Gov. Abbott orders Texans to wear face coverings in public. Here’s what you need to know.

By SARA VANDEN BERGE

Gov. Greg Abbott ordered all Texans to begin wearing face coverings in public at noon on Friday.

The order requires Texans living in counties of more than 20 coronavirus cases to wear a mask over the nose and mouth while inside businesses and outdoor public spaces when social distancing is not possible.

There are exceptions for children younger than 10 years old, people with a medical condition that prevents them from wearing a mask, people who are eating or drinking and people who are exercising outdoors.

Those who defy the order face the possibility of a $250 fine.

It comes on the heels of a record-setting day in Erath County Thursday when 22 people were diagnosed with COVID-19.