Bars shut down, capacity limited at some locations

Bars in Fort Bend County will have to shut down and certain establishments may operate at only 50 percent capacity due to rising COVID-19 hospitalizations, according to a letter issued Wednesday fromthe county judge.

“At this time, Fort Bend County does not have any local orders; but, we will comply and follow all those mandated by Governor Abbott,” wrote County Judge KP George.

In October, Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order that allowed some venues to reopen at 75 percent capacity.

However, the governor’s order requires restrictions if the number of COVID-19 patients exceeds 15 percent of hospital capacity for seven consecutive days in a county that’s in a Trauma Service Area.

Currently, those with COVID-19 make up 26 percent of hospital patients in Fort Bend County, according to data from South East Texas Regional Advisory Council.