Fort Bend County issues mask order for businesses

FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas - Fort Bend County has issued a mask mandate requiring all business employees and customers to wear a mask.

County Judge, KP George, announced that he has signed an ordinance that will go into effect tomorrow at midnight.

“All commercial retail businesses specifically located in Fort Bend County to require all their employees and their customers to wear face masks while they are inside the premise of the business.“ said George in a press conference Tuesday.

Starting Thursday, June 25, all Fort Bend County businesses must have signs posted alerting customer’s about the mandatory ordinance. There are some exceptions, like if you are in an outdoor space, and if you are eating or drinking.

The county put out a survey asking residents what they thought about a mandatory face mask policy, out of those surveyed 77.5% said they were in favor of wearing a mask.

Officials made it clear they are holding businesses accountable, not individuals.

Just like the residents that took the survey, many local businesses wanted this policy.

J.P. the General Manager of Jupiter Pizza and Waffles Co. in Sugar Land tells FOX 26, “I thought it was fine. I think it’s necessary. If we had been a little more strict with wearing a mask in the beginning we wouldn’t be where we are right now, so I think it’s important that everyone wear a mask to keep my staff safe, to keep the customer safe as well.”

This mandate comes after Harris and Galveston Counties issued similar orders this week.

MORE: Galveston issues order requiring face coverings in businesses

MORE: Harris Co. mandatory mask order went into effect Monday

Judge George said the order is in response to a rising number of coronavirus cases in the county. 

"We actually passed a dark milestone," he said.

As of Tuesday evening, there are 3,176 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the county, with 50 deaths and 1,197 recoveries.

THE LATEST: Coronavirus COVID-19 cases, deaths, recoveries in greater Houston area

To keep businesses in check, there will be a $500 penalty for going against the ordinance.

“I don’t think it’s harsh at all. I think it’s just really important to keep down the spread of the virus, and you know to keep businesses staying open,” says J.P.

We were told that local law enforcement agencies will be handling complaints against the businesses that aren’t following the new rule.

Case numbers and hospitalizations are continuing to go up across Texas, prompting local authorities to take action.

Governor: Texas surpasses 5,000 new COVID-19 cases in a single day for the first time