Mask Order FAQ

When does the Order go into effect? The order goes into effect at 12:01 am on June 25, 2020, and it expires at 11:59 P.M. on July 31st, 2020, unless otherwise extended.

Where can I read the Order? Please visit https://coronavirus.fortbendcountytx.gov/government-orders/order-by-the-county-judge-of-fort-bend-county-regarding-use-of-facial-protection/.

What kind of notices or signs need to be posted? You may download, print, and post these signs.

Who does the Order apply to? The Order applies to commercial entities physically located in Fort Bend County that provide goods and services to the public.

Do employees and visitors (customers) have to wear facial coverings? Yes. This Order applies to all employees and visitors of all commercial entities physically located in Fort Bend County that provide goods and services to the public while they are performing an activity that involves close contact or proximity with co-workers or the public.

Do I have to wear a facial covering while I am alone in my office? No. The Order only requires people to wear facial coverings when employees and visitors are performing an activity or are in an area that involves close contact or proximity to co-workers or the public.

What does this Order require businesses to do? All commercial entities that this Order applies to must:

  • Post the required measures in a conspicuous location that is easily accessible and visible to all employees and visitors.
  • Enforce facial coverings for all employees and visitors unless they are in any of the following circumstances:
    • Children under 2 years of age and younger or an older child if the mask cannot be safely placed on the child’s face.
    • Outside facilities;
    • When doing so poses a greater mental or physical health, safety, or security risk;
    • While pumping gas or operating outdoor equipment;
    • While in a building or activity that requires security surveillance or screening, for example, banks; or
    • When consuming food and drink.

Does this Order apply to places of worship? No. However, facial coverings are highly recommended at places of worship as well. It is important to remember that COVID-19 spreads when people are in close contact with one another, such as when people are in large gatherings and are within six feet of one another.

Does this Order apply to apartment complexes? No.

I own a commercial business and I would like to do more than require facial coverings, like enforce social distancing and do temperature checks when people enter the premises. Am I allowed to do more than require facial coverings? Yes. The Order is a minimum requirement. Your business reserves the right to enforce public health and safety measures beyond the scope of this Order. You can find best practices for business from the CDC here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/businesses-employers.html

I have a health condition and cannot wear a facial covering. What do I do? The Order states that, “face coverings are not required to be worn when doing so poses a greater mental or physical health, safety, or security risk.”
If you feel you cannot wear a facial covering due to a health condition, the retailer is not required to enforce that you wear a facial covering. You do not have to provide documentation of your health condition.
However, the business may choose to refuse you service. This is similar to the No Shirt, No Shoes – No Service Policy.

Does my child have to wear a facial covering? Yes. Unless they are younger than 2 years old and/or the parent or guardian cannot safely place a facial covering on the child. For example, if the child has a health condition that makes it difficult or impossible to wear a facial covering.

Does my child have to wear a facial covering while they are at day care? The Order does not apply to childcare settings. You will need to ask the childcare regarding their internal policy regarding face coverings.

Do I have to wear a facial covering while I work out at my indoor fitness center/gym? Yes, unless you can avoid “close contact or proximity to co-workers or the public” while at work or if it causes “a greater mental or physical health” risk.

I would like to report a business that is not complying with the Order. What do I do?
Call 281-341-4665, the Sheriff’s Office non-emergency number to report violations of the law.

I have a question about the Order but I am not reporting a business. What do I do? Email fbcovid19@fortbendcountytx.gov.

I have a question about the coronavirus or about safety procedures for my facility. What do I do? Please call 281-633-7795, the Fort Bend County Health and Human Services Coronavirus hotline.