On Friday, June 19, 2020, the Dallas County Commissioners Court passed an order that requires customers to wear face coverings in local businesses. This ordinance goes into effect June 19, 2020 at 11:59pm and ends August 4, 2020 at 11:59pm.
Governor Greg Abbott recently said businesses have the right to require customers to wear masks or face coverings and to refuse service to those customers who refuse. Businesses that do not comply with the Dallas County order could be fined up to $500.
Travis County (Austin) and Bexar County (San Antonio) issued orders earlier in the week that are similar to Dallas County’s order, but carry a $1,000.00 fine for violations. The Travis County, Bexar County, and Dallas County orders all require customers, employees, and others to wear face coverings in an area or while 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. Harris County (Houston) is expected to also finalize and implement a similar order today.
Virtus Law, PLLC continues to monitor developments in this (and other COVID-19 areas) and will continue to post relevant updates to this website.