ARANSAS COUNTY
Aransas County has implemented a Mandatory Mask order that takes effect at 11:59pm June 30.
Here is what the order says:
The Aransas County Stay at Home Order was amended today and takes effect at 11:59 pm. The changes, which are abbreviated, include:
- All people 10 years of age and older shall wear a mask in a public place if they are unable to maintain a social distance of 6 feet.
- All commercial entities in Aransas County that provide goods or services to the public must require employees and visitors to wear face masks if they are in close proximity or are unable to maintain social distancing. Additionally, businesses are required to post their Health and Safety policy in a place where it is easily visible to employees and customers.
Copies of the Order are available for viewing on the City, County and Town web sites. Links to Health and Safety policy information are included within the Order and there are samples attached to the Order for business use.
There will be a COVID-19 live briefing at 10 am on Wednesday, July 1. It will be viewable through the Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page.
For information on mask usage, age recommendations and other protocols, visit the web site of the Center for Disease Control, World Health Organization of the Texas Department of State Health Services.
LIVE OAK COUNTY
Live Oak County has now issued a mask order that will go into effect Tuesday, June 30 at 12:00 a.m.
The order informs residents 10 years old and older are required to wear a face mask when "inside a county or city owned or operated facility within the boundaries of Live Oak County."
The order also states when residents are seeking public service and do not have a mask "a disposable face covering should be provided."
According to the order "face coverings do not need to be worn when doing so poses a greater mental or physical health, safety or security risk to the person." Residents with medical conditions that make wearing a mask unsafe do not need to wear one and if an individuals physician deems wearing a mask to be unsafe.
Businesses in the county are required to develop and practice a safety plan to ensure the safety of all customers and employees. Businesses who fail to comply with the county's order may receive a fine exceeding $1,000 for each violation.
DUVAL COUNTY
The City of Benavides is requiring all businesses to mandate the use of face masks. The police department posted to Facebook announcing the order.
The city’s order will go into effect at 12:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 27.
The Benavides Police Department stating “all businesses in the city to develop a Health and Safety Practices plan that includes the directive for all people to wear facial coverings while inside businesses.”
The order states businesses who fail to abide by the rule could face a fine up to $1,000. The city strongly recommends any person over the age of 3 to wear a face mask. They are also encouraging residents to stay home unless they are engaging in essential services and to practice social distancing.
SAN PATRICIO COUNTY
San Patricio County Judge David Krebs has issued an executive order mandating all employees or visitors in business establishments to wear face coverings.
San Patricio officials say the order will go into effect as of 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, July 1, and continue through 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, July 31 unless the time period is modified by Kreb’s request.
All people 10 years or older, will be required to wear a face-covering over their nose and mouth when out in public.
According to officials, a face covering can include a homemade mask such as a handkerchief, scarf, or bandanna.
Officials say a fine of up to $1000 will be handed out for each violation.
NUECES COUNTY
Beginning Friday, June 26, people shopping inside grocery stores and malls will be required to wear masks while inside the building, according to an order signed by Nueces County Judge Barbara Canales.
It is important to note the order has been signed by Judge Canales but has not yet been filed.
The order states:
"The following Commercial Entities are "Listed Commercial Entities:" Texas State Aquarium, grocery stores, pharmacies, big box stores (e.g., Wal-Mart, Target, Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowes and others that can be reasonably characterized as "big box" stores), and shopping malls in Nueces County (inclusive of all retail stores inside of shopping malls). The Health and Safety Practices for all Listed Commercial Entities must require that all employees and visitors inside a Listed Commercial Entities' business premises wear face coverings when in a space that will necessarily involve close contact (areas where six (6) feet of separation is not feasible) with others - excepting family members."
The order also mandates masks be worn inside county and city-owned and operated facilities:
"Facial Covering Required. Each person ten (10) years of age or older shall wear a face covering over his/her nose and mouth when inside a state, county, or city-owned or operated facility within the boundaries of Nueces County (a "Governmental Facility") — unless each person is able to maintain at least six (6) feet of separation from all other members of the public and co-workers (excepting family members) while inside such Governmental Facility. The Nueces County courthouse, the City Hall of any municipality within the boundaries of Nueces County, state/county/ city libraries, museums, community centers, and senior centers are each considered a Governmental Facility for purposes of this Order. The Port of Corpus Christi Authority of Nueces County, Texas ("POCCA"), Del Mar College, Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority ("RTA"), Nueces County Hospital District facilities, Nueces County Appraisal District facilities, Corpus Christi Independent School District administrative offices, Corpus Christi International Airport facilities, and all water and drainage district offices, and such similar state/county/city facilities within the boundaries of Nueces County are each considered a Governmental Facility for purposes of this Order. No federally owned or operated facilities are considered to be a Governmental Facility. The USS Lexington Aircraft Carrier Museum is not considered a Governmental Facility. Face coverings may include homemade masks, scarfs, bandanas, or a handkerchief. Individuals are encouraged to bring a face covering with them when seeking public services, but — in the event that an individual does not have a face-covering disposable face covering should be provided."
KLEBERG COUNTY
All businesses in Kleberg County are now required to have all employees and patrons where a mask while inside the business.
Here is what Kleberg County Judge Rudy Madrid said:
"It is with a heavy heart that I burden my community once again; however, it is my sworn duty to protect the citizens of Kleberg County at all costs. Unfortunately, we have detected a recent influx of positive coronavirus patients within the Coastal Bend area. We have worked too hard as a community to avoid this pandemic and to protect the lives of our citizens. Therefore, I am issuing an order that will require all business owners to require face-masks upon entering their establishment. Please know that we will remove this order once we receive professional recommendations that our community is out of danger. Our commitment is to the safety of our community and to ensure that our local business population remains fluent. I beg that everyone joins together to promote the precautions -and- CDC recommendations that we have set forth. God Bless!!! "
PORT ARANSAS
Port Aransas Mayor Charles Bujan has implemented an order requiring masks to be worn in certain circumstances within the city limits.
Here is what the order says:
WHEREAS, pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 418.108, Port Aransas Mayor declared a state of local disaster due to imminent threat arising from COVID-19;
WHEREAS, there currently still exists a declaration of public health disaster in and for the State of Texas as declared by Texas Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS); and
WHEREAS, the transmission of COVID-19 has not dissipated but remains a significant threat to the health and safety of the Port Aransas Community.
I hereby issue the following Order.
Effective as of 12:01 p.m. on Wednesday, the 24th day of June 2020
("Effective Date"), and continuing through 11:59 p.m. on July 1st, 2020 unless
extended, modified or terminated earlier or as otherwise indicated below:
I. Face Masks - Commercial Entities. From the effective date of this Order, all commercial entities in Port Aransas providing goods and/or services directly to the public must require that all employees, customers, and visitors to the commercial entity's business premises or other facilities wear face coverings when in an area or performing an activity which will necessarily involve close contact or proximity to co-workers or the public where six feet of separation is not feasible. Commercial entities must post this Order in a conspicuous location sufficient to provide notice to employees, customers, and visitors. Failure to abide by and comply with this Order may result in a fine not to exceed $1,000 for each violation.
II. Miscellaneous Recommendations. IT IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THAT YOU NOT OBTAIN OR WEAR MEDICAL MASKS or N-95 RESPIRATORS AS THEY ARE A NEEDED RESOURCE FOR HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS AND FIRST RESPONDERS. Our healthcare workers and first responders on the front-line combating COVID-19 must have priority access to medical masks or other personal protective equipment. Face coverings do not need to be worn in the following circumstances:
• When outside
• While driving alone or with passengers who are part of the same household as the driver
• When doing so poses a greater mental or physical health, safety, or security risk
• While pumping gas or operating outdoor equipment
• While in a building or activity that requires security surveillance or screening, for example, banks
• When consuming food or drink
Port A-Misc/Mayoral Order of face masks
9th Mayoral Order of Public Health Disaster
• When indoors exercising
Please note that face coverings are a secondary strategy to other mitigation efforts. Face coverings are not a replacement for social distancing, frequent hand washing, and self-isolation when sick. All people should follow CDC recommendations for how to wear and take off a mask. Residents should keep up the following habits while in public:
• washing hands before you leave home and when you return,
• staying at least six feet away from others,
• avoiding touching nose or face,
• not using disposable masks more than three times, and
• washing reusable cloth masks regularly to prevent the spread of the virus.
Consistent with Executive Order GA-26 issued by Governor Greg Abbott, no civil or criminal penalty will be imposed on individuals for failure to wear a face covering.
III. No Fine. Consistent with Executive Order GA-26 issued by Governor Greg Abbott, no civil or criminal penalty will be imposed on employees, customers, or visitors for failure to wear a face covering.
IV. Severability. The sections, paragraphs, sentences, clauses, and phrases of this Executive Order are severable and if any phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph or section of this Executive Order should be declared invalid by the final judgment or decree of any court or competent jurisdiction, such invalidity shall not affect any of the remaining phrases, clauses, sentences, paragraphs and sections that can be given effect without the invalid provision, and to this end, the provisions of this Executive Order are severable.
V. lntemretation and Additional Terms. To the greatest extent possible, this Executive Order shall be interpreted as consistent with and supplemental to any executive order issued by the Texas Governor.
VI. Enforcement. In accordance with the limitations contained in the executive orders of Governor Greg Abbott, any peace officer or other person with lawful authority is hereby authorized to enforce the provisions of this Order in accordance with the authority granted under the Texas Disaster Act of 1975.
ORDERED this 19 day of June 2020.
BROOKS COUNTY
Brooks County officials announced they are implementing a new order requiring all commercial and retail business establishments to mandate employees and customers to wear a face mask.
According to Brooks County officials, the new order was signed today and will be presented to the Commissioner's Court next week for full approval.
If the Commissioner's Court fails to approve the order, it will expire in seven days.
Brooks County officials say they have three positive cases of COVID-19, in which one patient has recovered, but surrounding areas continue to have surges of cases. Brooks County officials also say they will be joining Bexar and Hidalgo County with the order that goes into effect at midnight on Thursday, June 18.
However, Brooks County officials say all commercial and business establishments will not have to enforce the order until 12:01 a.m. on Monday, June 22.
"I continue to be surprised at the number of local residents that seem to be ignoring common sense and proven preventative measures. The new order reminds all of us that we are dependent on each other. One person's actions can affect all of us. We cannot be selfish during these times, we must respect everyone's right to live a safe and healthy life." stated County Judge, Eric Ramos.
"Our move today is for the health and safety of all Brooks County citizens, especially our vulnerable population," added County Judge Ramos.
Officials say failure to abide by the order could lead to a fine of up to $1000.
JIM HOGG COUNTY
Jim Hogg County officials have announced that Judge Juan Carlos Guerra has issued an order mandating all employees or customers at commercial and retail businesses to wear a face mask.
According to Judge Guerra, the order will require all employees or customers to wear some form of covering over their mouth and nose.
The covering can be homemade, such as a scarf, bandanna, or handkerchief, but must be worn when in close contact or proximity to coworkers or customers.
The order will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, June 20, and can result in a fine of $1000 for each violation.
Jim Hogg County is joining Bexar, Hidalgo, Webb, and Brooks County with the new order that will be implemented for “Health and Safety Practices".
"Local Store Managers attended an afternoon meeting where we announced the County Order to them and answered any questions and offered clarification to any concerns regarding the Order. All businesses will receive a copy of Order by tomorrow," stated Judge Juan Carlos Guerra in a social media post.
"Thank you to the Store Managers that we're able to attend the last-minute meeting this afternoon. We had business representatives present from Stripes, Kwik Pantry, Lowe’s Supermarket, Church’s Fried Chicken, Hillcrest Grocery, Hillcrest Tortillas, Bryan’s Stop N Shop, Pizza Inn, SuKasa Grill and Bar, Las Lomitas Restaurant, Pepper’s Restaurant, Alamo Lumber Company, Dollar General, and Napa Auto Parts," added Guerra.
Judge Guerra says his decision is based on wanting business to continue in operation, but also wanting to make sure that we are doing everything we can to keep our community safe.
JIM WELLS COUNTY
Effective as of 12:01 p.m. on June 22, Jim Wells County officials say an order was issued requiring face coverings.
According to officials, a face cover must be worn when entering business establishments within Jim Wells County.
Everyone over the age of ten, including all employees, customers, and contractors must wear a face-covering over their nose and mouth.
Officials say the face-covering can be homemade such as a scarf, bandanna, or handkerchief.
Although the use of face coverings will be required, everyone should also maintain 6 feet of social distancing whenever possible.
Failure to abide by the order could lead to a fine of up to $1000, officials say.
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