On Thursday, July 2, Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered that starting at 12:01 pm Friday, July 3rd all Texans in counties with more than 20 positive COVID 19 cases are required to wear face masks in public that cover both their mouth and nose, with some exceptions.
https://www.facebook.com/TexasGovernor/videos/368682307431658/
Wearing a face covering in public is proven to be one of the most effective ways we have to slow the spread of COVID-19. 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. Likewise, large gatherings are a clear contributor to the rise in COVID-19 cases. Restricting the size of groups gatherings will strengthen Texas’ ability to corral this virus and keep Texans safe. We all have a responsibility to slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep our communities safe. If Texans commit to wearing face coverings in public spaces and follow the best health and safety practices, we can both slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep Texas open for business. I urge all Texans to wear a face covering in public, not just for their own health, but for the health of their families, friends, and for all our fellow Texans.
There are some exceptions to the requirements to wear masks, kids under 10 years of age and younger don’t have to wear one, folks with medical issues and disabilities, while eating or drinking, while driving alone, or while able to be safely more than 6 feet away from others when outdoors.
In his video above he states that local authorities would enforce this just like seat belts. However, Governor Abbott makes it clear that one would not receive jail time for violations, but it could be very expensive. The first violation receives a warning, second and subsequent violations will be $250 each time.
Here is Governor Abbott’s Executive Order.
