Prior to Aaron issuing the disaster declaration, Humble City Manager Jason Stuebe said disaster declarations allow the city to be eligible for federal funding and reimbursement for funds that can be used to tackle this public health emergency.
The declaration reiterates countywide and statewide guidelines that prohibit mass gatherings of 10 or more people and mandate bars and restaurants close their dining rooms until midnight April 3. Restaurants are only able to offer takeout and delivery.
Any person that knowingly or intentionally violates the declaration can be fined up to $1,000 or confined in jail for no more than 180 days, according to the city of Humble's disaster declaration.
The declaration will remain in effect for no more than seven days; however, Humble City Council is set vote whether to continue the declaration further than seven days at the city's videoconference meeting Thursday, March 26, at 3 p.m.
Also at the meeting, City Council members will vote whether to postpone the city's May 2 general election to Nov. 3. Gov. Greg Abbott issued a proclamation March 18 that allows political subdivisions to postpone the election.
