Facial Coverings – What You Need to Know

As of June 30, 2020, Brazos County and the Cities of Bryan and College Station have imposed orders requiring Businesses to implement Facial Covering and Social Distancing Protocols. While the goals of all three Orders are the same, there are some slight variances between the orders. Here’s what you need to know to be compliant and stay safe.

What the Orders Say:

Businesses are required to have these protocols whether they have contact with the public or not. Signage with these protocols must be prominently posted outside the entrance to alert those coming in. This is what you will see when you enter Greening Law’s building:

Anyone over 10 years old must wear a face covering and practice social distancing when in public or entering a business. The face coverings must cover the nose and mouth of the wearer. Social distancing is maintaining 6 feet separation from those around you who are not part of your household. The orders specifically state that the face coverings are not intended to be a substitute for social distancing or other good practices, such as handwashing and avoiding touching your face.

The Orders try to keep practicality in mind. In Bryan, face coverings are not required when:

• Eating or drinking;
• Driving alone or with passengers part of your same household;
• Wearing one poses a greater mental or physical health, safety, or security risk;
• Operating outdoor equipment;
• Outside or engaging in physical activity outside; and
• While in a building or activity that requires security surveillance or screening.

In College Station, face coverings are not required when:

• Eating or drinking;
• Driving alone or with passengers part of your same household;
• Wearing one poses a greater mental or physical health, safety, or security risk;
• Operating outdoor equipment;
• Outside or engaging in physical activity outside; and
• In a building or activity that requires security surveillance or screening;
• Pumping gas or operating outdoor equipment; and
• Receiving a service where the face covering would impair the service

In Brazos County, face coverings are not required when:

• Eating or drinking;
• Driving alone or with passengers part of your same household;
• Wearing one poses a greater mental or physical health, safety, or security risk;
• Operating outdoor equipment;
• Outside or engaging in physical activity outside; and
• While in a building or activity that requires security surveillance or screening.

You must wear a face covering when entering the business but can remove it once you are in a restaurant and need to eat. You don’t need to wear one when driving unless you are with someone not in your household. You don’t need to wear one if you are outside – whether working in your yard or working out. When exercising outside, a good practice is to maintain social distancing if in a group class and you do not wish to wear a face covering. Lastly, you are not required to wear one if security is an issue – for example, at a bank.

The orders do not define or provide examples for what constitutes a “greater mental or physical health, safety, or security risk.”

Greening Law intends to comply with the local Orders and will require clients and their family members to wear face coverings when entering and moving about the building. Whether you keep the mask on while meeting with your individual attorney will be determined by agreement between the attorney and client.

When the Orders Are in Effect:

City of Bryan: 12:01 A.M. Tuesday, June 30, 2020 – until rescinded

City of College Station: 6:00 A.M. Monday, June 29, 2020 – 11:59 P.M. Friday, July 10, 2020

Brazos County: The order went into effect June 30, 2020 but does not mention an end date

Consequences of the Orders:

City of Bryan: No civil or criminal penalties for individuals who do not wear face coverings. Businesses who do not comply with the order are not CURRENTLY subject to any civil or criminal penalties, but that is subject to change.

City of College Station: There are no civil or criminal penalties for individuals who fail to comply. Businesses that do not comply with developing and displaying a protocol are subject to a fine between $1 and $1000 for EACH DAY it is not in compliance.

Brazos County: No civil or criminal penalties for individuals who do not wear face coverings. Businesses who do not comply with the order are not CURRENTLY subject to any civil or criminal penalties, but that is subject to change.

For more information and to see the orders, visit the City and County websites:

City of Bryan

City of College Station

Brazos County

If you have specific questions or need assistance, please call us at 979-779-2000 and follow our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts for updated information.