Brownwood News – The cities of Brownwood, Bangs, Early, Blanket and Brown County have released a joint statement in light of the order issued by Governor Abbot on Tuesday, March 31, to assist the public in understanding what is permitted and what is prohibited.

Last week, executive orders were issued locally that prohibit the operation of any of the following businesses:

• game rooms
• bowling alleys
• movie theaters
• hair salons
• hair stylists
• barbershops
• beauty shops
• nail salons
• tattoo shops
• piercing businesses

The Governor’s executive order expands this list to include:

• gyms
• massage establishments

The above-listed businesses should not be open to the public at this time. Restaurants and bars may only provide take-out, drive-through or delivery services.

The Governor’s order also prohibits any job or business that is not defined as an “essential service.”  The list of essential services are described in a publication from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

The Governor’s Order and a copy of this publication can be found on our website at https://www.brownwoodtexas.gov/health under “State Declarations & Executive Orders.”

You should also consult https://tdem.texas.gov/essentialservices/ for more information on essential services. All businesses are encouraged to review these lists.  If your business does not fall within those listed as an essential service, you should be closed to the public during the duration of the Governor’s Order, which is April 2 – 30, 2020.

We understand that it may be difficult to determine whether your job or your business falls within the definition of an essential service.  We will do our best to assist you in this determination.  Questions relating to whether your job or business falls within the list of essential services may be directed to the following:

For the City of Brownwood, Bangs, Blanket and Brown County, call 325-643-1591.  For the City of Early, call 325-643-5451.

Please be patient as we are anticipating a large volume of calls.  If you are asking us to confirm that your job or business is essential, please be prepared to identify what particular category your business falls into according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security publication.

Also, we have been receiving a number of calls with concerns that certain businesses are not following applicable guidelines for employee or customer safety.  Please direct these calls to the following:

For the City of Brownwood, Bangs, Blanket and Brown County, call 325-430-8658.  For the City of Early, call 325-643-5451.

Please do not call the Brownwood/Brown County Health Department to determine whether your business is essential or to report a concern about compliance to health and safety.  The Health Department is focused on addressing healthcare needs and assisting in with the screening and testing for COVID-19.

Respectfully Submitted:
Dr. Paul Lilly, County Judge
Stephen E. Haynes, Mayor of Brownwood
Dr. Robert Mangrum, Mayor of Early
Eric Bishop, Mayor of Bangs
BJ McGinnis, Mayor of Blanket