Texas judge rules schools in this county can issue mask mandate despite Abbott's ban
SAN ANTONIO, Texas -- A Texas district judge granted the city of San Antonio and Bexar County a temporary restraining order, blocking Gov. Greg Abbott's restriction on localities imposing mask mandates.
On Tuesday, Judge Antonia Arteaga made the ruling following almost an hour of arguments from attorneys. Arteaga said she did not take her decision lightly, citing the start of the school year and public guidance given by Dr. Junda Woo, medical director of San Antonio's Metropolitan Health District, concerning the need for masks in public schools as the highly contagious delta variant contributes to a surge in coronavirus cases across the state.
The decision is temporary, pending a hearing on Monday.
On Tuesday, the city of San Antonio and Bexar County sued Abbott over his May executive order blocking local officials and school districts from forcing mask mandates.
SEE ALSO:
Houston-area school districts considering changes to COVID-19 protocols amid rise in cases
Bucking governor's ban on school mask mandates is 'necessary civil disobedience,' judge says
More Texas schools release COVID-19 protocols ahead of 2021-2022 school year
The video above is from a previous story.
The Texas Tribune is a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans - and engages with them - about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.
