MASK MANDATE COULD BE LIFTED SOON IN AUSTIN CO.
ONLY TWO ACTIVE COVID-19 CASES AS OF TUESDAY
Austin County could soon no longer be subject to Governor Greg Abbott’s mandatory face mask order.
Austin County Judge Tim Lapham announced Monday that the county has fallen below the threshold of 20 new COVID-19 cases over the past 14 days, which he says allows the county to opt out of Abbott’s mask mandate. Lapham said he has submitted documentation to have the mandate waived.
Lapham stressed that store owners may continue to require masks within their place of business, and if stores require face coverings in order to enter, individuals must abide by their request. He said the county opting out of the mask mandate means the government is allowing the businesses to make the decision for themselves.
Lapham asked that any businesses that wish to continue requiring face coverings to post that requirement on each entry door.
As of Tuesday, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), the county had only two active cases. The county has confirmed a total of 503 cases and nine deaths since March. Bellville and Sealy ISDs have each reported eight positive cases since the start of school, but no cases are active.
Austin County is included in the list of counties in Texas where bars can reopen, effective today (Wednesday).