According to a statement from Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra released last week included language that masks were mandatory and included a $1000 fine for businesses, their employees, and customers for each violation.

On Friday, June 19, Becerra walked back the threat of the fine against businesses.

The latest Executive Order GA-26 issued by Governor Greg Abbott stated there would be no civil or criminal penalty that will be imposed on individuals for failure to wear a face covering.

However, for individuals and businesses who cannot keep the 6-foot suggested social distancing, it is strongly suggested to wear masks.

View the Governor’s latest order at https://gov.texas.gov/uploads/files/press/EO-GA-26_expanded_opening_COVID-19.pdf.

On Wednesday, June 3, Governor Greg Abbott announced phase three of Texas’ plan to safely open the economy while containing the spread of COVID-19.

Under Phase III, effective immediately, all businesses in Texas are able to operate at up to 75% capacity, with very limited exceptions.

Businesses that previously have been able to operate at 100% capacity may continue to do so, and most outdoor areas are not subject to capacity limits.

All businesses and customers should continue to follow minimum standard health protocols laid out by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).

Effective June 19
Amusement parks and carnivals in counties with more than 1,000 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 may open at 75% capacity.

Additional Openings
Special provisions have been made for outdoor gatherings, such as the Fourth of July celebrations, but it is imperative that local officials and public health officials collaborate on safety standards.

These provisions are included in the Governor’s Executive Order and are also available on the Open Texas webpage.

Further Protocols
All businesses should continue to follow the minimum standard of health protocols from DSHS.

For details and a full list of guidelines, openings, and relevant dates, visit http://open.texas.gov.

Reminders for those going out:

• Individuals are encouraged to wear appropriate face coverings.
• People should not be in groups greater than ten when possible.
• People over the age of 65 are encouraged to stay at home as much as possible.
• People are still asked to avoid nursing homes, state-supported living centers, assisted living facilities, or long-term care facilities.

View the Governor’s Executive Order.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then wash your hands.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

* Disclaimer: As this is a fast-moving situation, the information included below is provisional and subject to change.

Epidemiologist Eric Schneider said the County’s total of lab-confirmed cases includes 111 from the first three days of testing last week by the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM).

NOTE: If residents were tested at a TDEM site, they will receive their results directly from that agency, not the Hays County Local Health Department.

NEWS ALERT UPDATE

HAYS COUNTY POSITIVE TEST BY AGE AND GENDER

U.S. & WORLDWIDE CORONAVIRUS CASE OVERVIEW

*UPDATED ON TUESDAY, JUNE 23, AT 3:35 PM
*Disclaimer: This data changes rapidly and might not reflect some cases still being reported.