Business leaders in Texas say they are trying to simplify the process for businesses that are struggling to reopen.
Per Governor Abbott's lifting of many COVID-19 restrictions, businesses can now decide for themselves whether to require masks or limit occupancy.
Mary Frazior, chief executive of the HEB Chamber of Commerce, says small business owners have been asking what options they have to enforce any restrictions.
"The primary concern right now is for the health and safety of their employees and their customers," she says.
Frazior says small business owners have been struggling to strike a balance between trying to recover financially with protecting their health.
"I feel like I have worked harder this past year than in my whole career just because of what we're doing, providing information, those resources and connecting businesses with the proper entities to help them stay alive in this pandemic," she says.
Frazior says she has also reached out to members of the Texas legislature to pass a bill protecting business owners from lawsuits if someone contracts COVID-19 at their shop or sues over a business' mask requirement.
"We need to get some relief for our businesses. We're not talking about anybody who's been grossly negligent, but companies and businesses that have been following protocols set forth by the governor or CDC should not be sued if somebody gets COVID walking into their establishment," she says.
More information about the HEB Chamber can be found here.
Businesses in Dallas can register on a searchable website if they are are requiring masks for entry. People can look up Dallas businesses requiring masks.
The McKinney Chamber of Commerce has posted downloadable signs for businesses that require masks and social distancing. The Chamber has also posted links to apply for grants, disaster relief and resources for workers here.