Parker County now requiring face masks after updated coronavirus data shows case spike
Parker County officials are requiring face coverings for residents in public spaces where social distancing is not possible and there is an estimated 100 or more people.
The order, signed by Parker County Judge Pat Deen, goes into effect at 6 p.m. Wednesday and is good through 6 p.m. July 8.
The order is similar to one passed in Johnson County last week. Deen said last week that he would not enforce face masks and would allow restaurants to remain at 75% capacity despite Gov. Greg Abbott’s order limiting restaurants to 50% capacity beginning Monday to help slow the spread of the coronavirus.
Deen said he wanted to wait until Parker County had updated case levels from state health officials. Daily case updates had ceased the previous week while irregularities in the data were corrected.
The county reported an estimated 179 active COVID-19 cases on Tuesday. That number is based on an algorithm by state health officials and is much higher than the last number released by Parker County. Texas Department of State Health Services data show there have been at least 286 cases in the county as of Tuesday.
“We knew there was going to be a variation and it was no surprise to anybody that there was a significant increase in the number count,” Deen said. “Once we got an understanding of what those numbers were, given the spike, it merits an action specific to those events where spacing is not available. This [order] would give that extra layer of protection to wear a mask in those large gatherings.”
The judge’s power limits a declaration without a vote to seven days. At that point, the county commissioners court may vote on whether to extend the order.
The state has hit record levels of new coronavirus cases in the past week, including single-day highs in cases and hospitalizations on Tuesday.
“It is strongly encouraged for individuals 10 years and older to wear a face covering in areas open to the public where it is difficult to keep six feet away from other people,” the county said in a release. “Face masks may include homemade masks, scarfs, bandannas, or a handkerchief and should be worn over the nose and mouth. Individuals with a ‘significant mental or physical health risk’ to wearing a mask do not have to comply with this ordinance.”
Deen said his order is a reaction to the spike in COVID-19 cases as well as upcoming Fourth of July events, including the Spark in the Park in Weatherford. That event is requiring face coverings, which Deen supports.
Why not groups of fewer than 100? Deen said it’s easier to social distance in smaller crowds.
“We really would rather personal responsibility to be the key here with our community rather than shoving a bunch of government down them; we want people to take responsibility for their decisions that they make to ensure their own health and safety,” he said. “It’s working together as a community, the county government as well as the individuals.”
Parker County continues to allow restaurants to remain at 75% capacity because it remains below certain pandemic benchmarks related to case counts and hospitalizations established by Abbott, Deen said.
“If the numbers do get to that, we’ll certainly comply with the governor’s order and scale it back,” he said. “We’re not near that to go back to 50% yet.”
Deen said the county is still far from being inundated with hospital occupancy. If the numbers worsen, he said, state officials would notify the county immediately.
“We’re not hitting the panic button at all,” he said. “The growth versus two weeks ago merits action. [The order] was the right action to take. We encourage [residents to wear masks]. To take those responsibilities at the local level and that’s what we promote: Local responsibility, local control. Rather than us having to mandate that for them.”
This story was originally published July 1, 2020 at 4:48 PM.
