Decisions about when and how to reopen your business are governed by several layers of federal, state and local government. Some of the information they provide is recommended guidance; some of the information they provide has the force of a legal mandate. Information presented below distinguishes between the two.
Updated 10/15/2020
Following a spike of cases, the City of El Paso issued new restrictions on local businesses:
All bars in El Paso County, including those within City limits, must remain closed. Click here to read the full text of the October 15 emergency directive.Visit EPStrong.org for other information on restrictions related to gatherings, social activities and sporting events.
In most cases, yes. The City of El Paso’s 4th Local Emergency Order requires every person in El Paso to wear a face covering over their nose and mouth when inside a commercial building or public entity or when in an outdoor public space when it is not feasible to keep six feet apart from people who don’t live in their household. This emergency directive has the force of legal directive and infractions are punishable by a fine of up to $500. Click here to read the emergency order.
Many of the State of Texas’ COVID-19 business regulations do not apply to counties which have fewer than 1,000 cumulative cases. However, because El Paso surpassed 1,000 cumulative cases in May 2020, those exemptions do not apply here.
This is one of the most consequential decisions a business owner can make. Owners should take into account the health, safety and comfort of their employees, their customers, their vendors and others. As a business owner, you have important responsibilities if you operate during the pandemic. While it doesn’t have the force of law, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration has worked with the Department of Health and Human Services to produce this guidance for workplaces.
Disclaimer: The epbusinessstrong.org website is intended to provide awareness regarding important information relating to business operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Better Business Bureau does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information disclosed or product or service referenced on the epbusinessstrong.org website. Where available, original sources of information have been provided or cited. This information is not to be relied upon for legal or medical matters. If you need medical assistance, please contact your physician or dial 911. Sources of equipment or services provided are not considered an endorsement or guaranty of that service or product. The epbusinessstrong.org web site is updated regularly; however, if you become aware of any inaccurate or outdated information on epbusinessstrong.org, please contact us at [email protected] immediately.
