@DCHHS reports 257 cases and 16 deaths. Today we experienced a record number of new positive cases as well as a record number of deaths. We’ve seen a trend upward from well below 200 at the beginning of last week to the mid-200s this week in new cases. 
It is wise for everyone to focus not on what is legal, but rather on what is safe. Avoid large crowds, maintain 6 foot distancing when outside the home and...
...wear a cloth face covering to protect yourself and as a sign of respect and protection for your fellow person when on public transportation or in businesses, plus use good and frequent hygiene.
I have implemented a curfew at @DallasCountyTx buildings outside of any city’s curfew zone of 8:30 p.m. This allows for peaceful protests at a government location until a little bit before sundown & then gives people the opportunity to return to their cars before it gets dark.
I want to say this to our peaceful protesters: I’m committed to protecting your right to protest, but I’m also committed to your public health. To the extent possible, please find ways to maintain 6 foot social distancing, wear a face covering when in crowds...
...and recognize that from a public health perspective, it is dangerous & not advisable to participate in large gatherings. Having said that, you have a constitutional right, and Governor Abbott’s Open Texas documents allow for those gatherings & we will ensure your safety on...
...@DallasCountyTx property should you choose to protest. We must listen to one another. I don’t learn by talking and I doubt anyone else does either. We learn by listening with respect.
We must find a way to forge a new normal for policing and violence against black residents, and also a new normal for the way that we interact with one another during this time of #COVID19 until a vaccine is found. Texans are strongest when they stand together.
We are a big diverse state with many different people and many different ideas but we are a welcoming state, and a people who seek justice and know that there can be no true peace without justice.
May we all come together in a spirit of mutual respect and radically transform the way we police and the way we perceive one another.
