Hays County requires masks in public

SUMMARY: Hays County requires masks in public and requires businesses to implement health and safety plans

DATE/TIME: Thursday, June 18, 2020

LOCATION: Hays County

KYLE, TEXAS - Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra issued an executive order on Thursday, June 18 that goes into effect Monday, June 22, that requires all commercial entities open to the public to develop and implement health and safety policies and requires all people 10 years or older to wear a face covering over their nose and mouth when in a public place where it is difficult to keep six feet away from others.

The executive order is pursuant to the Texas Disaster Act of 1975 and is effective as of 12:01 a.m. on Monday, June 22 and continues through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, July 20, unless extended, modified or terminated early.

"The City of Kyle has not been experiencing the spread of COVID-19 in a vacuum," Mayor Travis Mitchell said. "We've been dealing with rising numbers, as most know, and last week those numbers began to rise exponentially resulting in increased case numbers and hospitalizations. Judge Becerra setting forth this policy to encourage best practices to mitigate the the spread of COVID-19 will help our businesses and community to stay safe and healthy."

On Monday, June 22, all commercial entities in Hays County providing goods or services directly to the public must develop and implement a health and safety policy that requires at a minimum that all employees or visitors to the 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.

The health and safety policies enacted by commercial entities may also include the implementation of other mitigating measures designed to control and reduce the transmission of COVID-19 such as temperature checks or health screenings. Commercial entities are required to post the health and safety policy in a conspicuous location sufficient to provide notice to both employees and visitors

The executive order also requires all people 10 years or older to wear a face covering over their nose and mouth when in a public place where it is difficult to keep six feet away from other people such as visiting a grocery store/pharmacy or working in areas that involve close proximity with other coworkers. Coverings may include homemade masks, scarfs, bandanas, or a handkerchief. 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.

Face coverings do not need to be worn in the following circumstances:

• When exercising outside or engaging in physical activity 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; and/or
• When consuming food or drink.

Judge Becerra noted that face coverings are a secondary strategy to other mitigation efforts such as social distancing, frequent handwashing, and self-isolation when sick.

In accordance with the limitations contained in the executive orders of Governor Greg Abbott, any peace officer or other person with lawful authority is authorized to enforce the provisions of this executive order in accordance with the authority granted under the Texas Disaster Act of 1975.

Kyle is located in Central Texas between Austin and San Antonio along the I-35 Innovation Corridor.