Citations, even jail possible for those who fail to social distance

Port Arthur Police Chief Tim Duriso said individuals who fail to adhere to officially mandated social distancing orders could face misdemeanor citations and hefty fines – or even arrest in more egregious situations.

“At the officer’s discretion,” Duriso said, the hope is to “educate them first to try to gain compliance.”

The goal is to promote public safety in an effort to slow down the spread of the deadly COVID-19 coronavirus, not to punish the community. Violations of the social distance disaster mandate are punishable by citation if necessary, and if offenders won’t comply, a trip to jail could be the next step.

“Taking someone into custody would be a last option,” Duriso said. Jail is definitely not an ideal go-to, and one that won’t be utilized for those who fail to social distance except under extreme circumstances, Duriso stressed, “especially with the situation we’re in right now.”

According to Duriso, even those participating in outdoor activities are required to maintain a social distance of at least 6 feet from one another. Additionally, he reminds residents that emergency declaration orders allow only one adult per household at essential businesses such as grocery stores – activities that can also be subject to regulation by local law enforcement agencies.