’s newest Executive Order. Because the threat the virus poses is still serious, I am not terminating the Local State of Disaster at this time.
Over a month ago I released a statement explaining that it is impossible for any level of government to do everything that is required to protect the lives of our citizens. In the end our citizens have the responsibility to prepare themselves and their families to cope with emergency situations and manage their affairs in ways that will aid the government in managing emergencies and protect themselves in the process. In short, we all must exercise some personal responsibility to keep ourselves and our families safe.
As Americans and Texans, we all cherish our civil liberties. In the coming months we must balance our revered civil liberties against our significant civic responsibilities. As we begin exercising some of our personal freedoms in order to get back to the business of our daily lives we must all realize that what we do directly affects others. Because we possess great civil liberties, we also have important civic responsibilities. We have a duty to behave responsibly. It’s important to realize that the threat from the virus has not gone away. Therefore, as we go about our lives we should continue to practice appropriate social distancing and be considerate of others.
Many of our friends and family who are most vulnerable will be anxious about the coming weeks. Please be respectful of their situations. While we are all in this together, we are not all equally at risk. Continue to treat this threat seriously and take precautions to limit the spread of the virus.
Please stay informed, use common sense, and show respect toward one another."
Thank you,
Doug Reeder
Morris County Judge

The Bee will have a follow-up story, including any new developments, in next week's Steel Country Bee, following the beginning of Phase I on May 1.