(Updated July 2)
Governor orders most residents to wear a face covering in public
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered the residents of counties with 20 or more Covid-19 cases to wear a mask in public, beginning at 12:01 p.m. central time Friday, July 3.
“We have the ability to keep businesses open and move our economy forward so that Texans can continue to earn a paycheck, but it requires each of us to do our part to protect one another — and that means wearing a face covering in public spaces,” he said as he issued the order.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott
On Friday, June 26, Gov. Greg Abbott announced a change to certain elements of his original Reopen Texas plan:
Effective today (6/26/20), all bars and similar businesses that receive more than 51% of their gross revenue from alcoholic beverage sales are ordered to close today at noon. These businesses may remain open for delivery and take-out.
Beginning Monday, June 29, restaurants may remain open for dine-in service, but at a capacity not to exceed 50% of total listed indoor occupancy. This is a reduction from the previously allowed capacity of 75%.
All rafting and tubing businesses must close
Outdoor gatherings of 100 or more people must be approved by local governments, with certian exceptions.
CLICK HERE to view the Executive Order.
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo increased the COVID-19 threat level in Harris County to red (Severe) meaning that “residents should minimize contacts with others wherever possible and avoid leaving home, except for the most essential needs.”
Judge Hidalgo also issued a “Stay Home Advisory”, which encourages residents to remain at home whenever possible. Under this advisory, residents of Harris County are urged to:
Stay home, unless you need to make trips to the grocery store for food and medicine
Avoid and cancel all gatherings of any size
Practice special precautions to prevent spread if you’re an essential worker. Check Harris County’s guide for more on those workplace safety guidelines
All vulnerable individuals (65+ or with pre-existing health conditions) stay home
Wear face coverings to protect others
Avoid non-essential business and personal travel
Avoid public transportation where possible
Cancel visits to nursing homes, long term care facilities, and hospitals
CLICK HERE to learn more at ReadyHarris.org
Harris County Mask Order in Effect
On June 19, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo signed an executive order requiring that all businesses and commercial entities in the county that provide goods or services directly to the public develop, post and implement a Health and Safety Policy. This policy must require, at a minimum, that all employees and customers wear a mask while on the premises when in close contact with others. The order went into effect on Monday June 22.
