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A judge ruled that local leaders could ask for masks. The order starts on Wednesday at 11:59 p.m.
DALLAS – Dallas County issued an emergency mask order Wednesday after a judge ruled that local leaders could require masks as a measure to help contain the spread of COVID-19. An executive order from Governor Greg Abbott previously prevented mask mandates.
Face masks will be required in Dallas County businesses, schools, and buildings. Clay Jenkins, a Dallas County judge, signed the order Wednesday afternoon.
Things to know about ordering a new mask:
- Order takes effect on Wednesday at 11:59 p.m.
- Mask compulsory for everyone indoors Teachers, staff, students and visitors regardless of vaccination status, except for children under 2 years of age
- All businesses must require face masks for indoor visitors and employees
- Face masks are required in all Dallas County buildings regardless of vaccination status
Rules for business
Companies that fail to comply within three calendar days could face a fine of no more than $ 1,000 for each breach, Jenkins said. You must put up the signs that face masks are required.
Rules for schools
Schools must require masks for students from Pre-K through 12th grade indoors. They are also compulsory in all day care centers, with the exception of children under 2 years of age.
“The most important thing is of course that everyone gets vaccinated as soon as possible,” said Jenkins during the announcement on Wednesday afternoon.
On Tuesday, a Dallas County district judge issued an injunction banning Abbott’s mask mandate ban, which had prevented government institutions, including schools, from implementing mask mandates.
Dallas county officials reported Tuesday that there are only two pediatric intensive care beds in 19 counties in north Texas. The delta variant of COVID is a widespread problem in the county as students return to the classroom for the new school year, Judge Clay Jenkins said. No vaccines are currently available for children under the age of 12.
Across the North Texas region, 55 children were hospitalized with the virus this week.
In a statement Tuesday, an Abbott spokesman said the governor’s office was working to “protect Texan children and the most vulnerable among us, but violating the governor’s orders – and violating parents’ rights – is not the way to go.” . “
“Governor Abbott has made it clear that the time of masking is over; now is the time of personal responsibility,” the spokesman said. “Parents and guardians have the right to choose whether or not their child wears a mask, just like any other decision in their child’s life.”
On Tuesday, Fort Worth ISD, along with Dallas ISD and Austin ISD, opposed Abbott’s order banning masking requirements.
Cook Children’s average daily cases have risen to around 80, the highest since January. 23 patients with COVID-19 were hospitalized at Cook Children’s on Friday.
The capacity of children’s hospitals in North Texas was over 97%, health officials said on Monday.
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