Texas Gov. Greg Abbott Thursday issued an executive order that requires all Texans in counties with 20 or more cases of COVID-19 to wear a face mask or other covering in public.

This means the order will apply to all three counties in the Katy area. Harris County has more than 21,000 active cases. Fort Bend County has 1,356 active cases and Waller County has a reported total case count of 160 since the pandemic first began, though Waller County Judge Trey Duhon reported June 30 that only 59 of those cases were active.

"Wearing a face covering in public is proven to be one of the most effective ways we have to slow the spread of COVID-19,” Abbott said in a press release. “We have the ability to keep businesses open and move our economy forward so that Texans can continue to earn a paycheck, but it requires each of us to do our part to protect one another—and that means wearing a face covering in public spaces.”

Abbott also issued a proclamation giving mayors and county judges the ability to impose restrictions on outdoor gatherings of more than 10 people, and making it mandatory that, with certain exceptions, people cannot be in groups larger than ten and must maintain six feet of social distancing from others.

“Restricting the size of groups gatherings will strengthen Texas’ ability to corral this virus and keep Texans safe. We all have a responsibility to slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep our communities safe,” he said in the release.  “If Texans commit to wearing face coverings in public spaces and follow the best health and safety practices, we can both slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep Texas open for business.

“I urge all Texans to wear a face covering in public, not just for their own health, but for the health of their families, friends, and for all our fellow Texans.”

Readers can view the state's case count which is updated by 4 p.m. each day here.