Forced masking will be no more in Texas. Governor Greg Abbott issued an executive order that bans mask mandates. Any local leader that imposes such a rule will be subject to fines up to $1,000.
This policy went into effect may 21st. Abbott is firm on his stance that masks are optional. He has no quarrel with those who choose to wear masks, only those who force others to do the same.
According to NPR, “Hospitals and long-term care centers supported by the state are exempt from this order. State, county and juvenile corrections facilities are also exempt.”
“Anybody can wear a mask if they want to. It’s just that it’s a decision to be made by Texans, not to be forced by government,” Abbott told CNBC.
The Governor’s order extends to public schools as well. Texas schools will retain theirs right to require masks up until June 4th. After that point, it will be illegal to force students and staff to mask up.
“Texans, not government, should decide their best health practices, which is why masks will not be mandated by public school districts or government entities,” Abbot said. He explained that COVID 19 can be “mitigated” while “defending Texans’ liberty to choose whether or not they mask up.”