Plano restricts restaurant service and orders bars, gyms to close during coronavirus outbreak

PLANO, TX – The Plano City Council on March 17 ordered several businesses to close and restricted restaurant service until April 27 in response to the coronavirus outbreak.

The order has been eclipsed by one from Gov. Greg Abbott that lasts until April 30.

Restaurants can still offer takeout, delivery, drive-in or drive-thru services, but not dine-in. The businesses that must close include bars, lounges, taverns, theaters, gyms and private clubs. Anyone who violates the rules could be fined.

Plano’s resolution also extends the city’s emergency declaration until April 27 and allows the city, if needed, to acquire “by lease, purchase or other means” sites for temporary housing, emergency shelters and public health facilities for disaster victims.

The council also said it will restrict large gatherings in Plano in accordance with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

During discussion, city leaders asked the public not to panic as the reported number of people diagnosed with COVID-19 increases. The council’s measure also encourages all public, private and commercial labs in Plano to report to the city the number of COVID-19 tests that are conducted on a daily basis.