Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo has amended her order regarding face covering to align with the latest order from Governor Abbott. Face coverings are now "encouraged" not "mandatory".

SECTION 2. Face Covering Requirements

Because an infected person can transmit the COVID-19 virus to others before showing any symptoms, the covering of a person's nose and mouth is necessary to help slow the spread of the virus.

1. When leaving one's residence and when in a public place all persons over the age of ten (10) are encouraged to wear some form of face covering that covers the nose and mouth. The face covering may, for example, be a homemade mask, scarf, bandana, handkerchief and other cloth masks.

2. When outside their residences and in a public place, residents are encouraged to continue to maintain social distance of at least six feet.

3. All persons over the age often (10) are encouraged to wear a face covering that covers the nose and mouth except when:

a. Exercising outside or engaging in physical activity outside alone;

b. Alone in a separate single space, whether indoors or outdoors;

c. In the presence only of other members of one’s residence, whether inside or outside the residence;

d. When doing so poses a greater mental or physical health risk, including exacerbating a pre-existing medical condition or including, but not limited to, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the cover without assistance;

e. When doing so poses a security or safety risk, such as impairing the ability to drive or to be inspected at a security checkpoint; or

f. When eating or drinking;

4.IT IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THAT FACE COVERINGS NOT INCLUDE SURGICAL MASKS, SURGICAL N-95 RESPIRATORS OR OTHER MEDICAL MASKS AS THEY ARE A NEEDED RESOURCE FOR HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS AND FIRST RESPONDERS.Healthcare workers and first responders on the front-line combating COVID-19 must have priority access to medical masks and other personal protective equipment.

5.Wearing a face covering is not a substitute for maintaining 6-feet social distancing and hand washing because these remain important steps to slowing the spread of the virus.

6.Residents shall wash their hands before leaving the residence and upon return, and shall take the following additional actions after leaving their residences:

• Stay at least six feet away from others; and
• Avoid touching the nose or face.

7.It is recommended that residents not use disposable face coverings more than three times. Residents should wash reusable cloth face coverings regularly to prevent the spread of the virus.

8.Individuals experiencing homelessness are exempt from this Order except that, to the extent individuals are using shared or outdoor spaces, they shall, to the greatest extent feasible, maintain social distancing of at least six feet from any other person. Individuals experiencing homelessness are strongly urged to obtain shelter. Governmental and other entities that can provide face coverings to homeless individuals are strongly urged to make face coverings available as soon as possible and to the maximum extent practicable (and to utilize social distancing requirements in their operations).Additionally, entities that provide assistance to the needy are urged to donate face coverings to the homeless and to homeless shelters.

See the full order Here.