Texas Local Governments Can Issue Mask Policies Afterall

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) – Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said Wednesday local governments can require businesses to mandate customers and workers to wear face masks. That comes after one the state’s most populous counties ordered such a measure amid record numbers of new cases of coronavirus and hospitalizations. The order for Bexar County, which includes the San Antonio area, takes affect Monday and businesses could face fines up to $1,000 for failing to comply. Hidalgo County also implemented a similar measure.

Austin’s mayor issued a similar order late Wednesday. Many local mayors, including Fort Worth Mayor Besty Price and Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson wrote a letter to the Governor asking for the ability to improse stricter mask orders.  Abbott never publicly mentioned the option ordering businesses to require them, but it was included in his written order.

 Abbott, a Republican, has refused to order individuals to wear masks in his statewide orders but says other local governments can do the same as Bexar County. The Dallas County Commissioners Court is expected to consider a county-wide mask policy.