On March 2, Texas Governor Greg Abbott lifted the state’s mandatory mask requirement and announced that businesses of any type would be allowed to open to 100% capacity beginning March 10. This means that the decision about whether to require the use of face coverings to limit the spread of COVID-19 will come down to the decision of individual businesses and organizations in Texas.
Texas is the fifth state to lift a previously mandated mask order, and joins Montana, Iowa, North Dakota and Mississippi in removing the government requirement for face coverings. Currently, thirty-five state governments and the District of Columbia have such mandates in place. These mandates vary from state to state, but generally require residents to wear face coverings in indoor public spaces, on public transportation, and in outdoor public spaces where social distancing of 6 feet or more is impossible, according to the AARP.
In his announcement about lifting the mask mandate, Governor Abbott stated that too many small businesses had been struggling to pay bills. Texas is known as a business-friendly state, but the removal of the mask requirement may put some businesses in a challenging spot. For example, retail and office workers may find themselves in the position of trying to enforce their company’s mask policy without the backing of a government order.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has published an updated list of recommendations for businesses and employers who want to incorporate best practices to limit the spread of COVID-19. These guidelines include:
- Flexible, paid sick leave for employees who have tested positive for COVID-19
- Virtual health screenings and temperature checks before employees enter a site
- Social distancing between employees when possible
- Barriers and personal protective equipment
- Requiring the use of face coverings
- Testing and balancing HVAC systems to limit airborne spread
Life Balance Technologies installs and monitors air balancing and testing software that helps public facilities limit the spread of airborne pathogens in a more effective and less expensive manner than the current standard process. For more information or a software demonstration, contact us.
Life Balance Technologies helps hospitals and other companies easily analyze air quality conditions and effectively manage their HVAC systems. By streamlining the process for compliance, auditing, and reporting, we help reduce costs and save lives.
