Collin County Judge Chris Hill rescinds COVID-19 disaster declaration

Collin County’s declaration of local disaster for a public health emergency in response to COVID-19 was rescinded Feb. 26 by Judge Chris Hill.

Hill’s declaration comes as Collin County has no emergency orders, forced closures or government mandates related to COVID-19 on the county level, according to Public Information Officer Tim Wyatt. However, state-level orders and restrictions from Gov. Greg Abbott remain in effect.

“The disaster declaration being rescinded here today has no effect on the Governor’s Executive Orders or what restrictions may have been altered or removed by Gov. Abbott,” Wyatt said in an email.

The rescission builds upon Hill’s assertion that “all businesses, jobs and workers are essential,” as written in the official verbiage.

“Ongoing business closures and government-imposed restrictions have threatened the lives, livelihoods, and liberties of Texans,” Hill said in his rescission. “Constitutionally protected rights do not cease to exist in the midst of a crisis, and executive orders are (and must always be) subordinate to the provisions of the Constitution.”

Hill could not be reached for further comment Feb. 26.