No mask mandates at Texas schools under new executive order, Governor Greg Abbott says

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Texas counties, cities and school districts cannot mandate mask usage under an executive order signed by Gov. Greg Abbott Tuesday.

The order bars local governments from requiring the use of face coverings. Governments that violate the order could be subject to a fine of up to $1,000 beginning at 11:59 p.m. on May 21, the order reads. School districts are able to keep their current mask rules in place through June 4. After that, students, teachers and staff, parents and visitors can’t be required to wear a mask while on campus, according to Abbott’s office.

“Texans, not government, should decide their best health practices, which is why masks will not be mandated by public school districts or government entities,” Abbott said. “We can continue to mitigate COVID-19 while defending Texans’ liberty to choose whether or not they mask up.”

Abbott in March announced that Texas businesses could open at 100% capacity and removed the state’s mask mandate. He’s previously stressed that state orders supersede local ones.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.