- Essential Critical Infrastructure – Work that is necessary to facilitate operations and maintenance of the “16 Critical Infrastructure Sectors” identified by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s National Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).2
- Essential Government Functions – All services provided by local governments and municipalities needed to ensure their continued operation to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of the public.
- Essential City of Houston Government Functions – Services provided by the City of Houston that the Mayor determines to be essential.
- Essential Healthcare Operations – Including hospitals, clinics, dentists, pharmacies, pharmaceutical and biotechnological companies, healthcare suppliers, mental health providers, substance abuse service providers, blood banks, research centers, laboratory services, home-based healthcare, and veterinary care.The Order specifically contemplates broad construction of this exemption.
- Essential Retail – Including food producers and service providers (e.g., grocery stores, warehouse stores, furniture suppliers, big box stores, liquor stores, gas stations, and some farmers’ markets), food cultivation (e.g., farming, ranching, fishing, and livestock), food production (e.g., production of canned goods, bottled beverages, and other grocery items), food shipment/delivery services, restaurants—but only for delivery, drive-thru, or carry-out, laundromats/dry cleaners, gas stations, auto supply, auto and bicycle repair, hardware stores, and “businesses that supply products needed for people to work from home.”
- Providers of Basic Necessities to Economically Disadvantaged – Businesses that provide food, shelter, social services, and other necessities of life for economically disadvantaged or otherwise needy individuals.
- Essential Services Necessary to Maintain Essential Operations of Residences or Other Essential Businesses – Including trash and recycling operations, mail and shipping services, building maintenance, security, and operations, warehouse/storage for essential businesses, funeral homes, plumbers, electricians, exterminators, landscaping crews, housekeepers, janitorial staff, pool cleaners and “other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operations of residences and Essential Businesses.”This includes professional services such as legal and accounting services, but only “when necessary to assist in compliance with legally mandated activities.”
- News Media – Including newspapers, television, radio, and other media services.
- Childcare and Adult Care Services – For facilities that are providing services that enable employees exempted under this Order to work.
- Infrastructure, Development, Operation and Construction – Including public works construction, construction of housing or other types of construction including commercial, manufacturing, airport operations and aircraft manufacturing, maintenance or repair, water, sewer, gas, electrical, oil refining, roads and highways, public transportation, solid waste collection and removal, internet and telecommunications systems.
- Transportation – For businesses “related to the operation, maintenance, construction, and manufacture of transportation services,” which include, for example: (a) vehicle manufacturers, automotive suppliers, car dealerships, parts distributors, maintenance and repair facilities, (b) public transportation, (c) businesses supporting airport operations, (d) street and highway maintenance and construction, (e) gas stations and other fuel distribution businesses, (f) vehicles for hire, including Uber, Lyft, and taxicabs, “that enable persons to travel to or from employers, service provers, or businesses exempted in this Order.”
- Labor Union Functions – For “critical” labor union functions, including the maintenance of health and welfare funds and checking on the well-being and safety of members.
- NASA and Port of Houston – Activities of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Port of Houston remain open.
- Airports and Related Operations – Airport and airline activities, operations, maintenance, and repairs, as well as the hotels that serve these businesses.
- Professional Services – Including legal, accounting, insurance, and “real estate” (quoted) services “when necessary to assist in compliance with legally mandated activities or to further Essential Businesses, Essential Government functions, or Critical Infrastructure.
|