KP George Issues Order Requiring the Use of Masks in Fort Bend County Buildings

Known for being vocal against the statewide mask removal mandate issued by Governor Greg Abbot, Fort Bend’s KP George issued his own order requiring the use of facemasks in county buildings.

As the governing authority over government buildings within the county, Judge George cannot oppose Abbot’s mask mandate, but he can forbid entrance to anyone who does not wear a mask.

“We wanted to make sure we are protecting our staff in Fort Bend County and also the people coming to get service in Fort Bend County,” George said. “We cannot put our people in harm’s way. So we said, ‘If you are inside the Fort Bend county facility, you have to wear a mask.’”

The order includes places like the tax assessor’s office or the county clerk’s office, which according to KP George, receive about 600 visitors per day in each of the buildings.

Under Abbott’s order, businesses are allowed to continue to limit capacity, require customers to wear masks and follow other safety measures if they choose.

As reported by Community Impact, George announced his order March 9, stating that it is in the best interest of the residents of Fort Bend County to take all lawful means to halt the spread of COVID-19 by relying on the best available data and science-based public health measures.

The order comes almost exactly one year after Fort Bend County was declared a local disaster for public health emergency and will remain in place until June 1.