'This isn’t the first time we have dealt with activist characters': Fort Bend judge defies Abbott's executive order on local mask mitigation

Fort Bend County Judge K.P. George issued a mask mandate on Aug. 12 for county buildings, defying Gov. Greg Abbott’s executive order against local governments imposing their own COVID-19 mitigation rules.

However, as the conflict between local governments and the governor makes its way through the courts, the Fort Bend Independent School District and the Lamar Independent School District said wearing masks remains optional.

“ISD reminds students, staff and visitors that the district continues to strongly urge everyone to wear masks whether individuals are vaccinated or not, especially students under the age of 12 and staff working with students younger than 12,” the Fort Bend district said in a statement.

Last weekend, the Texas Supreme Court halted appellate court decisions in Bexar and Dallas counties, striking down Abbott’s order.

“Also, in a Houston appellate court, the governor is challenging the temporary restraining order granted by the 434th District Court of Fort Bend County last week that would permit a mask mandate,” the Fort Bend school district said. “The District anticipates an appellate court will stay the Fort Bend order until the Supreme Court issues a ruling on the governor’s authority.”

On Aug. 17, Abbott announced that he has tested positive for COVID-19. The governor, who, who has been fully was vaccinated for the virus, said he has no symptoms and is receiving Regeneron's monoclonal antibody treatment.

COVID-19 cases have been soaring in Texas recently with the seven-day average reaching 12,498, the highest since February, Fox News reported.

Texas Attorney General Greg Paxton has said Abbott will ultimately win the challenge by local governments over the governor’s executive order on COVID-19 mitigation measures.

“This isn’t the first time we have dealt with activist characters,” Paxton said, referring to elected officials in two of his state’s biggest cities, Bloomberg News reported. “Attention-grabbing judges and mayors have defied executive orders before, when the pandemic first started, and the courts ruled on our side – the law.”