PORT ISABEL — In response to state and county officials’ latest guidelines, local leaders are making adjustments to their coronavirus-related orders.
Port Isabel Mayor Juan Jose “JJ” Zamora issued a proclamation Thursday that rescinds the city’s previous regulations and adopts the orders of Gov. Greg Abbott and Cameron County Judge Eddie Trevino, Jr.
The proclamation states that all personnel in public or food preparation areas or places of business must wear a facial covering.
Patrons are encouraged to wear a facial covering and some businesses may ask their patrons to wear a facial covering, as well as adhere to Abbott’s advisory for health checks prior to beginning work.
According to the proclamation, all city parks are to remain closed, with the exception of the Pompano Boat Ramp.
The ramp may be used for launching of vessels and the parking of vehicles and trailers only.
Fishing piers must limit their capacity and prohibit the entry of groups of more than five to ensure that users are spaced at least 6 feet apart.
Commercial motor vessels used to carry passengers shall be operated in accordance with the governor’s guidelines for business operations, the proclamation states.
All commercial motor vessels used to carry passengers, with an origin or destination in the City of Port Isabel, and which are not engaged in interstate or international commerce, shall limit the number of passengers and crew aboard to 25 percent of the vessel’s US Coast Guard rated capacity.
The guideline includes charter services.
Starting May 1, taxi cabs may re-enter service if they adhere to these measures.
A plexiglass or glass screen must be installed between the driver and passenger compartment.
No passenger may be transported by the cab forward of the screen.
Windows of the taxi cab must be opened at least three inches to provide ventilation and air conditioning cannot be used in recirculation mode.
Hand sanitizer must be available to passengers and areas of the passenger compartment must be sanitized every two hours.
A log must be kept of the cleaning and of all passengers carried by the cab each day.
The log must include origin, destination, name and a telephone number of each passenger.
Drivers and passengers must wear a facial covering.
Drivers must adhere to Abbott’s advisory health checks prior to beginning work.
Temperature checks must be documented.
All retail to-go and food service to-go operations are to be curb service only.
“ Patrons shall not exit their vehicles, nor congregate on foot in groups of five or more at the pick-up area,” the proclamation states. “All personnel in public or food preparation areas must wear a facial covering, and adhere to the governor’s advisory for health checks prior to beginning work.”
Restaurants are able to continue providing to-go or delivery services and/or operate for dine-in service with up to 25 percent of the total listed occupancy of the business.
“ Within food establishments providing table service, in addition to the Governor’s order, the following regulations shall be implemented: single-use cups, wrapped straws and utensils shall be used, as well as individual packets of condiments,” the proclamation states. “Condiments shall not be placed on tables in self-serve caddies.”
Dancing in restaurants, self-serve drink fountains and tureens are prohibited.
Non-essential retailers are able to operate up to 25 percent of the total listed occupancy of the business.
Patrons must remain at least 6 feet apart at all times, including at check-out lines.
These businesses are also able to operate through pick-up, delivery by mail or delivery to customers’ doorstep.
No person younger than 14 may be permitted upon the premises of a retail establishment.
Self-serve drink fountains and tureens are prohibited.
Within non-retail or food service establishments that are otherwise essential, patrons must remain at least 6 feet apart at all times, including at check-out lines.
Gyms, salons, barbershops, spas and bars will remain closed.
City officials urge residents to continue to shelter in place, refrain from non-essential activities and minimize the number of household members that leave the home to perform essential activities.
Additionally, residents are urged to utilize pick-up or delivery services, wear facial coverings while in public or in enclosed spaces and frequently wash their hands or use hand sanitizer.
To view the entire proclamation, visit the city’s website.
