WASHINGTON CO. JUDGE DISCUSSES GOV. ABBOTT’S EXECUTIVE ORDER

  

Washington County Judge John Durrenberger has weighed in on Governor Greg Abbott’s decision to bring an end to COVID-19 restrictions and no longer require facemasks.

Durrenberger said Washington County residents and businesses abided by Abbott’s previous orders, and is confident they will do so now.  He believes the time is right to reduce limitations, particularly for business capacity.

 

Durrenberger is also of the belief that masks should be kept an individual decision as much as possible.

 

Under Abbott’s order, county judges have the right to exercise restrictions if COVID-19 hospitalizations in their hospital region rise above 15 percent of total capacity for seven straight days.  However, they cannot impose jail time or other penalties for those who fail to wear a mask or follow orders.  Capacity also must not be reduced to below 50 percent.

As of Tuesday, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), Trauma Service Area N—which includes Washington County—had a COVID-19 hospitalization rate of 8.01 percent.

Durrenberger said the county will evaluate all factors involved if Area N reaches the 15 percent threshold, and reiterated that the county will abide by Abbott’s order.