Texas Judge Threatens 6 Months Jail For Violating Coronavirus Executive Order

Executive order applies to 26 cities, including San Antonio

A Texas federal judge is considering 6 months jail time for anybody who violates his newly-imposed coronavirus response executive order.

Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff signed the executive order Thursday in response to the growing coronavirus pandemic, which applies to San Antonio and its 26 suburban cities.

From San Antonio Express-News:

Now, all restaurants in San Antonio, its 26 suburban cities and the unincorporated parts of Bexar County must close their dining areas; the city until at least April 18, the suburban cities and the county until at least April 3. They are allowed to keep drive-thru, pick-up and delivery operations.

The city’s order, which also mirrors Abbott’s order, also was approved Thursday, by the City Council. It includes a fine of up to $2,000 for violations of the order. The county’s fine is half of that —up to $1,000 — but it also gives a judge the option of imposing up to six months of jail time instead of a fine.

The order also imposes price controls to protect consumers from price gouging.

“We want to be on alert for that to make sure nobody is taken advantage of, particularly the elderly,” Wolff said.

(Read more)