To help reduce the spread of COVID-19, surrounding counties in the Coastal Bend have either recommended or required face masks to be worn in public.
This raises the question; could Nueces County residents see an order like this in the future?
Nueces Co. Judge Barabra Canales said she wants to hear from different perspectives before making any final decisions when it comes to mandatory face coverings.
This topic is set to be discussed in commissioners court, because the wearing of face masks is getting pretty common.
Canales said she’s considered a similar order, but there’s a lot that goes into making her emergency management decisions.
“I think we need to find what’s best for us to keep us safe but also to do what makes sense,” said Canales.
While a countywide order might still be discussions away, Canales said she is considering an order requiring those who use public transit to wear a face covering because this is a resource used frequently by many.
“We talk about common sense; that you get on the bus and you know that someone sitting next to you isn’t going to cough or sneeze on you," Canales said. "There’s some level of protection, some mitigation factor, and as we go to light service that we’re running now to heavier service in our mass transportation, I think it’s important that I consider this as part of an order."
Canales also said she is not easily influenced by the regulations made in surrounding counties.
The goal is to continue to keep residents in Nueces county safe.
“I’m not bothered that other jurisdictions have done things," Canales said. "I assume they made the best decision for their county. And I know as the Emergency Management leader, I will act like I always acted -- seeking guidance from the state, seeking guidance from medical experts and our local health authority -- and making sure that the input of the court is also heard."