Many Texas Cities Require Face Masks

Last week, Governor Abbott told mayors around the State that they could issue orders requiring masks be worn in public. As a result, many cities have since done just that.

Here, we are going to focus on Austin’s new mask wearing policy. But please note that many cities around the State have made very similar new orders – including both Houston and Dallas. If you would like details of their orders, please contact us.

Among other requirements, the new Austin order –

• Orders all individuals and businesses to practice social distancing, hygiene, and face covering;

• Prohibits socializing by groups larger than 10; and

• Requires all people wear masks when outside the house – including at a business – except:

  • When the person is alone,

  • When doing so poses a great health, safety, or security risk;

  • When visibility of the mouth is necessary for dealing with hearing impaired people;

  • When a person is outdoors and engaging in an activity allowed by the Governor’s order while alone;

  • When a person is eating or drinking at a restaurant or bar; and

  • To temporarily remove it to receive a service under the Governor’s order.

In addition to these, and other requirements, all businesses are ORDERED to implement and maintain a health and safety policy for COVID-19. At a minimum, the health and safety policy MUST require everyone wear a face mask while on the business’s premises.

The health and safety policy must be posted by the entrance of the premises.

A civil or criminal policy may be imposed upon businesses for violating this order.

As always, if you have any questions, please let us know.

Thank you.