Harris County Mask Order by Jessica Payne

On Wednesday, April 22 Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo announced via livestream that starting Monday, April 27 an order would be in place requiring anyone ten years of ago or order to wear a mask covering their nose and mouth while in public. The order will remain in effect for 30 days.

A shopper at a north Houston Walmart leaves the store while wearing a mask. Currently only Walmart employees are required to wear masks. However, starting Monday, April 27 anyone wishing to enter the store must be wearing a mask per orders put out by Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo.

“Please keep 6ft apart” signs line the entry way of a north Houston Walmart on Saturday, April 25. On Monday, April 27 the city will take even stronger measures to help slow the spread of coronavirus by requiring anyone age 10 and over to wear a mask covering their nose and mouth anytime they leave their house. The order will remain in effect for 30 days.

Chairs are stacked on tables at Las Ramadas Mexican Restaurant in Houston on Saturday, April 25. Although they have been closed for dine-in for over a month, they are still open for take-out. However, starting Monday, April 27 anyone picking up orders will be required to wear a mask. On Wednesday, April 22 Harris County Judge announced the order will require anyone 10 years or older to cover their mouth and nose while out in public.

Las Ramadas manger Natalia Rodriguez checks out a customer picking up a to-go order on Saturday, April 25. Rodriguez admits the mandatory mask order that will go into effect on Monday, April 27 requiring anyone over the age of ten to wear a mask in public will be hard to enforce due to her business in the event they are able to open before the order expires at the end of May.

Houstonian Rachel Gill makes a trip to a local Dollar Tree wearing a mask on Saturday, April 25. Starting Monday, April 27 all Harris County residents will be required to wear a mask or face covering that covers both the mouth and nose. Gill said she had not previously been wearing a mask to run errands and pick up essentials but after hearing the announcement on Wednesday, felt it was the responsible thing to do even before the order went into effect.