Texas mandates face coverings as coronavirus cases soar. Residents are now required to wear masks in public spaces in counties with 20 or more cases.
In his executive order, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott stated that people should have a face-covering in public spaces in counties with 20 or more positive Covid-19 cases.
“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,” Abbott said in a press release.
“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 added.
Abbott announced a proclamation allowing mayors and county judges to implement restrictions on certain outdoor gatherings of over 10 people.
The order has several exemptions, such as waiving the requirement for religious services. Meanwhile, children under the age of 10 and people with an existing medical condition that does not permit them to done a face covering are exempt from the order.
Moreover, people who will perform activities such as exercising or voting should wear face coverings.
The order also mentions that a protest or demonstration with more than 10 people should have all participants cover their face.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned about the “potential for widespread transmission” of the coronavirus before, particularly at “group gatherings during church events and within the broader community.”
Abbott's new order will give first-time violators a verbal or written warning. However, the subsequent violations involve a fine of up to $250.
According to the order, local police “can and should” implement the rule, but violations should not lead to detaining or arresting people. The order takes effect as of 12:01 pm. Friday, local time.
The order comes after the governor rejected calls for a statewide mandate by some Democratic leaders.
US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi previously called for a federal mandate on wearing masks through the CDC amid a rise in coronavirus cases.
Meanwhile, nine mayors from some of the biggest cities in Texas asked Abbott to give them the “authority to set rules and regulations” requiring face masks in public.
According to a study published in the medical journal The Lancet, social distancing and wearing of masks found effective in reducing COVID-19 risk. Findings revealed that people must stay at least three feet apart and more if possible.
In a recorded announcement, Abbott explained that the increases in the percent of total coronavirus tests coming back positive and hospitalization rate are the reasons behind his decision.
In Texas, there are 12,894 hospital beds and 1,322 ICU beds that remain available. However, surge capacity may happen in hard-hit areas like Houston.
“We are now at a point where the virus is spreading so fast, there is little margin for error,” Abbott said.
“Importantly, these spikes are not limited to just the big cities,” Abbott said. “More than 91 counties have hit record-high numbers in just the past three days.”
Texas was among the first states to push for reopening. The stay-at-home order was lifted on April 30, and by May 1, all movie theaters, stores, restaurants, and malls have resumed their operations.
“Covid-19 is not going away,” he added. “In fact, it’s getting worse.”
