Governor Abbott Establishes Statewide Face Covering Requirement

Governor Greg Abbott issued an Executive Order on July 2, 2020 requiring all Texans to wear a face covering over the nose and mouth in public spaces in counties with 20 or more positive COVID-19 cases, with few exceptions. The Governor also issued a proclamation giving mayors and county judges the ability to impose restrictions on some outdoor gatherings of more than 10 people.

County Judge Bill Gravell signed an order effective August 13, 2020, permitting Williamson County residents to have outdoor gatherings with more than 10 people in the unincorporated areas of Williamson County provided the gatherings comply with Governor Greg Abbott Executive Order GA-28, as amended, and future executive orders that may be issued by Governor Greg Abbott. 

Exemptions Include:

• Children younger than 10 years old
• People with a medical condition or disability that prevents wearing a face covering
• While seated at a restaurant or consuming food or drink
• While (a) exercising or engaging in physical activity outdoors and (b) maintaining a safe distance from other people
• While the person is driving alone or with passengers who are part of the same household as the driver
• While obtaining a service that requires temporary removal of the face covering for security surveillance, screening, or a need for specific access to the face, such as while visiting a bank or while obtaining a personal care service involving the face. In such instances, face masks should be removed temporarily and only to the extent necessary.
• While the person is in a swimming pool, lake, or similar body of water
• While voting, assisting a voter, or serving as a poll watcher. However, wearing a face covering is strongly encouraged
• While actively providing or obtaining access to religious worship. However, wearing a face covering is strongly encouraged
• While giving a speech for a broadcast or to an audience