Tarrant County officials announced Wednesday that all bars, gyms and theaters be closed and restaurants can only serve takeout.
Similar measures have been implemented in Dallas County and other North Texas cities.
The move comes as part of a disaster declarations across the Dallas-Fort Worth area in response to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley also announced in regard to event centers and gathering places, such as retail stores, plazas, hotels, malls and places of worship -- all will be limited to 50% occupancy or up to 125 people in attendance.
“We recognize this is much tighter,” Whitley said.
These restrictions come just one day after Whitley said he needed to consult with all the mayors of the 41 cities in Tarrant County before making a decision to shut down business.
Whitley said nine cities have separate emergency plans including Fort Worth and Arlington.
Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price said the city announced similar restrictions Wednesday morning. However, the mayor said in Fort Worth it's mandatory that all gathering only have 50 or less people in attendance.
"Strange times we're living in and difficult times," said Price. But she went on to thank the joint task force team for working around the clock to implement the new measures.
Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams also spoke Wednesday, and started by sending his thoughts and prayers to the family of a man who died one day before testing positive for COVID-19.
"We're in a fight right now, there's no doubt about it. And we need to come together right here in moving forward even more than we are. And that's the Tarrant County way," Williams said.
Williams asked the community to think about their neighbors, and praised the by restaurants, medical personnel and all of the mayor working together.
"We know the restrictions and measures that we're taking are going to be very painful. However, we hope that the reward will be a shorter time in which this virus is there," he said.
List of Closures by City:
Allen
Community gatherings of more than 250 at places such as restaurants, theaters, churches/houses of worship, stadiums and meeting halls are not allowed.
All city recreation and library facilities will remain closed until further notice, and all activities canceled. The City is offering refunds on impacted events, classes and activities.
All adult sports leagues are postponed until further notice. Youth sports leagues organized by Allen Sports Association have been canceled until March 29.
All City board and commission meetings, except for Allen City Council, Allen Planning & Zoning and any other meeting required by law are postponed until further notice.
Frisco/Plano
Frisco and Plano's Emergency Operations Centers will operate during normal business hours.
Athletic centers will be closed through March 27.
The Grove at Frisco Commons will be closed through April 13. The facility’s meal program will continue for members in need. Online classes and programs will also be offered.
City parks and recreation facilities, including ball fields, will be closed through March 27. Parks and trails will remain open.
All city-run sports leagues, including youth organizations, will be suspended through March 27.
All city-sponsored special events will be suspended through March 27.
The City of Frisco says at this time, it has not decided to closed restaurants, bars or any other businesses.
McKinney
The city announced its public library system facilities are closed until March 27.
The Apex Centre, Performing Arts Center (MPAC), Old Settler's Recreation Center, Senior Recreation Center and the McKinney Community Center are closed until March 27.
Public restrooms will remain open and will only be accessible through the ground level doors on the east side of MPAC.
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