CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The limit on public gatherings reduced to 50 by City and County officials yesterday.
But are Corpus Christi businesses following the order?
Social distancing has already become real at many locations here. Bingo players at this location spread out at least six feet apart. Less than 50 are allowed to play at a time.
The manager and staff are constantly cleaning - some workers are even wearing protective gloves.
“We are only allowing the maximum total number 50 in the building," said Justin Aguilar, a local bingo hall manager. "That includes employees. We are keeping a head count as soon as someone walks in the door. We are being real strict about the 50."
Bingo player Cheryl Watson says she feels safe, despite the social distancing.
"They are spreading people out so they’re not closely connected with other people," she said. "They can sit near their spouse or friend if they want to."
And while this bingo hall is taking the 50-person limit very seriously, it’s possible others may need to be.
And if that happens, police could be called to disburse a crowd and - at first - give a warning.
"We would educate the individuals at the location," Corpus Christi Deputy Police Chief William Breedlove said. "We would educate. And after the education is done we will give them a warning.
"Then we would take other enforcement actions”
For businesses that don’t comply with the 50 or less order, Corpus Christi police say they will issue a citation.
And if they have to - and maybe even make an arrest - but they’re not looking to do that. What they’re looking for in this situation is compliance.