As you all may know, Governor Abbot has declared a state of disaster in all 254 counties in the State of Texas in response to the threat and spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. The 49th District Court, Webb and Zapata counties, along with all other courts in Webb County have recently passed the Webb County Emergency Orders Regarding Covid-19 State of Disaster which gives directives and guidance during this time. In addition, the Texas Supreme Court and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals have recently issued orders and amended Emergency Orders Regarding the Covid-19 State of Disaster. Our orders in Webb and Zapata Counties aim to comply with the said orders. Therefore, in an effort to do just that we will not be conducting proceedings in person that will be contrary to local, state, or national directives (whichever is more restrictive) regarding maximum group size allowed in one location.

Please note that our emergency order addresses all matters, or gives guidance, moving forward. The public should click on the order above for all of the detailed information in the emergency order. The following highlights a few of the changes included in the order:

1. Jury Trials for the month of May and June 2020 have been cancelled and litigants must contact the courts for further instructions.

2. The in person court appearances will be limited in accordance with the orders.

3. Attorneys and litigants can contact the court coordinator to provide further instruction on hearings taking place (49th State District Courts Rules for Remote Hearings)

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5. Emergency COVID-19 Operating Plan for the Webb County Judiciary

We want to thank for your cooperation during this global pandemic. Please keep in mind that all of us have a responsibility to our families, community members, colleagues, coworkers, and all litigants to do our part in adhering to the experts recommendations , during this time, in order to keep everyone as risk free as possible.

Thank you,