ABILENE, TX – Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order banning government entities and officials from enforcing mask mandates, including counties, cities, school districts and public health authorities.
Announced on Tuesday, the order allows public schools to continue with their current mask protocols to protect against the spread of COVID-19 through June 4, after which they can no longer require teachers, students, parents or staff members to wear masks on campus.
For local government bodies and officials, the order goes into effect this Friday. Any official who puts in place a mask mandate that violates the governor’s executive order could wind up facing a fine of up to $1,000, the governor’s office said in a statement.
