Tyler Reporter

TYLER – Smith County Judge Nathaniel Moran has extended the previous stay-at-home order to be in effect until April 30, aligning with Gov. Greg Abbott’s statewide directive.

According to reports, the Smith County Board of Commissioners discussed the county’s stay-at-home order at its meeting on April 7. Shortly after the meeting, Moran signed the new extension.

Moran also signed a “locked business” stipulation. The stipulation will allow small businesses that employ fewer than 10 workers to continue working. However, the business must operate with their doors closed to the public.

Moran says that stipulation is to keep businesses afloat until the coronavirus crisis is over. The stipulation also allows nonessential businesses to remain in minimal operation.

“The locked business provision is unique to our county and is important to preserve mom and pop businesses,” Moran said. “Smith County also allows nonessential businesses to do minimal things like ensuring payroll.”

Moran also highlighted the provision in his recent order. He urges anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19, anyone who is waiting for test results, and members of their families to stay home and self-isolate.

If Abbott’s order wasn’t in place until the end of April, Moran says he would have taken the stay-at-home order one week at a time.

“We want to get back to business as quickly as possible,” he said.

As of April 13, Texas reported 13,906 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, including 287 deaths. Smith County has 96 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

“NET Health produced a dashboard with a clear representation of cases, age range, location in the county, specific towns listed, and indicates not only confirmed deaths but also recovery cases,” Moran said.