Mayor Turner discussed the statewide mask order at a news conference on Thursday. The mayor also encouraged Houstonians to voluntarily comply with additional safety recommendations. HOUSTON – Before the statewide order requiring Texans to wear face coverings takes effect at noon today, Mayor Sylvester Turner announced a new COVID-19 policy for city facilities.
All people who meet, work, or visit a city facility will be required to wear a face mask or covering. The policy applies to all city facilities, including the George R. Brown Convention Center. “I am taking this step for the health and safety of employees, visitors, and all people of Houston,” Mayor Turner said when he first announced the new policy in a Tweet Thursday evening.
While the mayor applauds the governor’s decision to require face coverings, he also encouraged Houstonians to voluntarily comply with additional safety recommendations over the next three weeks to help blunt progression of the coronavirus.
On Thursday, the Houston Health Department reported 763 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the city’s total to 21,886. There were also two additional COVID-19 related deaths, bringing the city’s total to 230.
“This is a forest fire, and we are going to need all the tools at our disposal to put the fire out,” Turner said about the rising COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. |
