New order requires mask wearing in all Fort Bend County buildings

Fort Bend County Judge KP George issued an order March 9 requiring people to continue wearing masks in county buildings and facilities.

“We are smart and will not let COVID-19 win,” George wrote in a post announcing the order. “Our healthcare experts understand what it takes to fight this virus and they will let us know when we are past the danger period.”

George's order came one week after Gov. Greg Abbott on March 2 issued an executive order that allows businesses to open up to 100% capacity and repeals the statewide mask order. Abbott's order went into effect March 10.

Under Abbott’s order, businesses are allowed to continue to limit capacity, require customers to wear masks and follow other safety measures if they choose.

George announced his order March 9, stating that it is in the best interest of the residents of Fort Bend County to take all lawful means to halt the spread of COVID-19 by relying on the best available data and science-based public health measures.

Such measures include wearing face coverings when around others, physical distancing, and other related precautions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, George wrote.

The full order can be read at www.coronavirusfortbend.gov.