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Frequently Asked Questions On New Required Use Of Face Masks

When does the Order take effect?

The Order takes effect 11:59 p.m. on August 11, 2021.

What entities does the mandatory face mask requirement apply to?

This Order applies to child care centers, Pre-K-12 public schools, businesses, and Dallas County buildings and facilities.

What are schools required to do under the Order?

All child care centers and Pre-K-12 public schools must develop a Health and Safety Policy and this policy must mandate that teachers, staff, students, and visitors wear a mask while on the school’s premises. Schools may also include other mitigation measures in their Health and Safety Policy at their own discretion. Additional CDC recommended mitigation measures can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/k-12-guidance.html

What are businesses required to do under the Order?

Businesses operating in Dallas County must develop a Health and Safety Policy and this policy must mandate that all employees and visitors wear a mask while on any property owned or operated by the business. Businesses may also include other mitigation measures in their Health and Safety Policy at their own discretion. Businesses must post their Health and Safety Plan in a location where employees and visitors can easily see it before entering the business premises.

What steps must a business take to “implement” their Health and Safety Policy?

Businesses must take reasonable steps to enforce the face mask requirements of this Order, such as posting signage stating that masks are required, having employees monitoring the premises to ensure that all employees and visitors are wearing a face mask, and verbally instructing any visitor not wearing a face mask that a mask is required to enter the premises.

What is the penalty if a business does not develop or enforce their Health and Safety Policy?

Starting at 11:59pm on Saturday, August 14, 2021, a business can be fined up to $1,000 for each violation. This means if a businesses does not take reasonable steps to enforce the face mask requirements, a business can be fined up to $1,000 for each person the business allows to enter their premises without a face mask. Businesses will not be fined if they take all reasonable steps to enforce the face mask requirements.

How does this Order apply to residential property?

Common areas of residential property, such as laundry rooms, mail rooms, gyms, lobbies, and elevators, are subject to the mandatory face mask requirements included in this Order. Individuals are not required to wear a face mask while inside their own home or in another individual’s home.

How does the Order apply to Dallas County buildings?

Face masks are required for every person age 2 years or older while they are on Dallas County property.

Does an individual have to follow the face mask requirements if they show proof that they received the COVID-19 vaccine?

Yes, the face mask requirements contained in this Order apply to both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.

Can an individual be penalized for not wearing a face mask in a public space?

No civil or criminal penalty will be imposed on individuals for failure to wear a face mask.

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