FAQ's

On September 30, 2021, the 8th Court of Appeals denied the City's request for emergency relief, and temporarily paused the Local Health Authority’s indoor mask mandate.

Beginning at 12:01 am on September 4, 2021, the Local Health Authority imposes a universal requirement for face coverings to be worn in all indoor locations, with limited exceptions.

This face covering requirement does not apply to the following:

1. any person younger than 2 years of age; parents and guardians of children over the age of 2 and under the age of 10 are responsible for appropriately making their children wear a face covering as required herein;
2. any person with a medical condition or disability that prevents wearing a face covering;
3. any person while the person is consuming food or drink, or is seated at a restaurant to eat or drink;
4. any person while the person is (a) exercising or engaging in physical activity indoors, in a gym or exercise facility, individually or in a group and (b) maintaining a safe distance from other people;
5. any person while the person is driving alone or with passengers who are part of the same household as the driver;
6. any person 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;
7. any person while the person is in a swimming pool or similar body of water;
8. any person who is voting, assisting a voter, serving as a poll watcher, or actively administering an election, but wearing a face covering is strongly encouraged;
9. any person who is actively providing or obtaining access to religious worship, unless required by said religious worship entity, but wearing a face covering is strongly encouraged; or
10. any person while the person is giving a speech for a broadcast or to an audience.

The City Council voted 5 to 3 to file a lawsuit against Texas Governor Greg Abbott that would support local protective measures issued by the Local Health Authority.

Judge Ruben Morales in the County Court at Law #7 granted the City’s petition, which was filed on Tuesday, Aug. 17. The court issued a Temporary Restraining Order finding that GA-38 exceeds the Governor’s authority under the Texas Disaster Act of 1975.

On Friday, August 27, the 8th Court of Appeals partly denied the Governor’s motion to stop the Temporary Restraint of Governor Abbott’s Order GA-38, and the Local Health Authority Order remained in place as it applied to:

1. Any school district in El Paso County;
2. The City of El Paso to the extent the City requires its employees to wear masks; and
3. City owned or managed facilities where visitors are required to wear face masks.

On September 2, 2021, Judge Morales, granted the City’s petition for a temporary injunction against Governor Abbott’s Order GA-38 as it applies to the Local Health Authority’s ability to issue a mask mandate in the County of El Paso, and therefore, the Health Authority’s order is in effect in all indoor locations, with limited exceptions.

At this time, the City Attorney's Office expects to provide the legal services required for this litigation in-house. At this point, there will be no separate funding or cost outside of the salaries of the members of the City Attorney's Office who will work on the litigation.

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.

If you have been in close contact with someone who is positive or presumed positive, you can also get tested.

Even if you feel well now, it is possible that you are also infected. It can take 2-14 days to show symptoms, which is why you need to stay home and separate yourself from others in your home as much as possible.

The number to call is (915) 212-6520.

There are a variety of locations where you can get tested for COVID-19. To see a full list click on the Testing tab or click here.

It depends on where you received your test. To learn where you can get your results click on the Testing tab or click here. Each of the lists sites provides instructions on how to obtain your results.

You can review the list of questions you will be asked here on the COVID-19 Case Investigation Form.

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 your primary physician.

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.

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.

The El Paso City-County Health Authority issued an Indoor Mask Mandate effective on September 4, 2021, which is temporarily paused as of September 30, 2021; however, it is strongly recommended that individuals wear face covering in compliance with the CDC’s recommendations when in an indoor location other than one’s home. The temporarily paused Health Authority Order imposes a universal face covering requirement in all indoor locations. The order applies to all adults and children over the age of 2 and under the age of 10. Violations of the Health Authority Order are Class C misdemeanors, punishable by up to a $500 fine.

The order does not apply to:

• children younger than 2 years of age;
• any person with a medical condition or disability that prevents wearing a face covering (e.g., persons with developmental disabilities, such as autism, may not tolerate the mask and so they would be exempt from wearing a mask);
• any person consuming food or drink or seated at a restaurant to eat or drink;
• any person exercising;
• any person while the person is driving alone or with passengers who are part of the same household as the driver;
• any person obtaining a service that requires temporary removal of the face covering for security surveillance, screening, or a need for specific access to the face;
• any person while the person is in a swimming pool or similar body of water;
• any person who is voting, assisting a voter, serving as a poll watcher, or actively administering an election;
• any person who is actively providing or obtaining access to religious worship; or
• any person while the person is giving a speech for a broadcast or to an audience.

All persons are also strongly encouraged to 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.

At this time, as of September 30, 2021, restaurant patrons are strongly recommended to wear a face covering when entering and exiting restaurants, during the process of being seated, and when travelling to restrooms. The face covering recommendation does not apply to any person consuming food or drink or is seated at a restaurant to eat or drink.

All businesses in El Paso are strongly encouraged to require individuals to use face coverings when on their premises; however, when seated at your table at a restaurant you can remove the face covering. For drive-thru food pick-ups, a face covering is encouraged in a drive-thru if you can’t keep 6 feet of distance from others.

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

However, the 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.

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.

No, however, the public is strongly encouraged to continue practicing health and safety protocols to include:

• Stay 6 feet away from all people not in your household.
• Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds.
• When soap and water aren’t available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Wear a face covering in public.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Disinfect surfaces, buttons, handles, knobs and other places touched often.
• If sick, get tested and then stay home.

Individuals must make a choice of what type of face covering is best for them. Wearing a mask will contain your respiratory droplets.

Individuals aged 65 or older are at a higher risk of COVID-19. To the extent possible, health officials strongly advise to avoid being within 6 feet with individuals aged 65 and older. Individuals aged 65 and older should stay at home as much as possible.

Yes. High blood pressure and diabetes account for most of the underlying conditions at the time of death for those in El Paso County who have died of COVID-19.

All activities performed indoors (except as allowed in the Indoor Mask Mandate, or when in one's own residence) are strongly recommended to be performed while wearing a face covering. You should 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 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.

The following agencies offer assistance:

• EPRentHelp.org
• Project Bravo
• El Paso County General Assistance Fund
• Texas Rent Relief

The following agencies offer assistance:

• Project Bravo
• El Paso County General Assistance Fund
• El Paso Water AguaCares Program
• El Paso Electric Project Care Program
• Texas Gas Service Share the Warmth Program

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).

The following agencies offer assistance:

• Workforce Solutions Borderplex
• Texas RioGrande Legal Aid
• American GI Forum

All licensed health care professionals shall be limited in their practice by, and must comply with, any emergency rules promulgated by their respective licensing agencies. You may seek these services as allowed by relevant licensing agencies. Please seek further information from your specific medical care provider for additional requirements.

You may leave home to provide care for a family member or friend in another household, and you are recommended to take precautions, such as wearing a mask, and maintaining 6 feet of distance as practicable.

For information about positive cases at state supported living centers and state hospitals, visit the Texas Health and Human Services website.

Food delivery is an authorized and it is recommended that all persons comply with minimum health protocols.

Individuals are not recommended to visit other households and are recommended to minimize in-person contact with persons not within their household and should avoid being in a group larger than 10 individuals (including those within the individual’s household).

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.

It is highly recommended that you require visitors to your business to wear face coverings. Unless an exception applies, all persons over the age of 2 years in El Paso are strongly recommended to 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 should 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.

It is highly recommended that all persons over the age of 2 years in El Paso 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 should 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.

Businesses listed as authorized to re-open may do so at their own discretion. No business is required to open to 100% occupancy, and it is highly recommended that businesses allow for 6 feet of distance between patrons.

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.

The United States and Mexico have extended prohibitions on non-essential border crossings. That means you shouldn't travel between El Paso and Juárez for recreational or tourism purposes.

You may leave the City. However, traveling increases your chances of getting and spreading COVID-19. Before you travel, learn if COVID-19 is spreading in any of the places you are going. Traveling to visit family may be especially dangerous if you or your loved ones are more likely to get very ill from COVID-19. People at higher risk for severe illness need to take extra precautions.

Yes. However, traveling increases your chances of getting and spreading COVID-19. Before you travel, learn if COVID-19 is spreading in any of the places you are going. Traveling to visit family may be especially dangerous if you or your loved ones are more likely to get very ill from COVID-19. People at higher risk for severe illness need to take extra precautions.

• 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.

Yes, public transportation is available to access essential and re-opened services or activities.

Yes.

The El Paso International Airport is open.