Here is everything you need to know about the new Harris County face covering order starting Monday

HOUSTON – Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo signed an order requiring people to wear some form of face-covering, which goes into effect Monday and remain in for 30 days.

Hidalgo said the order will help keep people safe as officials work to reopen the county, but masks are not a replacement for social distancing.

“If we get cocky or sloppy, we get right back to where we started and all the sacrifices that we have been making will be in vain," Hidalgo said.

Hidalgo said the latest research says that even people who are not symptomatic can be carrying the virus. Face masks protect the community from that transmission.

Here is what to know about the order:

Who is required to wear a mask?

Anyone 10 years or older should wear a face covering that covers his or her nose and mouth. Hidalgo said she encourages parents to try and get their kids to wear a face-covering but understands sometimes that may not be feasible.

When is the order applicable?

This order is applicable when you are in public or when you are with people who do not live with you, according to Hidalgo.

What if I can’t wear a mask?

Hidalgo said the order will make exceptions for people with health or mental health conditions who have difficulties wearing facial covers.

Are there any other exceptions?

Other exceptions will also include people who are driving, eating or exercising alone.

What if I don’t have a mask?

Hidalgo said she is not asking people to wear a medical mask. She said everyone has materials at home that can be used to make a mask, for example, bandana, an old t-shirt, a scarf, a handkerchief or anything else that can be used to cover your nose and mouth.

There are instructions on readyharris.org for people who wish to make their own masks.

Why is it going into effect Monday and not immediately?

Hidalgo said she wanted to make it effective Monday so people have time to get or make a mask. However, she asked who already has a mask to please wear it. Don’t wait until Monday.

“I know this takes some getting used to, but these are small but powerful actions ...we have made too much progress to backtrack now," Hidalgo said.

More coronavirus coverage

Find cases by zip code: Harris County heat map shows coronavirus cases by ZIP code

Cases by county: A breakdown of how many coronavirus cases there are by county in the Houston area

• Answering your questions: We’ve got answers to dozens and dozens of your health and financial coronavirus questions

• Haley’s Health Inbox: KPRC 2 reporter Haley Hernandez answers questions readers are sending her every day

• Coronavirus charts: Who is getting coronavirus in the Houston area? We’ve crunched the data in these charts

• Follow the curve: This chart shows you the curve for Houston cases since March 15

• When it will peak: This is when each state is expected to peak in deaths from coronavirus

• Interactive map: This is what the coronavirus spread looks like right now across the world right now

• Support Local: Find all the ways you can help local businesses in Houston

• Get newsletters: Sign up for a daily newsletter on coronavirus news and Haley Hernandez’s health inbox newsletter


About the Author:

Daniela Sternitzky-Di Napoli has been a digital news editor at KPRC 2 since 2018. She is a published poet and has background in creative writing and journalism. Daniela has covered events like Hurricane Harvey and the Astros World Series win. In her spare time, Daniela is an avid reader and loves to spend time with her two miniature dachshunds.