Fort Bend officials announce mask order to combat spread of COVID-19

HOUSTON – Fort Bend County officials announced a mask order on Tuesday to combat the spread of COVID-19.

Here are the main points of the order:

▫ Effective midnight - June 25

▫ All employees and customers must wear face covering inside businesses in county

▫ Every business must post visible signage informing people they must wear a face covering

A news release said the efforts are in response to the climbing hospital admissions in the region.

Here’s what KPRC 2′s Joel Eisenbaum has learned about Fort Bend County’s efforts.

Fort Bend County Judge KP George, Fort Bend County Health & Human Services director Dr. Jacquelyn Johnson-Minter, Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland security coordinator Mark Flathouse were among those represented at the presentation.

“We’re hearing from our businesses that they are concerned about the safety of their employees,” Judge KP George, said.

George pointed to a survey of Fort Bend County residents that he claims showed an overwhelming preference for a mask ordinance.

“A whopping 77.5% of the respondents said they are in favor it, so that is the very reason we are moving forward on it,” George said.

The Judge said Tuesday that he more than a dozen separate law enforcement agencies would be involved in enforcement of the new order, but that the primary goal would be education rather than punishment.

The Judge made no mention of a fine schedule that may be involved for non-compliance. Channel 2 Investigates inquiries on the matter were not immediately returned.

“All of stakeholders believe it is time for us to do something because it is kind of spiraling out of control,” Judge George said.