Houstonians, public officials react to Lina Hidalgo's mandatory face covering order

Houstonians had plenty to say on social media after Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo issued a 30-day order requiring face masks be worn in public.

>>>See more for their reactions... Houstonians had plenty to say on social media after Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo issued a 30-day order requiring face masks be worn in public.

>>>See more for their reactions... Photo: Title Slide Photo: Title Slide Image 1 of / 57 Caption Close Houstonians, public officials react to Lina Hidalgo's mandatory face covering order 1 / 57 Back to Gallery

Update April 23 10 a.m.

Following Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo's mandatory face covering order, several Houston-area county judges said they would not follow suit.

Fort Bend County Judge KP George said on Twitter he is not issuing a specific order but strongly recommends residents wear masks when in public. Galveston County Judge also opposed the order, saying via Twitter that while he encourages residents to wear masks, he is not mandating it because he believes “it is unconstitutional to do so.”

Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough said he did not believe he had the legal ability to issue such an order, the Houston Chronicle reported.

Click through the photos above for a look at how the Houston community is responding to the order...

Original story April 22

Houstonians, public officials and police unions had plenty to say on social media after Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo issued a 30-day order mandating citizens to wear face masks in order to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus.

The order takes effect Monday, April 27 and requires the county's nearly 5 million residents ages 10 years and older to cover the nose and mouth while out in public or face up to a $1,000 fine. Those with mental or physical health issues, and those who are driving, eating or exercising alone will be exempt. The Houston Chronicle was the first to report the order.

"We are doing all that we are doing so that we never get there and continue to make progress," Hidalgo said during a Wednesday press conference, referring to the mass grave digging in hard-hit cities such as New York City. "Let’s not get complacent...we still have work to do."

Hidalgo clarified the order requires residents to wear "face coverings," which can be made from a bandana, T-shirt, scarf or homemade mask, and urged the public not to seek out medical masks or N95 masks, which are in short supply and needed by healthcare workers on the frontlines.

"I know this takes some getting used to, but these are all small but powerful actions," Hidalgo said. "We have saved over 4,500 lives according to Rice University...This will continue to make a difference."

Houstonians were quick to react to the news, offering a mixed reaction on Twitter of approval and dismay. Some residents and public leaders praised Hidalgo's efforts to implement policies that some say have proven to flatten the curve of cases in the region.

The number of cases inside the city of Houston has increased by 27 as of Wednesday, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner announced during the press conference. Wednesday marks the third straight day in a row that no new deaths have been reported inside the city.

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Others had not-so-positive responses, leading to a barrage of hateful comments aimed at Hidalgo on Twitter.

In an April 22 letter addressed to the community, the Houston Police Officers' Union called the order "draconian" and said it is seeking counsel from the Texas Attorney General's Office on the legality of imposing a fine for not wearing a mask in public.

"It is clear the so-called leader of Harris County lacks any critical thinking skills," Joe Gamaldi, Houston Police Officers' Union Lodge 110 President wrote in the letter. "But let me assure the public, our officers do!"

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Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick called the order "the ultimate government overreach" and said it will fuel public anger, "and rightfully so."

Hidalgo responded to the police union's comments during the conference, saying "everyone is entitled to their opinions." Turner added to her remarks and said the order is not intended to be punitive or overbearing but to slow the progression of the virus.

"This is not a police state...this is not about trying to find folks who are not wearing a mask," Hidalgo said. "It's something we have to do for the sake of our safety, our lives and our economy."

Click through the photos above for a look at how the Houston community is responding to the order...