Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins issued an order of ‘Required Use of a Face Mask in Certain Public Space’ that takes effect 11:59 p.m. Aug. 11, in response to the continued COVID-19 pandemic. The order covers child care centers, pre-K to grade 12 public schools, commercial entities providing goods or services directly to the public, and buildings or offices owned or operated by Dallas County.
Because this is a County order, the City of Irving and Irving Independent School District will need to abide by the new executive order.
The Irving ISD twitted, "Consistent with the guidance of Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins, Irving ISD will require all students and staff to wear masks on district property and at district events for the foreseeable future, effective at 11:59 PM today, Wednesday, August 11. We remain dedicated to our mission of keeping all of our Irving ISD students, staff members and families safe. "
CHILD CARE CENTERS, PUBLIC SCHOOLS
All child care centers and pre-K to grade 12 public schools must develop and implement a Health and Safety Policy that mandates teachers, staff, students and visitors ages 2 and older to wear a mask while on the premises, regardless of vaccination status. Additional COVID-19 mitigation measures also can be included in this policy.
COMMERCIAL ENTITIES
Commercial entities providing goods or services directly to the public must develop and implement a Health and Safety Policy that requires universal indoor masking for all employees and visitors to the entity's business premises and other facilities. This policy must be posted in a "conspicuous location" for employees and visitors within three days of the order's effective date. Failure to meet the requirements can result in fines up to $1,000 per violation for the business.
COUNTY FACILITIES
All employees, contractors and visitors to a building or office owned or operated by Dallas County are required to wear a face mask, regardless of vaccination status.
GENERAL PUBLIC
The order strongly urges everyone two years and older to wear a face mask when in public indoor spaces. However, it emphasizes that no civil or criminal penalties will be imposed on individuals for failing to wear one.
