WAXAHACHIE – Since Texas Governor Greg Abbott has not imposed a mask order for businesses throughout the state in the last week, Ellis County has not imposed an order on businesses either.
It could be because the numbers being reported by the state have changed regarding the data being reported.
Unlike its neighbor Dallas County, who that judge (Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins) said would fine businesses for not requiring customers to wear masks, Ellis County did not go that far.
Some cities and counties in Texas, in addition to Jenkins, have ordered businesses require both employees and customers to wear face masks during operation.
While Abbott did issue an order at the beginning of June prohibiting local governments from fining those not wearing masks in public, he has left it wide open for cities and counties to put their own mandates in place.
Abbott said while government cannot require individuals to wear masks, the local governments certainly do have the authority to require stores and business to do so.
Ellis County Commissioner, Precinct 3, Paul Perry said it can be frustrating trying to understand the numbers because, “the data twisting is making it hard for public officials to make policy.”
He said he does not support any type of future lockdown.
The face mask question, which some counties and cities are imposing and some are not, comes at around the same time as Abbott’s “Reopening of Texas” pause.
On June 25, Abbott announced there will be a temporary pause of additional reopening phases for the State of Texas.
“The last thing we want to do as a state is go backwards and close down businesses,” Abbott said.
“This temporary pause will help our state corral the spread until we can safely enter the next phase of opening our state for business.”
In a statement released by Ellis County Judge Todd Little’s office – who was not available for comment by press time, it read, “While this pause is temporary, it is necessary for the citizens of Ellis County to understand how this will affect their lives and businesses.”
Under Phase 3 of the Texas reopening guidelines, businesses can operate at 50-percent capacity.
Under this new rule by Governor Abbott, businesses can operate at this level but will not advance to Phase 4 for the time being.
Little said he was hoping Ellis County citizens would take the temporary pause on Phase 3 with the utmost regard.
“As we see case numbers increase, The Office of Emergency Management and local health professionals recommend the wearing of masks while in public places and large gatherings, physical distancing, and sanitization to help reduce the spread of COVID-19,” the statement read.
Texas has been in the news lately, setting high records for COVID-19 cases as well as hospitalizations. By the end of this past week, there were over 3000 Texans hospitalized with the virus.
Reportedly, what was already a record week increased after the state reported over 3000 new cases in the weeks last days.
As for the upcoming July 4th weekend in Ellis County, Judge Todd Little stated, “As we look to July 4th, we remember the sacrifice that has been made by those that have gone before us, so that we may freely live in independence and embrace liberty.
“During these unprecedented times, we ask that Ellis County maintains the true Texas Spirit by rising to the occasion to protect the health of every member of our community.
“As we celebrate our independence, every Texan should remember the responsibility they have to protect the health of their family, their neighbors, and their friends.
“Everyone must remain vigilant and do their part to prevent further spread of COVID-19 in our community.”
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