Judge Hidalgo Signs New Face Mask Order

DC Says “¡Ponte la pinche máscara!”

From Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo;

BREAKING: In light of the governor’s guidance I’ve signed an order requiring businesses to require #facecoverings for workers & customers. We’ve recently seen disturbing #COVID19 trends and we must act swiftly to keep folks safe. We’ll use every tool available in this fight.

I wouldn’t call it guidance from the governor as much as winning a guessing game as to what the governor would allow. “Thanks to Bexar County Judge Wolff for calling Abbott’s bluff” would be a better way to describe it. Unlike the Judge, I don’t have to be nice about it.

Anyway, mask up and physically distance yourself from people (and stay away from crowds). And, remember, “No Shoes, No Shirt, No Mask, No Service!”

More from ABC13:

The new order goes into effect on Monday, June 22 and the Disaster Declaration expires on June 30, Hidalgo said. Businesses will be fined $1,000, but individuals will not be fined.

“This will only work if everyone does their part,” Hidalgo said. “The intent is not to have police on every street corner.”

Masks do not need to be worn while eating, exercising outside, driving, pumping gas or inside buildings that require screening like banks.

Mayor Sylvester Turner also said it’s important for customers to feel safe so they’ll venture out of their homes and visit businesses, helping many stay open and afloat.

“It’s a health care crisis, y’all,” Mayor Sylvester Turner said. “For people who want to start moving around, including the fall, how we handle the summer will be critical.”