Austin Mayor Steve Adler joins 8 other Texas mayors in asking Abbott for face-covering regulations
AUSTIN, Texas - Austin Mayor Steve Adler is joining eight other Texas mayors in asking the governor to allow them to set rules and regulations locally when it comes to face masks.
A letter signed by all nine was sent to Abbott this week.
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“One thing we have an obligation to do, and it is candidly easy to forget, and that is when summer has come as the early months of the coronavirus have come behind us, some people think the COVID-19 disease has left the state,” said Gov. Greg Abbott.
As it stands right now wearing a face-covering in the state is not mandatory. Abbott spoke Tuesday reminding people the virus is still out there and people still need to be cautious.
RELATED: Gov. Abbott says recent COVID-19 spike is a concern, but not alarming
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“People need to understand that until we have medicine capable of treating COVID-19; it is still in Texas, it is still in Mexico, it is across the U.S. and the world. Because it’s still out there, you can prevent yourself from getting COVID-19. Number one, stay at home if you can. If you have to go out, wear a face mask, sanitize your hands, keep your distance,” said Abbott.
The letter was signed by the mayors of Austin, Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Fort Worth, Grand Prairie, Arlington, Plano, and El Paso this week. While the governor did not mention whether or not the state would mandate face coverings, he did say the state will be cracking down on places that see a lot of people like bars and restaurants that don’t follow protocol.
RELATED: TABC warns bars, restaurants to follow state protocols or face license suspension
“If any establishment serving alcohol doesn’t follow the rules they stand to have their license suspended for 30 days the first time and 60 days the second time,” said Abbott.
The letter says when it comes to face coverings: “A one-size-fits-all approach is not the best option. And we should trust local officials to make informed choices about health policy.”
RELATED: Austin enters stage four of COVID-19 response, stay home order extended
This letter comes just when Austin saw a spike in new COVID-19 cases.
READ THE FULL LETTER BELOW:
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