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1. Why is the City not requiring that masks be worn on city property?

After examining the current environment and statistics regarding new cases, hospitalizations, and immunizations, the Coppell City Council decided to lift the mask mandate in City facilities effective May 17, 2021. The City Council will analyze the statistics and current environment at the August 24 City Council meeting, and additional information will be available at that time. 

The City continues to encourage visitors to be respectful of other patrons. Stringent cleaning procedures and processes to encourage social distancing remain in place at city facilities. Various spaces have been retrofitted with protective barriers to decrease direct contact, and the City has invested in UV air purification technology at Town Center, Coppell Arts Center, and the Service Center. The City will continue to offer virtual and contactless programs, and many services are available online.

2. Will City employees be required to wear masks?

No, City of Coppell employees will not be required to wear a mask or similar facial covering. The City continues to encourage employees to wear a mask, practice social distancing and follow other safety measures.

3. When does the Order take effect?

The Order takes effect 11:59 p.m. on August 11, 2021.

4. What entities does the mandatory face mask requirement apply to?

The Order applies to childcare centers, Pre-K-12 public schools, businesses, and Dallas County buildings and facilities.

5. What are schools required to do under the Order?

All childcare centers and Pre-K-12 public schools must develop a Health and Safety Policy and this policy must mandate that teachers, staff, students, and visitors wear a mask while on the school’s premises. Schools may also include other mitigation measures in their Health and Safety Policy at their own discretion.

6. What are businesses required to do under the Order?

Businesses operating in Dallas County must develop a Health and Safety Policy and this policy must mandate that all employees and visitors wear a mask while on any property owned or operated by the business. Businesses may also include other mitigation measures in their Health and Safety Policy at their own discretion. Businesses must post their Health and Safety Plan in a location where employees and visitors can easily see it before entering the business premises.

7. What steps must a business take to “implement” their Health and Safety Policy?

Businesses must take reasonable steps to enforce the face mask requirements of the Order, such as posting signage stating that masks are required, having employees monitoring the premises to ensure that all employees and visitors are wearing a face mask, and verbally instructing any visitor not wearing a face mask that a mask is required to enter the premises.

8. What is the penalty if a business does not develop or enforce their Health and Safety Policy?

Starting at 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, August 14, 2021, a business can be fined up to $1,000 for each violation. This means if a business does not take reasonable steps to enforce the face mask requirements, a business can be fined up to $1,000 for each person the business allows to enter their premises without a face mask. Businesses will not be fined if they take all reasonable steps to enforce the face mask requirements.

9. How will the City of Coppell enforce the mask requirement in businesses?

The City of Coppell will work with businesses and community partners to provide guidance and encourage compliance with the Order.

10. How does this Order apply to residential property?

Common areas of residential property, such as laundry rooms, mail rooms, gyms, lobbies, and elevators, are subject to the mandatory face mask requirements included in the Order. Individuals are not required to wear a face mask while inside their own home or in another individual’s home.

11. How does the Order apply to City of Coppell buildings?

The Order does not extend to City of Coppell facilities. While visitors to City of Coppell facilities are not required to wear a mask, the City of Coppell encourages patrons to do so.

12. Does an individual have to follow the face mask requirements if they show proof that they received the COVID-19 vaccine?

Yes, the face mask requirements contained in the Order apply to both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.

13. Can an individual be penalized for not wearing a face mask in a public space?

No civil or criminal penalty will be imposed on individuals for failure to wear a face mask.