The Galveston City Council on Thursday extended an emergency declaration related to the COVID-19 pandemic through January 31, 2021.
The extension of the emergency declaration also extended other Coronavirus-related orders in effect, including a face-covering requirement, through January 31. 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 daily average of new COVID-19 cases has declined since enacting a local and statewide mask mandate in early July.
An order restricting indoor gatherings of 500 people or more was discontinued.
Businesses and venues operating in Galveston are subject to the Office of the Governor’s regulations regarding Coronavirus, which are available online at
open.texas.gov. The following Emergency Orders previously ratified by City Council in Ordinance 20-45, which are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth, continue to be in force and effect through January 31, 2021:
An order prohibiting the operation of electronic amusement machines in businesses in the City of Galveston;
An order granting City Staff Authority to Suspend the Application of Building Code and Flood Plan regulations to allow Construction and Placement of a Temporary Screening Facility by PHI Aviation LLC;
An order requiring commercial entities providing goods or services directly to the public to develop a health and safety policy mandating the wearing of face masks in their facility, requiring the public to wear face masks, prohibiting mass gatherings in the city and limiting access to city buildings.