Citing the “alarming” spike in COVID-19 cases, Milam County Judge Steve Young has imposed a mandatory order for residents to wear masks in public.
“Why wouldn’t you do it?” Young asked in a social media announcement Thursday.
Cases jumped from 73 last Wednesday to 90 at presstime, with 39 cases of the potentially deadly disease reported in the past two weeks.
That’s a cumulative total since the first case was reported on March 21. As of Wednesday morning there were 21 active cases. That’s actually down two from the previous Wednesday morning.
The new disaster order, which went into effect at 12:01 a.m. Monday, is aimed primarily at getting shoppers to wear masks when visiting Milam businesses.
“It basically orders you to wear a mask when you go shopping,” Young said. “Wearing masks, and social distancing, are about the only ways we can fight this virus until there’s a cure and that may be in a year or so.”
“Wearing a mask is for safety’s sake,” he said. “It’s like wearing a seat belt in a vehicle or wearing a hard hat on a construction site.”
TESTING—Three rounds of testing were being done at the beginning of this week, Monday in Rockdale, Tuesday in Milano and Wednesday in Cameron.
A total of 210 persons were tested Monday and Tuesday.
RESPONSIBILITY— The new order effectively makes business owners responsible for making sure no one without a mask enters their place of business. The order states it will be
The order states it will be “enforced by fines” on any entity that fails to comply. It doesn’t state a fine
It doesn’t state a fine amount but, during his address Thursday, Young mentioned fines of $1,000.
“We don’t want to fine anybody,” he said.
The order states businesses must develop and implement a health and safety policy which provides the following minimum requirements:
• All employees, visitors, including but not limited to patrons, contractors, volunteers and vendors, to wear face coverings that cover the nose and mouth while on the business’s premises.
• Deny entrance onto their premises and/or services to any person who refuses or fails to comply.
It also authorizes any police officer “or other person with lawful authority” to enforce provisions of the directive.
The order states disposable face masks should not be worn over three times and reusable masks must be washed “regularly.”
Homemade masks, scarves, bandannas and handkerchiefs are permitted as well as commercial masks.
EXEMPTIONS—A face covering is not required to be worn in the following circumstances: • When exercising out
• When exercising outside or engaging in physical activity outside.
• While driving alone or with passengers who are part of the same household as the driver.
• When doing so poses a greater mental or physical health, safety or security risk.
• When pumping gas or operating outdoor equipment; • While in a building or
• While in a building or activity that requires security surveillance or screening, for example, banks.
• When consuming food or drink.
To view the entire order go to https://www.milamcounty.net/upload/page/9873/ Order%20Declaring%20 Disaster%206-25-2020.pdf.
ANSWERS—Young said in the days following issuance of the order, he has received a number of questions, and provided answers as follows:
• Does the order apply to churches in the county?
“No. The governor’s executive orders control the effect on churches. The disaster order has no effect on churches.”
• Do I have to wear a mask when I am outdoors engaging in physical activities?
“No, unless one is in close contact with someone not a part of the same household.”
• If I have a medical condition that prevents me from safely wearing a mask, am I exempted from the requirement?
“Yes if doing so poses a greater mental or physical health risk.”
• Does the order apply to children?
“The order applies to those 10 years and older.”
THE NUMBERS—As of presstime early Wednesday morning, 59 individuals were being monitored by the Milam County Health Department as having been exposed to the virus.
Since the first case in March, 259 persons have been monitored.
According to the health department’s most recent accounting on Tuesday, 64 Milam residents have recovered from the virus and there was one fatality on April 20.
Three persons are in hospitals being treated for the virus as of Wednesday morning, an increase of one from last week.
Young said Milam’s infection rate is one positive case for every 286 residents of the county .
STATE ORDER—I n response to the recent spike in COVID-19 cases. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Friday issued new orders.
He ordered all bars—and similar establishments with more than 51 percent of their business from sale of alcoholic beverages—to close for in-location business.
Such businesses may remain open for delivery and takeout.
Also, restaurants may remain open for dine-in service but their capacities are reduced from 75 percent to 50 percent.
Outdoor gatherings for 100 or more people must be approved by local governments with certain exceptions.
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