HOUSTON — Here's a running list of what Houston-area counties and cities are saying about whether or not they will have mask requirements. Are we missing a community's statement on this list? Email us at web@khou.com
Counties with mask orders
- HARRIS COUNTY
Required? Yes | Read the full order here. You must wear a face covering when entering any business in Harris County. Acceptable garments include a homemade mask, scarf, bandanna or handkerchief. The order has been extended until August 28. Related info: Harris County mask order now in effect: Here's what you need to know | What you need to know about mask order for Harris County businesses, customers - CHAMBERS COUNTY
Required? Yes | Chambers County Judge Jimmy Sylvia issued the order Wednesday that goes into effect at midnight on June 25. According to Sylvia’s order, all commercial entities providing goods or services directly to the public must require that all employees or visitors wear face coverings within areas where they will be in close contact or proximity to others. All Chambers County residents over the age of 10 are required to wear a covering over their mouth and nose when in a business or when working near others. - FORT BEND COUNTY
Required? Yes | Fort Bend County Judge KP George extended the order through July 31. The order says all commercial entities will have to post signs out front telling customers they must wear masks inside the business when within 6 feet of others. The only time a customer can take off his or her mask is when they are eating or drinking or while outside the facility. Businesses that fail to do this could be fined $500 for each violation. - LIBERTY COUNTY
Required? Yes | Judge Kay Knight said the order would be in effect from July 2 through July 15. Businesses must implement a mandatory mask order for employees and members of the public.
Cities with mask orders
- ANGLETON
Required? Yes | The city of Angleton is requiring all commercial entities inside the city limits to implement policies requiring employees and visitors to wear masks while inside their facilities. The requirement is for anyone 10 years or older. The order goes into effect July 2 at 12 a.m. and expires July 17 at 12 a.m. - CLUTE
Required? Yes | The city of Clute is requiring anyone inside a commercial establishment to wear a mask or face covering beginning Monday, June 29. Mask are not required for those younger than 10 years old. Officials didn't specify when the mandate would last. Businesses must enforce the mask requirement for their employees, customers and other visitors. | Latest Clute, Texas COVID-19 updates. - DICKINSON
Required? Yes | Dickinson mayor Julie Masters issued a mandatory face masks order that goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. Sunday, June 28 and lasts through July 5 unless extended or terminated by the city. Face coverings do not need to be worn when exercising outside or engaging in physical activity outside, while in a vehicle alone or with passengers who are part of the same household, 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 and when consuming food or drink. - FREEPORT
Required? Yes | On Sunday, June 28, the city of Freeport announced an order to require masks. The order is effective starting at 12:01 a.m. June 30 and will remain in effect until 11:59 p.m. on July 12. The order mandates that all businesses providing services to directly to the public must require employees and visitors age 10 and older to wear face coverings. Failure to comply will result in a citation to the business that could result in a fine up to $1,000. - GALVESTON (CITY)
Required? Yes | On Monday, June 22, the city of Galveston announced an emergency order to require masks at businesses. Mayor Jim Yarbrough signed the emergency order that becomes effective Tuesday, June 23 through at least June 30. Businesses have five days to comply before they could face fines of up to $1,000. Yarbrough said the mask order is necessary because COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are increasing “at an alarming and exponential rate.” It includes anyone over 10 years old, but makes exceptions for people who are eating, drinking or exercising outdoors. On Thursday, June 25, Galveston City Council extended the mandatory mask order to Sept. 30, 2020 - KATY (CITY)
Required? Yes, but only in city buildings/facilities | The city of Katy says it will not enforce a fine, but all visitors and employees need to wear a mask inside city property. Read the city's statement here. - LAKE JACKSON
Required? Yes | Lake Jackson Mayor Bob Sipple has issued an order requiring employees, customers and other visitors under age 10 to wear masks or facial coverings when inside a business. The mandate goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. Monday, June 29 and will continue until further notice. Sipple has instructed businesses to implement a health and safety policy that at minimum requires all employees and visitors wear a masks when in close contact with others or in situations where 6 feet of separation is not possible. Face coverings are not required when outside, when doing so presents a mental or physical health risk, pumping gas or operating outdoor equipment, exercising or consuming food or drink.The mask requirement policy must be posted in a clear and visible manner at the business. Violators will be subjugated to an up to $1,000 fine. Businesses have until 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, June 30 to create and post their policy. - MISSOURI CITY
Required? Yes | Missouri City Mayor Yolanda Ford is issuing an order requiring face coverings be worn in all local businesses and workplaces by employees and patrons. The order goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. Sunday, June 28. The order requires all employees and visitors 10 years of age and older to wear face coverings in businesses and requires businesses post the policy in a conspicuous location. The mayor said failure to develop, post and implement the policy by June 30 may result in fines up to $1,000 for each violation. Face coverings are not required when in outdoor facilities, when doing so poses a 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, or when consuming food and drink. - PEARLAND (CITY)
Required? Yes | Pearland Mayor Tom Reid has signed a mask order requiring customers to wear masks at businesses in the city. The order goes into effect at midnight June 28 through July 12. The order also requires people age 10 or older to wear face coverings in public places or keep 6 feet apart. Business who fail to implement the policy may face a fine up of to $1,000. - SUGAR LAND (CITY)
Required? Yes | Sugar Land Mayor Joe R. Zimmerman has signed a mask order requiring customers to wear masks at businesses in the city. The order goes into effect at midnight June 24 through July 7. The order also requires people age 10 or older to wear face coverings in public places and keep 6 feet apart. - MANVEL (CITY)
Required? Yes | Mayor Debra Davison has issued a mask order for all persons over 10 years of age who enter a commercial business where social distancing of six feet cannot be accomplished. The masks can be homemade masks, scarfs, bandanas, or handkerchiefs. It goes into effect Monday, June 29 and it will remain in effect until July 5.
Counties that have stated they do not have mask orders
- GALVESTON COUNTY
Required? No | but they are encouraged | Statement issued June 22: "To help slow the spread of COVID-19: - Practice social distancing - Wear a mask when unable to socially distance - Wash hands regularly - Frequently disinfect objects and surfaces - Stay home when you're sick - Avoid touching your face." (Note: cities in the county like Galveston and La Marque are requiring face coverings.) - MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Required? No | From County Judge Mark Keough on June 19: "While several larger Texas counties have issued mandates on businesses requiring them to require the public to wear a mask. No such order exist in Montgomery County and there are no plans for any such order to be issued. Individuals and businesses alike can and will make the decision for what is best for them with regard to wearing a mask."
Are we missing a community's statement on this list? Email us at web@khou.com