Originally published on July 3, 2020 in https://cityofhideaway.org/docs-corner/f/main-takeaways-from-the-governor%E2%80%99s-mandate-yesterday
In order to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in Texas, Governor Abbott has mandated the following:
- No outdoor gatherings larger than 10 people. This is to prevent a whole bunch of us from getting sick at the same time.
- When around people from other households, stay at least six feet away from them, if at all possible. This is one of the most important things you can do. The primary mode of transmission of the virus is respiratory droplets, so if you stay far away, it’s harder for droplets carrying the virus to reach you.
- It is now required that you wear a face covering over the nose and mouth in public whenever social distancing is not possible.
- Businesses can now require you to wear a mask.
Main exceptions to mask requirements:
- You are younger than 10 years old. This exception was likely made because no children under the age of 10 have been known to transmit the virus to an adult thus far.
- You are eating or drinking. Unless you have one of those funky masks on YouTube!
- You are exercising. This is likely because of reports of problems such as low oxygenation, especially in people with compromised heart and lung function.
What does the mandate mean for us?
Of course, we’ve had to reschedule our fireworks to comply with the initial mandate of no gatherings larger than a 100 people. However, we can still celebrate in small groups of 10 or less. Here are some things to consider if you’re having a party at home:
- Move your party outdoors if possible. Continue to stay 6 feet apart even if outside. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids in the heat.
- If your outdoor area such as patio or deck, or your indoor living space is not large enough to allow social distancing, then please wear a mask.
- High risk people, regardless of age, who are staying at home, but are interacting with people from other households, should wear a mask even if they feel they can social distance most of the time.
How do you know if you are six feet away?
In general, if you and a friend extend arms and come close to touching each other’s fingertips, then step back a little to make sure you’re over six feet away.
A mask is not an impenetrable armor. Just because you have one on, does not mean you should forget about social distancing and get close to people. Stay six feet apart unless you have no other choice.
Here’s to the quick discovery of a safe, effective, long lasting and affordable vaccine so we can all look forward to a “normal” Fourth in the future!
Sue Royappa, MD, MPH