KERA News Weekday Update Newsletter Signup, See stories by Sneha Dey| The Texas Tribune, Scientist says state governments are lifting mask mandates prematurely, Texas sues CDC to stop mask mandates on planes. He said even though masks are no longer required anywhere else to protect against COVID-19, they are strongly recommended when around people who are immunocompromised. Email Bret Jaspers atbjaspers@kera.org. This guide is updated to reflect information pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic. Can I Carry a Weapon While Wearing a Mask? The losses would exacerbate an already taxing staffing shortage by creating new vacancies. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. by Sneha Dey Dallas, Tarrant, Collin and Denton counties all fall within the medium risk category, according to the CDC. Greg Abbott has waged legal fights with the Biden administration and with cities, counties and school districts over bids to require masks. Dallas County revises mask mandate following CDC changes February 25, 2022. New Yorks mask mandate is still in place in schools and public transit, and Rhode Islands school mask mandate ends on March 4. GA-34 (Rescinded). Listen to this article . We will be reconvening later this week and definitely reviewing the possibility of going to orange, Huang said. KERA News Weekday Update Newsletter Signup, higher per capita case numbers than Dallas County. GA-29 (Rescinded), Texas Governor's Executive Order No. I just halted another illegal fed vax & mask mandate, Attorney General Ken Paxton tweeted. But were still focusing on safety. His stories have aired nationally on the BBC, NPRs newsmagazines, and APMs Marketplace. A federal mandate still requires Texans to wear face coverings on buses, trains and planes, though the order is set to expire on March 18. Orange designates places where the CDC suggests masking should be universal. Mass shooting in Cleveland, Texas; manhunt underway: What we know, Hostile takeover: West Dallas homeowners battle new developments, rising taxes, Rangers, Josh Jung combine balanced approach with aggression in rout of Yankees, The burrito is king in Ciudad Jurez; North Texas will soon get a taste of Mexicos finest, Texas voters wont be excited by Joe Biden, Donald Trump rematch, Rental giants new South Texas factory to produce prebuilt homes for D-FW, How a man is working to preserve the West Dallas neighborhood named after his grandparents, Two second-generation Mexicans run a spa free of stereotypes, Builders of Hope is fighting displacement of longtime residents in West Dallas, No matter the grades, Cowboys use of capital makes draft an unqualified success, Willie Nelson makes music with his friends at 90th birthday concert, Cowboys 2023 undrafted free agent tracker: See which players Dallas added after NFL draft, Pete DeBoer says Stars have one key trait shared by championship-caliber teams, On a road trip outside Marfa, photographer finds dark skies, giant art. Some exceptions to the order apply. Please take our patron satisfaction survey! Charlie Scudder was a general assignment reporter and worked on the features and news desks for eight years. This Executive Order was issued on July 29th, 2021 by Governor Greg Abbott. The best stories from KERA sent to your inbox. Hinojosa said the district would've been through at least two holidays by then and will end the mask mandate after the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. After CDC revises COVID-19 recommendations, Dallas County narrows its . Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins revised the county's mask mandate Friday following new guidance from the Centers for Disease . How a county comes to be designated green, yellow or orange will depend on its rate of new COVID-19 hospital admissions, the share of staffed hospital beds occupied by COVID-19 patients, and the rate of new cases in the community. Judge pauses Head Start vaccine, mask mandates in Texas All of the challengers hell face one Democrat in the March primary, and two Republicans are vying for a spot on the general election ballot say they would have done things differently. As COVID-19 numbers continue to drop, Dallas County Commissioner J.J. Koch is calling for an end to the mask mandate Currently, there's a mask mandate in place for county government buildings and . . 7/24/2020. 2022 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Our Legal Help guide has information on free legal hotlines, legal clinics, and legal aid organizations, as well as information on how to find a lawyer who could represent you. This page explains that "mask exemption" cards that appear to be government-issued are not. The Texas Education Agency revised its public health guidance for public schools to support enforcement of GA-38. Jenkins response to the pandemic has been an issue during his campaign for re-election as Dallas County judge. Latest COVID updates for North Texas on Jan. 13, 2022 - WFAA Cashier yelled at me to wear a mask, called DPD he said there is no mask mandate. According to the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission (see FAQ G.2) an employer can require employees to wear protective gear (such as face coverings or gloves). And Dallas County is the second Texas county to require masks in the classroom as the school year is set to begin. DALLAS Following the CDC's new guidelines on mask wearing, Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins revised the countys mask mandate. GA-38states the following regarding a private business's ability to require masks: Generally speaking, a business can set their own rules and policies similar to a no shirt, no shoes, no servicerule as long as they do not discriminate against a protected class of people (e.g., on the basis ofrace, color, religion, national origin, or disability). The updated community levels are based on whats happening in hospitals and less on positive test results. All students return to class in-person on Aug. 11. Appeals court upholds mask mandates for Austin, 18 other Texas school districts. 3/7/2020. You can even upload documents for an attorney to review. Were trying to prevent severe illness, hospitalizations and death, so this is all good, Dr. Philip Huang, director of Dallas County Health and Human Services, said Friday. By signing up you agree to ourTerms of ServiceandPrivacy Policy. The back-and-forth came as COVID-19 metrics are showing a decline in omicron cases and deaths. Commissioner J.J. Koch says Dallas County should ditch mask mandate as omicron surge wanes, Clay Jenkins wants to be re-elected on his COVID record. Circuit Court of Appeals. DALLAS Despite the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's recommendation for mask wearing of students, the Dallas Independent School District plans to lift its mask mandate beginning Feb. 28. It marks a turning point in the pandemic. Huang noted the director of the CDC still recommends masking inside in public places, despite the optimism over falling cases. Please see the Disabilities & Mask Requirements boxon this page for information about requesting accommodations related to a disability. Hinojosa said the district would've been through at least two holidays . The 2021 CDC order said the mask mandate could help prevent the spread of Covid-19 in crowded transport settings. People with certain disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodations to face mask policies under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other disability laws. Mesquite ISD reissued its mask mandate following a new ruling out of Travis County that suspends Gov. GA-38 supersedes any mask requirement issued by a local government. Immunocompromised residents are still strongly encouraged to continue to wear masks in all indoor settings. This handout from Disability Rights Texas answers questions about asking for accommodations to mask policies in stores and businesses. Jenkins had removed any penalties for not following the order several months ago, when it was challenged in court. During the time of high spread in Delta and Omicron, the people and businesses of Dallas county stepped up to protect one another, Jenkins said. Effective immediately, the Amended Order of County Judge Clay Jenkins Regarding Long-Term Care Facilities, last amended on August 4, 2020, is rescinded. KERA News is made possible through the generosity of our members. News for North Texas. CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said the new system reflects a belief that the country has entered a different phase of the pandemic. If you find this reporting valuable, considermaking a tax-deductible gift today. It falls on me as the emergency management director to make certain decisions, he said to Koch. All Federal employees, onsite contractors, and visitors, regardless of vaccination status, must wear a high-quality mask inside of Federal buildings in areas where the COVID-19 community level is high, or where required by local mask mandates, as further explained below. Local Governments May Not Require Masks | Disabilities & Mask Requirements | Masks and Weapons, At Stores or Businesses | At Schools |At Airports or Public Transportation. The Associated Press contributed to this report. The mandate had previously stated that masks would be required at public schools and colleges, businesses and buildings owned or operated by Dallas County, although there was no penalty for not following the mandate. Librarians at the State Law Library have not been able to locate a current Texas statute that discusses the wearing of masks or disguises. Rescission of County Judge Clay Jenkins Covid-19 Health and Safety Order Regarding Long-Term Care Facilities Issued August 4, 2020. Dallas County is a county located in the U.S. state of Texas. It is the second-most populous county in Texas and the ninth-most populous in the United States. As the omicron surge dwindles, school district officials move to lift mask mandates. Dallas, TX 59 Dallas, TX . Earlier executive orders allowed state and local governments to require masks in certain circumstances, but these orders have also been rescinded. Required Use of a Face Mask in Certain Public Space FAQ's, Orden del Juez del Condado Clay Jenkins Sobre el Uso Requerido de Una Mscara Facial en Cierto Espacio Pblico. Our Spectrum News app is the most convenient way to get the stories that matter to you. Get hyperlocal forecasts, radar and weather alerts. Sign up for The Brief, our daily newsletter that keeps readers up to speed on the most essential Texas news. And LISD stands to lose other funds as well: at least one parent of a non-Head Start student has indicated that her child will be withdrawn from LISDs pre-K program if instructors who teach mixed classrooms of Head Start and non-Head Start students are required to wear masks, depriving the District of the tuition dollars paid by that childs parents, Hendrix wrote, concluding that Lubbock schools faced a real and likely injury., Hendrix concluded that the Department of Health and Human Services did not follow the proper administrative procedures in introducing the new rules. Employers should provide the modification or an alternative modification unless it would create an undue hardship for the employer. Receive our in-depth coverage of education issues and stories that affect North Texans. The federal rules conflict with Gov. 1 photo. Dallas County. Amended: Order of County Judge Clay Jenkins on Required Use of a Face Mask in Certain Public Space. Amended: Order of County Judge Clay Jenkins on Required Use of a Face Mask in Certain Public Space. the Coronavirus crisis. For residents of low-risk counties, there is no recommendation for masking. Example video title will go here for this video. "Although mask are no longer required, they are strongly recommended for immunocompromised individuals in indoor settings outside of their home, or those who are visiting with immunocompromised or medically frail individuals, including the elderly. Dallas College; . However, that penalty was removed just days later. Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins revised guidelines Friday, no longer requiring masks in public settings, except in jails, homeless shelters, long-term care facilities and health care settings. Charles Scudder, Staff writer. COVID-19 Community Levels and Masking Requirements by Location The federal mask mandate has been extended through March 18, meaning everyone . Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and U.S. Rep. Beth Van Duyne, R-Irving, have sued the CDC over that mandate. . Counties in Texas collectively represent all three categories. DALLAS Following the CDC's new guidelines on mask wearing, Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins revised the county's mask mandate. pic.twitter.com/GLS9x3h9mG. February 25, 2022 / 8:17 PM 219. DALLAS Dallas County has altered its face mask mandate so that it no longer affects most residents and buildings in the area. Dallas ISD hopes to drop mask mandate soon, Dallas ISD holds vaccination clinic for kids 5 to 11. Judge Clay Jenkins announced Friday night that the county's mandate will now only require masks inside jails, long-term care facilities and health care buildings. Judge pauses Head Start vaccine, mask mandates in Texas, Connect with needs and opportunities from. As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention mark a new stage of the pandemic by loosening masking guidelines, Dallas County has quickly scaled back its mask mandate. The prices across the board are an absolute disgrace. John M. Dallas, TX. Show us with your support. Major U.S. airlines, airports drop mask mandates after new federal announcement Late Monday night U.S. air carriers and major airports in Texas and around the nation announced masks are now . Generally, that means people in those counties can safely go without masks unless they are at high risk for severe illness. Sarah Lovenheim, the Health and Human Services assistant secretary for public affairs, reiterated Monday that universal masking indoors protects children and vaccine requirements work. Abbott's executive order banning mask mandates. GA-38 was renewedin December 2022 along with several other executive orders related to the COVID-19 response. Copyright by the Texas State Law Library. How are we doing? By Marin Wolf and Charles Scudder. Greg Abbott's ban on local mask mandates. 2023. I think the public needs a greater deal of transparency in when this thing ends, and how we are going to deal with things in the endemic stage, Koch said. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) hasissued COVID-19guidance for public schools. . in the DFW area that need your help or can provide help during This is according to Governor Greg Abbotts Executive Order GA-38: The order includes exceptions for certain local government entities: These facilities can "continue to use appropriate policies" regarding masks. not to display frames. New York . Judge Clay Jenkins . His challengers say thats why he shouldnt, Clay Jenkins once again lowers Dallas County COVID-19 threat level to orange, or extreme caution, Mass shooting in Cleveland, Texas; manhunt underway: What we know, Hostile takeover: West Dallas homeowners battle new developments, rising taxes, Rangers, Josh Jung combine balanced approach with aggression in rout of Yankees, The burrito is king in Ciudad Jurez; North Texas will soon get a taste of Mexicos finest, Texas voters wont be excited by Joe Biden, Donald Trump rematch, Rental giants new South Texas factory to produce prebuilt homes for D-FW, How a man is working to preserve the West Dallas neighborhood named after his grandparents, Two second-generation Mexicans run a spa free of stereotypes, Builders of Hope is fighting displacement of longtime residents in West Dallas, No matter the grades, Cowboys use of capital makes draft an unqualified success, Willie Nelson makes music with his friends at 90th birthday concert, Cowboys 2023 undrafted free agent tracker: See which players Dallas added after NFL draft, Pete DeBoer says Stars have one key trait shared by championship-caliber teams, On a road trip outside Marfa, photographer finds dark skies, giant art. Earlier this week, Dallas County lowered its COVID-19 threat level from "red" to "orange," signifying a moderate community risk for transmission. Throughout the pandemic, political battles have raged over mask mandates in the state. Texas Governor's Executive Order No. Dallas Cowboys Draft Longhorns LB DeMarvion Overshown: 'They Love My After CDC revises COVID-19 recommendations, Dallas County narrows its mask mandate. Abbott's executive order banning mask mandates in Texas public schools despite the defiance . One hour after the CDC recommendation today, the public health committee met to look at hospital numbers here, medical modeling from UT Southwestern, and other information critical to advising. How North Texas School Districts Are Dealing With COVID Other topics included the recently-announced additional aid package to Ukraine, more sanctions against Russia, COVID-19 and mask mandates, and Texas Governor Greg Abbott's (R) recent bus transport . Hospitalizations in Dallas County dropped by more than half, from 695 on Feb. 10 to 344 on Feb. 24. Judge James Wesley Hendrix granted Texas a preliminary injunction, temporarily halting Head Start requirements that anyone older than 2 wear a mask and all employees be fully vaccinated by the end of January. Do you value our journalism? Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton continued his crackdown on mask mandates . Texas Gov. Mask Laws - COVID-19 & Texas Law - Guides at Texas State Law Library It marks a . We want to make sure our hospitals are OK and people are not coming in with severe disease. Were still focusing on preventing death and illness.. Useful. Bret Jaspers is a reporter for KERA. that states like New York and Rhode Island have lifted indoor mask mandates despite higher per capita case numbers than Dallas County. PUBLISHED 9:56 PM CT Feb. 25, 2022. Following new CDC guidelines, Jenkins revises Dallas County's mask mandate February 25, 2022 / 8:17 PM / CBS Texas. Yellow means people at high risk for severe disease should be cautious. The best stories from KERA sent to your inbox. The decision comes after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday changed its guidance on face masks for a majority of the U.S. population. After CDC revises COVID-19 recommendations, Dallas County narrows its mask mandate. Raised in Colleyville, he is a graduate of Southern Methodist University and Indiana University. Information in this guide is subject to change at any time. Employees may make a request for a reasonable accommodation under the ADA or a religious accommodation under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act (such as a modified mask that can be worn with a religious head covering). Private businesses still have the right to require masks for customers and employees, but most state and local government entities can no longer do so. There will be more waves of COVID. As of the 2010 census, the population was 2,368,139. This FAQ addresses the carrying of weapons while wearing a mask in Texas. According to the agency, Americans in counties where COVID-19 poses a low or medium threat to hospitals can ease up on mask-wearing. As a nonprofit newsroom, we rely on members to help keep our stories free and our events open to the public. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and U.S. Rep. Beth Van Duyne, R-Irving, have sued the CDC over that mandate. Judge James . President Biden urged to end mask mandates on planes and pre-departure We arent enforcing it; the people arent following it, Koch said at the time. Although mask are no longer required, they are strongly recommended for immunocompromised individuals in indoor settings outside of their home, or those who are visiting with immunocompromised or medically frail individuals, including the elderly.. While attorneys for Texas sought a nationwide injunction, Hendrix limited his injunction to the state. White House Daily Briefing | April 13, 2022 | C-SPAN.org Court upholds mask mandate for Austin, 18 other Texas school districts Effective as of 11:59 p.m. on August 11, 2021, (Effective Date), and continuing until rescinded by Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins. Mask requirements already have ended in most of the U.S. in recent weeks. PublishedFebruary 28, 2022 at 11:37 AM CST, Texas Department of State Health Services. 12/30/2022. Coronavirus (COVID-19) | Judge Jenkins Orders / CBS Texas. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say most healthy Americans do not need to wear a mask indoors in . Funny. Published: 5:20 PM CST January 13, 2022 Updated: 7:32 AM CST January 14, 2022 . Head Start, a federal program that works to prepare children for school by age 5, rolled out the new guidelines in late November. Ask us! But statewide, COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations are plummeting. A statewide mask mandate was in place in the earlier stages of the pandemic, but it is no longer in effect. This FAQ describes Texas's historical anti-mask law that was passed in 1925 and repealed in 1974. Greg Abbott's executive order that banned mask mandates in Texas. Both men have drawn primary challengers from their right in their 2022 reelection bids. Topics discussed include: asking for documentation of disability, determining when an exception should be made, and more. The federal agency's new guidance says most healthy Americans don't need to wear masks in public. The CDC announced earlier on Friday a new system for monitoring the virus, which designates individual counties as being at low, medium or high risk of residents contracting COVID-19. The Texas fight over mask mandates is confusing. And for the kindness and support, you have shown our first responders, our healthcare heroes and my team. Lubbock ISD officials argued the district would lose staff and students if they abide by the rules. In mid-February, Koch said in a meeting that the county looks like the emperor has no clothes, as maskless residents dont follow it and other jurisdictions with far higher case counts abandon their orders. All rights reserved. In Pennsylvania, acting health secretary Keara Klinepeter urged patience and grace for people who choose to continue masking in public, including those with weakened immune systems. But statewide, COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations are plummeting. Jenkins initially put the mandate into place on Aug. 11, 2021, in response to the COVID-19 delta variant, which led to a surge in cases and hospitalizations. 7 things to know about Dallas County's new mask mandate You disagree with it, which is your right.. Greg Abbott and Dallas County Commissioner J.J. Koch. The McIlhenny family is . Feb. 25, 20229 PM Central. Jenkins is the latest official to defy Gov. DALLAS Dallas County has altered its face mask mandate so that it no longer affects most residents and buildings in the area. What Texas city actually has the worst commute? Historically, what weve seen is when the numbers start to go down, everyone just relaxes and things just go back to normal, and then something happens and the numbers start going back up, Huang said. The revised mask order goes into effect at 10 p.m. Friday. ", Revised Order Reducing Requirement of Wearing a Mask in Dallas County. Texas Sues Dallas Suburb That Wants to Keep Mask Mandate. Los Angeles on Friday began allowing people to remove their masks while indoors if they are vaccinated, and indoor mask mandates in Washington state and Oregon will be lifted in late March. Some states, including Massachusetts, Connecticut and New Jersey, are at low to medium risk while others such as West Virginia, Kentucky, Florida and Arizona still have wide areas at high levels of concern. Governor Abbott's Executive Order GA-38prohibits school districts from requiring face coverings. Here is his full statement on the matter: "One hour after the CDC recommendation today, the public health committee met to look at hospital numbers here, medical modeling from UT Southwestern, and other information critical to advising. The decision came not long after the CDC released new . Thank you for your patience and courage during the last two surges. Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins revised guidelines Friday, no longer requiring masks in public settings, except in jails, homeless shelters, long-term care facilities and health care settings. Koch, the lone Republican on the commissioners court, questioned continuing Jenkins mask mandate for county buildings and public schools at Tuesdays commissioners court meeting. This guidance prohibits school systems from requiring students or staff to wear a maskin line with GA-38. Preguntas Frecuentes sobre el Uso Obligatorio de una Mascarilla en Determinados Espacios Pblicos. Explained: Where North Texas Airports Stand on Mask Mandates In addition, the judge found that DHHS Secretary Xavier Becerra went beyond his powers to only make moderate changes to Head Start performance standards.. GA-38 (7/29/21) This Executive Order from Gov. Dallas County drops mask mandate for most residents | wfaa.com The legitimacy of the mask order has been under debate in Texas courts, with battling suits between Jenkins, Gov. Koch and Jenkins clash over Dallas County COVID-19 response as cases 2023 FOX Television Stations, Family of Fort Worth man worried about his safety after he was misidentified as gunman in mass shooting, Dallas police officer, K9 shot during manhunt back home recovering, Texas shooting: Surviving Cleveland family recall tragic moments before, during mass shooting, Band has their equipment trailer stolen after playing show in Fort Worth, Army says helicopters crashed in mountains, fair weather, White Settlement police searching for suspects who shot victim in attempted car burglary, Jung 1st-inning slam sparks Rangers over Cortes, Yanks 15-2, Man found fatally shot in Dallas business parking lot.