The face masks, gloves, wipes, thermometers and other gear that courts in Fort Worth needed to guard against COVID-19 spread and reopen safely have so far cost Tarrant County at least $244,000.

Counties across Texas have needed the same type of gear and equipment to lessen the risk of COVID-19 infection as they welcomed lawyers, litigants and other court participants back into courthouses for some limited in-person proceedings in June. Although the largest Texas counties may be able to cover the extra costs, smaller counties could struggle to find the money in their budgets.