Texas Supreme Court Supports Gov. Abbott’s Mask Mandate Ban

On Sunday, the Texas Supreme Court blocked the effort to establish mask mandates in two Texas counties in defiance of Gov. Greg Abbott‘s executive order.

Much like Florida’s Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), Abbott has issued an executive order to ban mask requirements around the state claiming it infringes on personal freedom.

The rules are in place despite the growing pandemic due to the Delta variant of the COVID-19.

“Local mask mandates are illegal under GA-38,” the Office of the Texas Attorney General tweeted. “Let this ruling serve as a reminder to all ISDs and Local officials that the Governor’s order stands.”

Following the court decision, Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins, who issued the mask mandate around the county, vowed to win the court hearing.

“Tex Supreme Court narrowly ruled, staying only the TRO against Gov. Abbott but allowing the temporary injunction hearing to go forward,” Jenkins tweeted. “We won’t stop working with parents, doctors, schools, business + others to protect you and intend to win that hearing.”

Amid the growing cases of COVID-19, the nursing home cases are especially alarming, rising by 773% in the past month, according to the Texas health officials.

Following the higher court’s decision, Abbott tweeted, touting the decision.

“The Texas Supreme Court imposes a temporary halt to lower court decisions that overruled the State ban on mask mandates,” adding that “the ban doesn’t prohibit using masks. Anyone who wants to wear a mask can do so, including in schools,” he tweeted.

Article by Dongyoon Shin