Order Applies to Businesses and Nonprofits Working Directly with the Public
DENTON, TX, June 26, 2020 – To prevent the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), the Denton City Council has adopted an Order of Council requiring all commercial and nonprofit entities in the city of Denton that provide goods or services directly to the public to develop and implement a Health and Safety Policy within five (5) calendar days of the Effective Date of the Order.
The Health and Safety Policy (the “Policy”) required by this Order:
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Must require that all employees or visitors to the commercial or nonprofit entity’s business premises or other facilities wear face coverings that cover the nose and mouth when in an area or while performing an activity that will necessarily involve close contact or proximity to coworkers or the public.
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May allow individuals with an operational need to remove a face covering so long as such operational needs are specifically addressed in the Policy.
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May also include the implementation of other mitigating measures designed to control or reduce the transmission of COVID-19, such as temperature checks and health screenings.
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Must be posted conspicuously at or near all entrances of any commercial or nonprofit entity in the city of Denton in clear view of any employees or members of the public entering the business.
The requirement of a face covering in a business does not apply if covering the nose and mouth poses a significant mental or physical health risk to the individual. It also does not apply when an individual is consuming a food or beverage or receiving a service where the wearing of a face covering would impair the performance of the service.
The new order will take effect beginning at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, June 26 and continue through 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, August 4 or until otherwise acted upon by the Council. Required health and safety policies must be implemented by applicable commercial entities and nonprofits by 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1, 2020.
Additionally, under the Order of Council:
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For public areas where a health and safety policy is not required, all people 10 years or older are strongly urged to wear a face covering over their nose and mouth where it is difficult to keep six feet away from other people or working in areas that involve proximity with coworkers.
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Outdoor gatherings in excess of 100 people are prohibited unless specifically permitted by Gubernatorial Executive Order GA-28, signed by Governor Abbott on June 26, 2020.
Beginning on Thursday, July 2, residents may report concerns regarding potential violations of this order through the Engage Denton mobile application, online at www.engagedenton.com, or by calling and leaving a message at (940) 349-8228. When concerns are received, the City will assign staff to visit with businesses and focus on educating and communicating the requirements of the Order and other potential health and safety measures that could be implemented.
A copy of the Order of Council is attached and will be available online at www.cityofdenton.com and is also available here. Visit www.cityofdenton.com/coronavirus for additional updates.
Contact: Ryan Adams, (940) 349-8565, Ryan.Adams@cityofdenton.com
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