'The Lone Star State continues to defeat COVID-19': Abbott bans government mask mandates in Texas

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order May 18 banning governmental entities from having mask mandates. 

According to the order, public schools can no longer mandate the wearing of masks as of Saturday, June 5. This also applies to all counties and cities throughout the state. 

This generated opposition from many corners, including from Houston City Councilwoman Abbie Kamin. 

"@GovAbbott’s order strips cities of the ability to require masks on city property," Kamin said in a post to her Twitter account on May 18. "This not only goes against local control, it puts my two-month old who cannot yet get vaccinated at risk. Follow the science."

The executive order was also criticized by the head of the Texas State Teacher's Association, Ovidia Molina. 

"The health and safety of our students, educators and communities must remain our first priority as we attempt to emerge from this pandemic," Molina said.

Abbott defended the decision by expressing optimism in how Texas was fighting COVID-19. Thirty percent of the state has been vaccinated and new coronavirus cases are down by 9%. 

"The Lone Star State continues to defeat COVID-19 through the use of widely-available vaccines, antibody therapeutic drugs and safe practices utilized by Texans in our communities," Abbott said in a statement. 

Abbott further responded to criticism by saying it was up to the people if they wanted to continue wearing masks, but it was not the role of government to tell them. The executive order will go into effect on Friday, May 21. A governmental entity that violates the order can receive a fine of up to $1,000. 

The executive order exempts certain government facilities from the ban, including state supported living centers, government-owned or operated hospitals, Texas Department of Criminal Justice facilities, Texas Juvenile Justice Department facilities and county and municipal jails.