Wearing a Mask In Dallas Is Becoming More Important As COVID-19 Cases Rise
The positive cases of coronavirus infection and hospitalization have been on the rise in the Dallas-Fort Worth area of North Texas. Unfortunately, as shelter-in-place orders lifted throughout the state and more people came out of their homes, the cases have risen significantly. This may be due to the lack of proper social distancing and not enough people wearing a mask in Dallas, Fort Worth, and other crowded cities.
Government Officials Urge Mask Wearing
The surge of new cases and hospitalizations has gotten so serious that multiple local and state government officials, including state Governor Greg Abbott, have publicly urged Texans to wear masks. In a press conference, Governor Abbot addressed the troubling number of COVID-19 hospitalizations and stressed his commitment to not shutting down Texas again.
“I know some people think wearing a mask is inconvenient or an infringement on freedom, but I also know it will keep Texas open […] Closing down Texas again will always be the last option. When you go out, you should wear a face covering or face mask.” – Governor Greg Abbot 1
- Also Check Out: Face Mask vs. Face Shield
Dallas Mask Policy Might Become Required
Currently, the Governor says that cities and counties are allowed to mandate that businesses require patrons to wear masks. However, many local officials are reluctant to enforce mandatory mask policies on businesses with the exception of Bexar County, which issued an order mandating that businesses require face covering for employees and visitors.2
Governor Abbot’s statewide executive order to reopen the state bans local jurisdictions from requiring individuals to wear a mask in public spaces. In response to the surge in cases, nine Texas mayors, including those from Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio, wrote a letter to the governor urging him to give them the authority to put in place mandatory mask policies for individuals, not just businesses.3
Should the Governor give local jurisdictions this authority, wearing a mask in Dallas may become mandatory and being caught in public without a face covering may become a fineable offence like it is in San Antonio.
Our Movers Wear Masks On the Job
At Firehouse Movers, both our office staff and Dallas residential movers have been instructed to wash their hands regularly. They also bring hand sanitizer with them on every job and disinfect their trucks and equipment daily. Learn more about the COVID-19 safety protocols adopted by our Dallas moving company by contacting us or giving us a call at 972-412-6033. You can also schedule a move with us! As an essential business, we are open.
Sources
- COM – Gov. Greg Abbott Implores Texans To Wear Masks: ‘It Will Keep Texas Open’
- Fares Sabawi, KSAT.com – New Bexar County executive order mandates face coverings at all businesses when social distancing is not possible
- Holly Yan & Ashley Killough, CNN – 9 Texas mayors want to require masks in close public spaces