City of El Paso COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs for the Local Emergency Directive

Please review the FAQs below for information about the Local Emergency Directive.

What new restrictions were added by the County of El Paso?

What new restrictions were added on November 9, 2020 by the City of El Paso?

A City official or building official may suspend a business’s permit to operate, including but not limited to restaurants, non-essential retail, food handling permits and licenses to operate pools and spas, if such business fails to comply with any Emergency Order or Directive that is in effective.
It is a Class C Misdemeanor to negligently spit, sneeze or cough on another person or frequently touched or used public place.

What are the main changes in the Sixth Local Emergency Directive?

The Sixth Local Emergency Directive will be effective on October 16, 2020. The main changes under this directive are:

Beginning on Friday, October 16, 2020, every business in the City must operate at 50% capacity (a reduction from the previous 75% operational capacity).
No occupancy limits for any government or essential work, public or private schools, and any public or private institutions of higher education and drive-in concerts, movies, or similar events, religious services, recreational sports programs, child care services, cosmetology/hair salons and the like with 6 feet between stations, all under guidelines that facilitate appropriate social distancing.
All outdoor gatherings in excess of 10 people are prohibited, except for the few exceptions listed below.
Except for indoor professional, and similar sporting events, all indoor sporting events are postponed.
There is no occupancy limit at outdoor spaces except the following:

The following may operate at 50% of operating limit:

Amusement parks;
Water parks;
Swimming pools;
Museums and libraries; and
Zoos, and similar facilities.

Am I required to follow the Local Health Authority Orders?

What are the Governor's Orders?

What is the Local Emergency Directive?

What should I do if I or a family member is showing symptoms of COVID-19?

Symptoms of COVID-19 may appear 2-14 days after exposure and include: fever measuring greater than or equal to 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit, feeling feverish, cough, sore throat, repeated shaking with chills, chills, muscle pain, diarrhea, headache, nausea or vomiting, fatigue, congestion or runny nose, new loss of taste or smell and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.

If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19, you should seek medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include: trouble breathing; persistent pain or pressure in the chest; new confusion or inability to rouse; bluish lips or face.

If you have life-threatening symptoms, you should call 911. If you are getting yourself to a healthcare facility, do not use public transportation. You should drive yourself, if possible. If you cannot drive yourself, keep as much distance as possible between yourself and the driver and leave the windows down.

You should wear a cloth face covering -- such as a scarf or bandana wrapped around your mouth and nose -- to prevent exposing others to your respiratory droplets when you cough and sneeze.

What should I do if I've been in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19?

Where can I get tested for COVID-19?

How can I get my test results if I was tested at a State Testing (or the Rural Testing) site?

If I test positive for COVID-19 and a member of the Department of Public Health (i.e., a contact tracer) contacts me what kinds of questions will I be asked?

I tested negative for COVID-19 but need to show my workplace proof of my test results. Can the Department of Public Health provide an official document?

If you tested at the City Testing site, you can obtain a letter disclosing your negative test results by filing out and submitting the online form that will allow for the authorization to use and/or disclose Protected Health Information via Email.

If you tested at one of the two mega State Testing sites you will need to follow-up with the laboratory provided to you at the time of testing as the Department of Public Health does not have a copy of your results. If you have not received a call or a copy of your results within 10 days you should consider contact the state via email at Covid19Help@honumg.com or call the help line at 1-844-778-2455.

If you tested at one of the Rural Testing sites Please send an email to help@txcovidtest.org

If you tested at a private laboratory you will need to contact the private laboratory or you primary physician.

What do I do if I test positive with COVID-19?

If you are sick with COVID-19 or think you might have COVID-19, follow the steps below to care for yourself and to help protect other people in your home and community:

Stay home except to get medical care
Separate yourself from other people
Monitor your symptoms
Call ahead before visiting your doctor
Wear a face covering over your nose and mouth
Cover your coughs and sneezes
Clean your hands often
Avoid sharing personal household items
Clean all “high touch” surfaces everyday

For more information about steps you should take to care for yourself and prevent the spread of COVID-19, visit the CDC website.

If you receive a positive COVID-19 test result, but have not been contacted by the City’s Department of Public Health within 24 hours of receiving the laboratory results, report to (915) 212-6520.

What is contact tracing?

Contact tracing is used by health departments to prevent the spread of infectious disease.

In general, contact tracing involves identifying people who have an infectious disease (cases) and people who they came in contact with (contacts) and working with them to interrupt disease spread.

This includes asking people with COVID-19 to isolate and their contacts to quarantine at home voluntarily.

Click on this link to learn more about what is typically involved in contact tracing for COVID-19. You can also download this PDF to learn more.

Masks and Face Covers

Do I need to wear a face covering when I leave home and/or interact with others?

What are the exceptions to wearing a face covering?

All persons in El Paso over the age of 2 years must wear a face covering over the nose and mouth when inside a commercial entity or other building or space open to the public. They must also wear a face covering when in an outdoor public space, wherever it is not feasible to maintain six feet of social distancing from another person not in the same household. The following exceptions apply:

Persons with a medical condition or disability that prevents wearing a face covering;
Persons while the person is consuming food or drink, or is seated at a restaurant to eat or drink;
While a person is (a) exercising outdoors or engaging in physical activity outdoors, and (b) maintaining a safe distance from other people not in the same household;
While a person is driving alone or with passengers who are part of the same household as the driver;
Persons obtaining a service that requires temporary removal of the face covering for security surveillance, screening, or a need for specific access to the face, such as while visiting a bank or while obtaining a personal care service involving the face, but only to the extent necessary for the temporary removal;
While the person is in a swimming pool, lake, or similar body of water;
Persons who are voting, assisting a voter, serving as a poll watcher, or actively administering an election (but wearing a face covering is strongly encouraged);
Persons who are actively providing or obtaining access to religious worship (but wearing a face covering is strongly encouraged);
While the person is giving a speech for a broadcast or to an audience;
When in an outdoor space and cannot maintain 6 feet of distance from persons not within your residence.

Parents of children age 2-10 are responsible for making their children wear a face covering.

Do I need to wear a face covering when I dine-in at a restaurant?

All businesses in El Paso are required to establish a Health and Safety Policy that requires individuals to use face coverings when on their premises; however, when seated at your table at a restaurant you can remove the face covering, as long as the requirements for the restaurant included in the Directive are followed.

For Drive-Thru food pick-ups, a face covering is required in a drive thru if you can’t keep 6 feet of distance from others.

Do I have to wear a mask if I have a medical condition?

No, any person with a medical condition or disability that prevents wearing a face covering is exempt.

However, CDC reminds the public that recent studies show that a significant portion of individuals with coronavirus lack symptoms (“asymptomatic”) and that even those who eventually develop symptoms (“pre-symptomatic”) can transmit the virus to others before showing symptoms. This means that the virus can spread between people interacting in close proximity—for example, speaking, coughing, or sneezing—even if those people are not exhibiting symptoms.

What medical conditions prevent you from wearing a face covering?

CDC recognizes that wearing face coverings may not be possible in every situation or for some people. In some situations, wearing a cloth face covering may exacerbate a physical or mental health condition, lead to a medical emergency, or introduce significant safety concerns. Adaptations and alternatives should be considered by businesses and facilities whenever possible to increase the feasibility of wearing a face covering or to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading if it is not possible to wear one.

For example, but not limited to,

People who are deaf or hard of hearing—or those who care for or interact with a person who is hearing impaired—may be unable to wear cloth face coverings if they rely on lip-reading to communicate. In this situation, consider using a clear face covering. If a clear face covering isn’t available, consider whether you can use written communication, use closed captioning, or decrease background noise to make communication possible while wearing a face covering that blocks your lips.
People with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health conditions or other sensory sensitivities, may have challenges wearing a face covering. They should consult with their healthcare provider for advice about wearing face coverings.
Younger children (e.g., preschool or early elementary aged) may be unable to wear a face covering properly, particularly for an extended period of time. Wearing of face coverings may be prioritized at times when it is difficult to maintain a distance of 6 feet from others. Ensuring proper face covering size and fit and providing children with frequent reminders and education on the importance and proper wear of face coverings may help address these issues.
People who work in a setting where face coverings may increase the risk of heat-related illness or cause safety concerns. Outdoor workers may prioritize use of face coverings when in close contact with other people, for example, during group travel or shift meetings, and remove face coverings when social distancing is possible.

Face coverings are a critical preventive measure and are essential in times when social distancing is difficult. If face coverings cannot be used, individuals are asked to make sure to take other measures to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread, including social distancing, frequent hand washing, and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.

Do I still need to stay at least 6 feet away from people if wearing a face covering?

Yes, the Local Health Authority advises to stay at least 6 feet away from people outside of your residence, even if wearing a face covering. Wearing a face covering is just a part of your overall protection plan to keep you and others from spreading and getting COVID-19. That plan includes:

Social distancing, or staying at least 6 feet away from other people
Frequent hand washing with soap and water for 20 seconds
Not touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
Staying home when you are sick
Covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, and discarding the tissue
Disinfecting high-touch surfaces often, such as buttons, handles, and knobs

Wearing face coverings is an additional public health measure people must take to reduce the spread of COVID-19, not the only measure.

Should I wear a face shield?

Individuals must make a choice of what type of face covering is best for them, as long as it meets the CDC definition of face covering. CDC definition of face covering. Wearing a mask will contain your respiratory droplets. Avoid close contact with anyone who is not wearing a mask. If you must be in close contact with someone who is not wearing a mask, a face shield may provide some additional protection in addition to a cloth face covering.

Who is at the highest risk for contracting COVID-19?

I don’t have an underlying breathing or lung condition. Do I really need to worry about COVID-19?

Resident

Can I perform activities while wearing a face cover and practicing social distancing?

You can still do daily essential activities for example the activities listed below:

walking your dog,
picking up medicine,
leaving your home to buy groceries,
go for a run,
visit a reopened service,
visit your doctor, or
travel to and from work (only to provide or access an essential business or activity or a reopened service).

You must also wear a face covering when in an outdoor public space, wherever it is not feasible to maintain six feet of social distancing from another person not in the same household.

Can a landlord evict a residential tenant?

The City of El Paso, through its Emergency Ordinance, adopts any current law that prohibits evictions during COVID-19. While any such law(s) is in effect, no landlord may evict a commercial or residential tenant for lack of payment. The City’s current Emergency Ordinance does not forgive tenants from their obligation to pay rent, but landlords are encouraged to work with their tenants to develop workable payment plans.

Where can I find more information about Rental and Mortgage Assistance?

Where can I find more information about Utility Assistance?

Where can I find mental health resources?

It’s normal to be anxious during uncertain times. The following resources are available if you are in a mental health crisis:

Emergence Health Network

Emergence Health Network is the state’s mental health authority in El Paso. Call one of these hotlines to reach a crisis counselor 24-hours a day: (877) 562-6467 or (915) 779-1800.

Taking Care of Your Behavioral Health

While social isolation may be good for our physical health, it can be taxing on our mental and emotional health. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has compiled a checklist.

World Health Organization

The World Health Organization has recommendations on how to cope with stress for children and adults during the COVID-19 outbreak. Visit their site for the latest developments and resources.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has information on how you can cope with your anxiety specifically related to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Crisis Text Line

Crisis Text Line will connect you to a trained crisis counselor who can help ease your anxiety through active listening and collaborative problem solving. Just text HOME to 741741. Standard rates apply.

Child Mind Institute

The Child Mind Institute/Supporting Our Kids Through the COVID-19 Crisis.

NAMI El Paso

The National Alliance of Mental Illness-El Paso has created a page with online and by-phone resources for tor individuals and families in need of mental health services, including non-crisis emotional support, online emotional support meetings, peer support and more.

Family Service of El Paso

Family Service of El Paso is continuing to provide families with mental health services through online and phone telehealth support. Visit online or call (915) 781-9900.

El Paso Child Guidance Center

The El Paso Child Guidance Center is closed to on-site sessions, however, help is available by phone and telehealth from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call 915-562-1999 for information.

El Paso Child Guidance Center has the following available:

Current openings for psychotherapy services for children, youth and their families
Current openings for psychiatric services for children and adolescents
Telehealth services by licensed, best-practice trained clinicians and psychiatrists
Virtual psychoeducation Resilience Groups and individual consultation services for advocates
Virtual trauma-informed educational and training services via live and on-demand webinars for organizations and professionals.

Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinics

Those seeking discreet online video counseling sessions for individuals or families should contact the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinics by phone, 915-320-1390, or email at EPclinic@endeavors.org to schedule an appointment.

COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line

The Texas Department of Health and Human Service has launched a statewide mental health support line to help Texans experiencing anxiety or stress due to the COVID-19 pandemic. People can call the Statewide COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week toll-free at 833-986-1919.

Project Vida Health Center telehealth

Project Vida Health Center is offering telehealth, including mental health services, for El Paso and Hudspeth counties. To learn more visit Project Vida Health Center online, call 915-533-7057 or contact Rachel Quintanilla, LMSW Chief Behavioral Health Officer at R.Quintanilla@Pvida.Net or 915-637-9373.

Aliviane

Aliviane is offering telehealth services, including mental health and substance abuse support via video conference for El Paso and Hudspeth county individuals and families in need. For more information visit online, call 915-782-4000 or email info@aliviane.org.

Emotional & Spiritual Care Hotline

The Salvation Army has established a place anyone affected by COVID-19 can call for emotional and spiritual support. The hotline is available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week at (844) 458-HOPE (4673).

Where can I find job assistance?

Can I seek non-essential medical care like eye exams, teeth cleaning, elective procedures?

Can I leave home to care for elderly parents, friends, or family members who need assistance?

Where can I find information about COVID-19 cases at state supported living centers and state hospitals?

Can I visit/go to:

Is there a way for seniors to get meals delivered to their homes?

May I have friends or family come to my house to visit or gather in groups of less than 10?

If my child's school is providing food or meals, can I leave home to pick them up?

Will my trash still get picked up?

Are faith based organizations allowed to hold food drives?

Business

What is an Essential Business?

CISA - Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce

Grocery stores, food banks, convenience stores
Hospitals, pharmacies, clinics, veterinary offices and other healthcare services
Childcare facilities providing services that enable essential employees to continue performing their essential work duties
Educational institutions, for the purposes of facilitating distance learning
Gas stations and auto repair facilities
Banks and financial institutions
Critical infrastructure including energy, water, solid waste collection and other governmental services
Hardware stores, plumbers, electricians, and other service providers necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences and other essential businesses
Businesses that provide necessities of life for economically disadvantaged individuals and shelter facilities
Businesses that ship or deliver groceries, food, and goods directly to residences
Roles required for any Essential Business to “maintain basic operations,” which include security, payroll, and similar activities
Moving Companies
Real Estate Services

Non-essential businesses may continue operations at their own residences (i.e., working from home) and may re-open to specified capacities.

Are visitors to my business required to wear face coverings?

Yes, unless an exception applies, all persons over the age of 2 years in El Paso shall wear a face covering over the nose and mouth when inside a commercial entity or other building or space open to the public. All people must also wear a face covering when in an outdoor public space, wherever it is not feasible to maintain six feet of social distancing from another person not in the same household.

Are my employees required to wear face coverings?

Is my business required to open under the current order?

Can a landlord evict a commercial tenant?

The City’s current Emergency Ordinance does not forgive tenants from their obligation to pay rent, but landlords are encouraged to work with their tenants to develop workable payment plans.

Outdoor Activities

Are Outdoor Mass Gatherings permitted?

Are Parades permitted?

Can I leave home to exercise?

Are the city's parks and recreation centers open?

Parks will only be open for use of trails, walking paths, and playground equipment for small children.

Beginning Oct. 22, all league practices, games, and tournaments are not allowed in City parks for at least two weeks. This is for both City and private leagues. No permits will be issued at this point for any activity until at least two weeks (until at least Friday, November 6). However the restrictions could be extended.

Are public trails and trailheads open?

Hiking and walking trails across the City are open. Visitors are encouraged to keep six feet apart from others, not congregate with people who are not from their household, required to use face coverings if it is not feasible to maintain 6 feet of distance from other people, and urged not use trails if they or anyone in their household is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. View a complete list of walking paths.

When will the El Paso Zoo open?

What about the El Paso Zoo membership that I paid for?

The El Paso Zoo membership is actually with the El Paso Zoological Society, a private non-profit organization that operates our membership and fund raising events.

The Zoological Society has agreed to extend memberships the months that the zoo is closed at no extra charge. For example, if the zoo is closed for four months before it reopens, zoo membership will be extended four months from when it was to expire.

Workforce

What happens if individuals or businesses don't comply with the order?

Any individual found guilty of violating the face-covering requirement of this Directive will be given a verbal or written warning for first-time offenses. A person’s second violation shall be punishable by a fine not to exceed $250. Each subsequent violation shall also be punishable by a fine not to exceed $250 per violation.

A business that fails to comply with the Health and Safety Policy provision will face a fine not to exceed $500 per violation. Anyone found guilty of violating any other provision of this Directive will face a Class C Misdemeanor, which is punishable by a fine of up to $500.

Would you like to submit a compliance complaint or concern? Call (915) 832-4400.

What can I do if my landlord isn't obeying these orders?

How will the City enforce the capacity limits?

How will the City determine the capacity limit violation?

What type of construction activities are permitted?

Travel

Can I travel to Juárez?

What if I need to leave the City?

Can I leave the City to go on a planned vacation?

If I travel, what steps should I take to help reduce my chances of getting sick?

Clean your hands often.

Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, after touching surfaces frequently touched by others, after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, and before touching your face or eating.
If soap and water are not available, bring and use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub your hands together until they feel dry.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with others.
Keep 6 feet of physical distance from others.
Wear a face covering in public.
Cover coughs and sneezes.
Pick up food at drive-thrus, curbside restaurant service, or stores.
Make sure you are up to date with your routine vaccinations, including measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and the seasonal flu vaccine.

Can I take public transportation (bus, tram, train)?

Can I use rideshare or on-demand service or a taxi?

Is the airport open during this crisis?

Homelessness and Nonprofit Organizations

What is being done to protect the homeless?

The City of El Paso has authorized the use of two City facilities to function as temporary housing shelters to assist the homeless population while complying with the Local Health Authority’s social distancing rules.

The two facilities are:

Delta Welcome Center at the Hilos De Plata Senior Center
4451 Delta Dr., El Paso, TX 79905

Delta Haven at the Chalio Acosta Sports Center
4321 Delta Dr., El Paso, TX 79905

The centers will be operated by the Opportunity Center for the Homeless with support from the City of El Paso, the Office of Emergency Management and numerous non-profit and private sector partners. Primary partners supporting the work include the Rescue Mission, Salvation Army, El Paso Coalition for the Homeless, Endeavors, El Pasoans Fighting Hunger, and the Paso Del Norte Community Foundation and the United Way.

FAQ's