The city of Plano will allow its local disaster declaration to expire as it defers to the statewide restrictions that are being gradually loosened.

Plano City Council was set to vote April 27 to extend the local declaration before City Manager Mark Israelson asked the item to be taken off the agenda. The council granted his request.

Israelson said he came to the determination that Gov. Greg Abbott’s latest orders covered all the activity the city wanted to be restricted going forward in order to combat the new coronavirus. Israelson said he consulted with Plano's emergency management department, the city attorney’s office and other top-ranking staff before making this request.

“We do not need to continue with the city of Plano declaration,” Israelson told council members.

The declaration expires at the end of April 27, three days before Abbott’s newest executive order goes into effect.


Retail stores, restaurants, movie theaters, libraries and museums will be allowed to reopen Friday across the state, provided they operate at no more than 25% capacity, according to Abbott's order.

Many other businesses not deemed essential will be required to remain closed under the order.