GOV. ABBOTT ISSUES ORDER PROHIBITING MASK MANDATES; TEXAS A&M, BLINN LIFT MASK REQUIREMENTS

  

Governor Greg Abbott has issued an executive order prohibiting government entities in Texas from requiring masks.

The order was issued on Tuesday and becomes effective Friday.  At that time, city and county governments, public health authorities, school districts and other institutions can no longer require face coverings.  Public schools will be allowed to keep their mask mandates in place until June 4^th, but after then, no student, teacher, parent, or other staff member or visitor can be required to wear a mask while on campus.

Any government entity that attempts to impose a mask mandate could be subject to a fine of up to $1,000.

The order exempts state-supported living centers, government-operated hospitals, facilities of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and Texas Juvenile Justice Department, and county and municipal jails.  It also does not prevent private businesses from instituting their own mask policies.

Both Blinn College and Texas A&M University announced an end to their mask requirements on Tuesday in accordance with Abbott’s order.  Their mandates are lifted effective immediately.

Blinn Chancellor Dr. Mary Hensley said in an email Tuesday to College faculty, staff and students that, starting June 1^st, Blinn will use the summer months to transition to normal operations.  The College will increase the number of employees on all campuses.  Beginning August 23^rd, employees are expected to return to normal, on-campus work schedules.  Students will be able to enroll in face-to-face, online and blended classes, and student activities and events will resume across the district.

Texas A&M said this new guidance applies to any remaining commencement ceremonies, as well as indoor and outdoor facilities and venues.  The university expects a return to full occupancy levels starting June 1^st, and plans for employees to return to in-person work next month.