Fort Worth suburb won’t enforce face mask order as COVID-19 surges in Tarrant County
On the same day Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley announced that face masks will be required in all businesses and at large outdoor gatherings, Colleyville officials said the order won’t be enforced in their city limits.
“The City of Colleyville will not adopt any formal action enacting this measure nor provide enforcement,” according to a message posted on the city’s Facebook page. “Questions regarding the regulation should be directed to Tarrant County.”
The statement for the city of about 26,000 in the northeastern part of the county noted that officials there “appreciate and follow” Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s leadership.
As COVID-19 cases skyrocket across the state, Abbott has urged people to stay at home, but declined to put in place mask requirements or new stay-at-home orders. He said local officials could put mask requirements in place for businesses but not individuals.
Whitley said Tarrant County’s executive order, which goes into effect at 6 p.m. Friday and will run through 6 a.m. Aug. 3, was prompted by a spike in coronavirus cases in Tarrant County, which on Thursday reached 10,363 total cases.
After the Colleyville statement was made public, Whitley said he’s “very disappointed they are taking that stance. We are trying to do things to prevent their businesses from being shut down.”
Colleyville’s statement said masks will be available for those who want to wear them at Friday’s Stars & Guitars event and “multiple hand sanitizing stations will be placed throughout the area.” The event runs from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. at City Park.
Whitley was joined Thursday for the mask announcement by Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price, Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams, Burleson Mayor Ken Shetter and several doctors and health officials.
“This marks the next stage in our fight against COVID-19,” he said. “In an effort not to have to go back to the restrictions of March ... I believe masks are our best alternative at this time.”
“If you leave home, put on a mask.”
This story was originally published June 25, 2020 at 4:01 PM.
