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Free masks to be distributed to those who get tested at Texas-run mobile COVID-19 testing sites

Published  June 24, 2020 1:34pm CDT
Coronavirus in Central Texas
FOX 7 Austin

AUSTIN, Texas - Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), in partnership with the Texas Military Department, will begin distributing 3-ply surgical masks to every Texan who undergoes COVID-19 testing at a state-run mobile test collection site. 

Beginning on Thursday, June 25 each Texan who receives a COVID-19 test at a Texas-run mobile testing site will be provided with four masks to take home with them. 

RELATED: Abbott encourages Texans to wear masks in public, but is not ordering statewide mandate

"Wearing a mask or facial covering in public is an effective way for Texans to protect themselves and others from the transmission of COVID-19," said Governor Abbott. "This program helps ensure that Texans have the resources they need to effectively mitigate the spread of this virus and keep themselves and their communities safe. I continue to urge all Texans to do their part by taking necessary precautions that will reduce the spread of COVID-19 throughout our state."

Abbott encourages Texans to wear masks in public, but is not ordering statewide mandate

On Tuesday evening, Abbott told FOX 7 Austin that having local officials adopt face-covering policies is the right approach.

This announcement comes a day after Gov. Abbott announced that nine percent of Texans we're testing positive for the virus, twice the rate reported at the end of May. The hospitalization rate has also doubled from 1,600 a day in late May to 3,200 a day in the last four to five days.

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Abbott is encouraging Texans to wear masks while in public but is not ordering a statewide mandate. "We do have a spike in Travis County or Austin, Texas where the mask requirement at the local level is important," he said.

Abbott has also announced that outdoor gatherings would be limited to 100 people instead of the previous limit of 500. He has also directed the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to provide health and safety standards for child care centers in Texas.

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