Amid coronavirus, Houston now only major metro area in Texas not requiring face masks

A woman wears a face mask and gloves as she waits to enter the Costco Wholesale at Bunker Hill Road on Friday, March 13, 2020, in Houston. A woman wears a face mask and gloves as she waits to enter the Costco Wholesale at Bunker Hill Road on Friday, March 13, 2020, in Houston. Photo: Godofredo A. Vásquez, Houston Chronicle / Staff Photographer Photo: Godofredo A. Vásquez, Houston Chronicle / Staff Photographer Image 1 of / 29 Caption Close Amid coronavirus, Houston now only major metro area in Texas not requiring face masks 1 / 29 Back to Gallery

Officials in Dallas and San Antonio announced Thursday that face coverings or masks are now required when going out in public for essential errands. Austin became the first major metro area to announce such a requirement on Monday.

Now, Houston is the only major city with no such order in place as the coronavirus pandemic continues.

In Austin, Dallas and San Antonio, anyone over the age of 10 in a public space is required to wear a face mask. Failure to do so could result in a $1,000 fine or jail time.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Live coronavirus updates

Laredo became the first city in Texas (and possibly in the country) to enact a face mask order earlier this month.

The CDC is recommending the use of face coverings and masks in order to slow the spread of COVID-19, as you can still be a carrier of coronavirus even while showing no symptoms.

Surgical masks or N-95 respirators are not required and should be reserved for health care workers.

More: Where to buy Texas-made face masks online