People in Dallas County will soon be required to wear face coverings when they work or shop at essential businesses and use public transit.The new order goes into effect at 11:59 p.m. Friday, County Judge Clay Jenkins announced Thursday. The coverings will be required for everyone older than 2, and homemade face coverings such as scarves and bandannas are acceptable alternatives for masks. At a news conference Thursday afternoon, Jenkins said the county isn’t asking people to buy surgical masks — frontline workers need those, he said. In a pinch, a pillow case or a towel could work as a face covering.
The county also announced it will start requiring visitors to essential businesses, employees of those businesses, and riders of public transportation to wear a cloth or mask to cover their faces beginning Saturday. All non-medical employees working at essential businesses must also wear face coverings while working. Owners and operators of essential businesses “may refuse admission or service to any individual who fails to wear a face covering.”
The order does not apply to people riding in personal vehicles, engaging in outdoor activities, while eating, or in cases in which wearing a face covering would pose a greater health or safety risk.
There was an emergency meeting at 10:00 a.m, Friday, April 17, 2020. The meeting was to discuss the effectiveness of facial coverings which was highly debated. The court agreed to make it clear that no one will be stopped and cited if their faces aren’t covered. Jenkins said businesses could refuse service to anyone not covering their face.
The Dallas County Commissioners also voted in favor of reopening stores like Hobby Lobby, JOANN and Michaels so that people are able to buy materials for making masks or supplies for school at home.
The Dallas County Commissioners also voted in favor of reopening stores like Hobby Lobby, JOANN and Michaels so that people are able to buy materials for making masks or supplies for school at home.
