Masks for COVID19 prevention are back! Friday morning, Dallas County commissioners voted to mandate that businesses in the county require customers to wear a mask to contain the spread of novel coronavirus.
Dallas County Commissioners passed the order 3-2 after an emotional debate. Commissioners Elba Garcia and Theresa Daniel voted with County Judge Clay Jenkins in favor of the mask requirement. Commissioners J.J. Koch and John Wiley Price voted against.
Businesses that don’t comply face up to a $500 fine.
COVID19 In Texas
The order comes as Dallas and Tarrant county see COVID19 related infection spikes. This includes 413 confirmed cases in Dallas County on Wednesday.
Bexar County issued similar rules and Gov. Greg Abbott did not object to Bexar County’s new rule. In an interview he said: “Just like they can require people to wear shoes and shirts, these businesses can require people to wear face masks if they come into their businesses. Now, local officials are just now realizing that that was authorized.”
Governor Abbott seems to be playing both sides of the fence on the COVID19 issue. Earlier this week he said schools would open in person.
The new order goes into effect at 11:59 PM tonight, June 19, 2020.