San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce to host discussion on governor's newest executive order

Gov. Greg Abbott recently announced the suspension of statewide coronavirus restrictions, ending the Texas mask mandate. Beginning Wednesday, March 10, all businesses can reopen at 100% and Texans will no longer be required by law to wear masks in public spaces.

To help eliminate any confusion on behalf of business owners and patrons, the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce (SMACC) will be hosting a ZOOM meeting with Hays County General Counsel Mark Kennedy; and San Marcos Director of Public Safety, Chase Stapp. The duo will go over the orders, discussing the rights of business owners and patrons alike and answer questions attendees may have.

“I thought it a good idea for leaders in our community, who have been on the front line dealing with the governor's orders over the last year, to give an update to the business community,” said Jason Mock, President of the SMACC. “This will be a time of discussion about what this order really means.”

For months there has been a mandatory mask order from either the county or the state Mock said.

“It’s like the old signage you’d see before entering businesses, ‘no shoes, no shirt, no service.’ So, is the mask going to be added to the sign?” Mock asked metaphorically. “Having Mark Kennedy who is legal counsel for the county, and Chase Stapp, Director of Public Safety for the city, will be insightful. These two individuals, both from a legal and an enforcement side have had to deal with this issue for San Marcos and Hays County.”

Mock said he believes over the next few months a “hybrid model” will develop as it relates to mask wearing and occupancy levels.

“Each business gets to make that decision,” he said. “I think they're slowly going to move into it. After all, it’s not just a mask issue, it’s also about opening businesses from 75% to 100%. So, I think you're going to see a hybrid model with people slowly moving into it. This is an opportunity to get some answers and clarification because the orders can be daunting.”

Above all Mock said continue to be safe.

“Be vigilant of who you're around and where you're at and know your environment,” he said. “If you don't feel comfortable in a place, then don't go. The only way our economy is going to continue to move forward is with consumer confidence. If consumer confidence for you means to continue wearing a mask, then wear that mask."

Mock said he believes things are moving in the right direction.

“I think that we are going in the right direction by getting people vaccinated and getting the economy moving again,” he said. “But you have to do it in steps. I mean if you're driving a car you don't go from first gear to sixth gear right away. You have to ease into it.”

The meeting is on Tuesday beginning at 3 p.m. and free to the public, anyone can attend. Register at sanmarcostexas.com.