The City of Galveston has been under a Declaration of a Local State of Disaster related to the emergence of the COVID-19 since March 16. This emergency declaration remains in effect until January 31, 2021.

The City of Galveston is following the state regulations set forth by the Office of the Governor. The full state reopening plan is available at open.texas.gov. Under the state reopening plan, almost all Galveston businesses have reopened, though some are at varying capacities. The beaches were fully reopened on May 1.

As of September 17, there are three remaining City orders in effect related to COVID-19, as well as the emergency declaration. These will remain in effect through January 31, unless changed by a vote of City Council.

As of 6/23/2020 there is a city order in effect requiring businesses to implement a policy requiring face masks   

GALVESTON, TX – June 22, 2020 – Customers and employees will be required to wear face coverings in all Galveston businesses that serve the public, effective after Tuesday, June 23. 

Mayor Jim Yarbrough signed on Monday an executive order requiring commercial entities that provide goods or services directly to the public to establish a health and safety policy requiring face coverings for customers aged ten or older. The face coverings must cover the customer’s nose and mouth.

The order is in response to a rising number of coronavirus cases in Galveston and Galveston County. As of Sunday, the Galveston County Health District was reporting 218 active cases of COVID-19 in Galveston. This order is currently in effect until Sept. 30. 

“This is a matter of public safety,” Mayor Jim Yarbrough said. “Medical professionals largely agree that wearing a face-covering reduces the transmission of this virus and, aside from staying home, is one of the most effective steps we can take to protect others. We’re at a critical time with a rising number of cases and I believe this science-backed, common-sense approach is good public policy.”

The order specifically requires commercial entities in Galveston that provide goods or services directly to the public to develop and implement a health and safety policy requiring employees and visitors to wear face coverings when in the business and in close contact with others. Face coverings may include homemade masks, scarves, bandanas, or a handkerchief.

The order also limits mass gatherings within the city and codifies the city’s practice of limiting visitors in City Hall and requiring temperature screenings for entry.

Consistent with Gov. Greg Abbott’s executive order GA-26, no individual, business, entity, or organization shall schedule, host, or conduct any outdoor gathering reasonably anticipated to attract more than 100 participants unless approved by the mayor with the consultation of the local health authority.

The full text of the order is available here: https://www.galvestontx.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10870/Mayor-Order-Face-Coverings

FAQs regarding the mask order