El Paso Stay-At-Home Order: What You Need to Know

UPDATE (4/1/20): Since this article was published, a stricter "Stay Home, Work Safe" order was put into effect. City parks and recreation areas, including hike and bike trails, are now "off-limits," as are public and private gatherings of any number of people. To see all of the modifications, click HERE.

El Paso has joined other major Texas cities including San Antonio and Dallas in issuing stay-at-home orders

The directive, which is in effect as of March 25, mean residents must stay at home and/or work from home with the exception of those who work in an exempted business and/or to conduct essential activities. Below is an overview of the order addressing commonly asked questions. For more specifics you can access the full text HERE.

How long is this order in effect?

Until further notice, although the hope is no longer than a month.

Who is required to stay at home?

Everyone in El Paso County except those working in exempted businesses or providing an essential service.

What are the exempted businesses?

• Health care operations, including home-based care and veterinary care
• Government services and Critical Infrastructure
• Pharmacies
• Grocery stores, supermarkets, meat markets, convenience stores, liquor stores
• Food delivery services that ship or deliver
• Stores that sell, make, or supply uniforms and apparel for healthcare and public safety workers
• Businesses that provide food, shelter and social services for the elderly and others
• Gas stations, auto repair shops, tire stores, automobile dealerships
• Hardware and supply stores
• Banks and financial institutions
• Plumbers, electricians, exterminators and other service providers
• Businesses that provide mailing and shipping services, including P.O. boxes
• Educational institutions, for purposes of facilitating distance learning
• Laundromats, dry cleaners and laundry service providers
• Restaurants but only for delivery or take-out
• Businesses that supply products needed to work from home
• Airlines
• Transportation services such as taxis, Uber and Lyft
• Residential facilities and shelters
• Professional services such as legal, accounting, and insurance services
• IT services and providers
• Child care facilities
• Newspapers, television, radio and other media
• Funeral homes, crematoriums, and cemetery workers

What if my workplace in not an "essential" one?

It must cease operations, or continue exclusively with employees telecommuting (working) from home.

Can I go outside and what outdoor activities are okay?

Yes, you are allowed outdoors, but social distancing measures should be taken. You can still go for walks, and engage in activities such as biking, hiking, or running. Going to public parks and open outdoor recreation areas is still allowed “provided the individuals comply with social distancing requirements.”

For what other reasons may I leave my residence?

• To obtain and/or deliver necessary services and supplies for yourself or family or household members
• To obtain medical supplies or seek medical attention, including doctor visits.
• To care for others such as family member, pet, friend, child, elderly
• To go to work if your occupation falls under exempted businesses deemed essential

What activities are prohibited?

All public and private gathering of 10 people or more occurring outside or inside a single household or dwelling, unless everyone is a member of that household or dwelling unit.

Can I still go to restaurants?

Yes, but only for take-out, pick-up, and drive-thru. Dine-in is not an option.

What about swamp meets and Farmer's Markets?

No. Outdoor food stalls, Farmer's Markets, and swap meets are not exempted and should not be operating.

What will happen if the order is violated?

Those who violate the directive could face fines of up to $1,000 or jail time not to exceed 180 days. That being said, city officials hope authorities will not have to resort to those measures.