(Weatherford, Tx) – Both Parker and Palo Pinto Counties have opted to let bars reopen this week.

According to a news release from the office of Parker County Judge Pat Deen, the decision was made after discussions with local mayors and feedback from Medical City Weatherford’s staff.  The statement says “Based on the feedback received and evaluating our current numbers, we feel comfortable we can take this action and continue to maintain an effective containment strategy in Parker County,”.

Palo Pinto County Judge Shane Long tells the Weatherford Democrat they consulted with the county and city emergency management offices as well as the hospital to make sure they were under the 15% surge capacity on COVID-19 beds before making the decision to open bars.

Deen says if the 50% restrictions are not followed, they will have to shut down the businesses again.