El Paso County Judge Issues Stay Safe Order No. 16
El Paso, Texas-Today, County Judge Ricardo Samaniego issued the County’s Stay Safe Order No. 16 to reflect Governor Greg Abbott’s Executive Order GA-34, and his decision to reopen Texas and rescind his state-wide mandate on masks.
The County of El Paso urges the community to remain vigilant and encourages El Pasoans to continue to wear their facemask, practice social distancing and adhere to standard health protocols. “Wearing a mask is a small inconvenience that is no different than wearing a seatbelt,” said County Judge Ricardo Samaniego. “We must each do our part to save as many lives as we can. Public health measures are being relaxed too soon before El Paso can reach community immunity. We cannot afford to see another spike in cases, hospitalizations and deaths.”
Governor Abbott’s Executive Order GA-34 gives County Judge’s across Texas the ability to institute COVID-19 mitigation measures such as rolling back occupancy limits to 50%, as well as other COVID-19 mitigation measures if total hospital capacity exceeds 15% in El Paso County.
Both the County and the City will maintain health protocols currently in place and will continue to ask employees and the public to wear a mask before entering a County or City facility. Please note that County Order No. 16 does not prevent businesses from requiring their customers to follow additional hygiene measures, including wearing a face covering, when obtaining services. Judge Samaniego applauds those businesses, entities, and school districts who have already taken action to continue to enforce these measures. All businesses are encouraged to implement the following a healthy and safety policy and are encouraged to review the following business resources below.
CDC Guidelines:
Texas DSHS Guidelines:
Occupational Safety and Health Administration Guidelines (OSHA):
For additional guidance, including Local Health Authority Orders pertaining to receipt of a positive COVID-19 result, please visit:
500 E. San Antonio, Suite 301, El Paso, TX 79901
