Bastrop County backs off face covering requirement

BASTROP COUNTY, Texas - Bastrop County is backing off of its requirement that everyone wear face coverings in public, due to the directive being in conflict with Gov. Greg Abbott's new executive order.

The county said in a release that all other provisions in its COVID-19 Order currently in effect remain unchanged.

However, County Judge Paul Pape is still encouraging people to wear masks, especially when social distancing cannot be consistently maintained, to slow the spread of COVID-19.

"These next few weeks are critical to flattening the curve and getting Texas fully open for business and back to the freedoms we all enjoy," Pape said in a statement.

Gov. Abbott announces next steps in reopening Texas

The governor says he will allow the stay-at-home orders to end on April 30 and that the first phase of businesses will reopen on May 1 with some guidelines.

READ THE FULL STATEMENT FROM PAPE BELOW:

"Although no longer required under local or state law, as your County Judge and Director of Emergency Management for Bastrop County, I strongly encourage all Bastrop County residents to continue to wear face coverings in public places where social distancing cannot be consistently maintained. This small inconvenience can help in slowing the spread of the COVID-19 virus in our county.

"Please protect yourself and others from the spread of this deadly virus. These next few weeks are critical to flattening the curve and getting Texas fully open for business and back to the freedoms we all enjoy."

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