On June 19, Dallas County commissioners voted 3-2 to pass the order that directs businesses to require face masks to be worn by customers and everyone at the place of the business due to the continuing rise of COVID-19 cases.
The ever-changing guidelines and regulations have created confusion and brought up many questions from local business owners. The Garland Chamber of Commerce has offered the following information to help businesses implement and adhere to the new order.
What this means:
Anyone who is 10 years of age or older will need to wear a face mask or covering when visiting a public place where it is difficult to follow social distancing protocols. Public places that are not included in this order are:
- Exercising outside or any physical activity outside
- Driving alone or with passengers from the same household
- Pumping gas or operating outdoor equipment
- In a building that requires security surveillance, such as banks
- When consuming food or drink
- Or if wearing a mask does more physical and mental damage to an individual
Dallas County suggests using homemade masks, scarfs, bandanas or handkerchiefs as face coverings. The county also highly discourages everyone from purchasing N-95 respirators as these are needed for health care providers and first responders.
Businesses will need to create plans on how to enforce the new order. The Dallas County order states that if these plans are not implemented within five (5) days of the effective date, which was June 19, 2020, it could result in a $500 fine.
Garland’s Chamber of Commerce also recommends the links below for more information and answers to questions. Those who have additional questions about implementing the order at their businesses should contact Andrea Tamez at the Garland Chamber for a free Small Business Development Center (SBDC) appointment with Judith Collins.
| Resuming Business Toolkit |
CDC Face Coverings Recommendations
| CDC Face Coverings Information |
Information from Garland Chamber of Commerce.