Fort Bend County 'Stay Home to Save Lives' Order FAQ


The list of industries and specific jobs that are exempted are outlined in the order itself.  Companies in all other industries not outlined in the order must cease on-site operations by 11:59 p.m., March 24.  Please note, this order does not prevent conducting non-essential business from home. The specifics of the mandatory 'Stay Home to Save Lives' official order can be found here.

Any manufacturer who retools its operations so that a substantial part of their business is for the purpose of manufacturing and producing products necessary to address the hazards of COVID-19 may apply for an exemption from the Fort Bend County Emergency Management Coordinator or City of Sugar Land.  If you are interested in retooling your operations please contact the Sugar Land Economic Development Department at ecodev@sugarlandtx.gov.

Please continue to visit the Sugar Land Local Business Resource page that is updated regularly with information to support our local businesses, such as the Texas Restaurant Relief Fund, which is helping restaurants during this time.

 

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Below are some FAQs that may be helpful in regards to the order:


Does the county’s stay at home order restrict travel?

No. The order limits gatherings to no more than 10, but does not prevent travel to grocery stores, doctors, pharmacies, work at essential businesses, etc.

Do businesses need to notify the city or county that they remain open?

No, there’s no need to notify government or law enforcement officials.

Are employees required to carry documentation that they work for a business providing essential services?

No. There is no requirement to do so, and we have no plans to stop motorists to determine if they work for a business providing essential services.

Which businesses are considered essential?

  • Essential businesses includes hospitals and clinics, pharmacies, grocery stores, banks, gas stations and hardware stores to name a few. 
  • Restaurants will remain open for takeout, delivery and drive through. Daycares that provide support for essential employees will remain open.
  • The order references the federal critical infrastructure sectors as designated by the federal Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and outlined here.
  • A few examples of essential retail include:
    • Food service providers, including grocery stores, warehouse stores, big-box stores, bodegas, liquor stores, gas stations and convenience stores, farmers’ markets that sell food products and household staples. Food cultivation, including farming, fishing, and livestock; and
    • Businesses that ship or deliver groceries, food, goods or services directly to residences
  • Additional businesses considered essential are listed in the county’s order. 

How will you enforce the closure of non-essential businesses?

Violations may be reported to 281-275-2020. We will attempt to gain voluntary compliance, though citations may be an option. We trust that Sugar Land residents want the very best outcomes to this global issue and they’ll do the right thing. We’re confident our regular, fact-based educational information will lead people to engage in activities for the common good.

Does the county Stay at Home Order close parks?

Parks will remain open, though playgrounds and restrooms are closed. Residents may leave their homes to go for walks or runs, but they should practice social distancing of 6 feet to prevent the spread of this disease.

How will you enforce restrictions on gatherings?

We will attempt to gain voluntary compliance, but citations will be an option. We trust that Sugar Land businesses and residents want the very best outcomes to this global issue and they’ll do the right thing. We’re confident our regular, fact-based educational information will lead people to engage in activities for the common good.


If you’d like to have more information on how COVID-19 is impacting the City of Sugar Land, please visit the City of Sugar Land Website or follow the City of Sugar Land Facebook page