In an apparent rebuttal to Governor Abbott's July 29, 2021,
Executive Order (GA-38), which was aimed at
creating uniformity in the response to COVID-19 throughout the
State of Texas and which prohibited local authorities from imposing
their own mask, vaccine, or other COVID-related restrictions on
businesses and schools (while simultaneously encouraging businesses
and schools to continue to follow local and federal health
recommendations), Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins issued his own
Order on August 11, 2021, requiring
all public schools, child care centers, commercial entities that
provide goods or services directly to consumers, and Dallas County
buildings to require face coverings for all persons over the age of
2, regardless of vaccination status. Judge Jenkins Order asserts he
has the authority to issue this Order pursuant to Texas Government
Code Section 418.108, which grants him certain legislative
authority in instances when a local disaster is declared.
