LOCAL LEADERS REACT TO GOV. ABBOTT’S NEW ORDER

  

Leaders around Washington County have differing opinions on Governor Greg Abbott’s decision to end statewide COVID-19 restrictions and lift mask requirements.

Brenham Mayor Milton Tate said while he personally feels this decision comes too soon, he ultimately does not want to require residents to wear masks.  He does, however, urge them to continue to be cautious and mindful of others.

 

Tate expects the Brenham City Council will take up this topic at its meeting next week.

Meanwhile, Burton Mayor David Zajicek believes Abbott did the right thing, and that the state needs to return to a sense of normalcy.

 

Through Abbott's order, businesses are allowed to continue limiting capacity or using safety measures at their own discretion.  County judges in hospital regions that exceed a COVID-19 hospitalization rate of 15 percent for seven consecutive day can implement restrictions, but they cannot impose jail time or other penalties for failure to wear a mask or follow orders.  They also cannot reduce capacity below 50 percent.

KWHI has attempted to contact Washington County Judge John Durrenberger for his opinion on the matter.