Fort Worth extends face mask order through August amid coronavirus pandemic
Fort Worth residents will have to wear a mask to prevent the spread of coronavirus through at least the end of the month.
The City Council on Tuesday approved extending the local mandate through Aug. 31.
The order, first passed on June 26, reinforces Gov. Greg Abbott’s July 2 statewide order, which requires face masks and limits outdoor gatherings. Abbott’s order did not have an end date, but Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley last week extended the county’s declaration through the end of August.
Tarrant County reported five coronavirus deaths and 805 new cases on Tuesday.
Fort Worth’s order carries a fine up to $500 for businesses found in violation. They must develop a health policy that requires employees and customers to wear masks as well as post signs advising visitors of the rule.
However, the city has not written a citation for violations.
The Tarrant County district attorney has advised law enforcement that it may be unlawful to issue citations because Abbott’s order doesn’t allow officers to detain anyone. A person is technically detained while an officer writes the citation.
“It appears that law enforcement cannot legally enforce” the governor’s order, a district attorney’s office spokesman told the Star-Telegram last week.
