Texas Border Business
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By The Texas Tribune
Texas’ statewide mask mandate ends today. Businesses are also now allowed to operate at full capacity, though they can choose not to. They can also enforce other safety protocols “at their own discretion.” Here’s what that means for Texans:
- For the first time since last summer, masks are no longer required in public across the state. But health officials say Texans should still wear masks and take other precautions.
- School boards, courts and college campuses can still require masks. Local governments can also require them in their facilities. Masks are still required on federal property, public transportation and public schools(unless local school boards decide to make them optional).
- Many business owners have said they will require masks. Yet some say they feel powerless to enforce such a rule. Some businesses have already faced backlash.
- County judges and local officials cannot jail or impose penalties on those who refuse to wear a mask, nor penalize businesses that do not mandate mask usage. Austin and Travis County public health leaders say that they will continue requiring residents to wear masks in public. But officials didn’t say how they’ll enforce the order. If Austin does try to enforce its mask rule, it could set up a new legal showdown between the state and its capital city.
- Local officials can limit business operations to 50% capacity if more than 15% of hospital capacity in their region is being used to treat patients with COVID-19 for seven consecutive days or more.
- Inmate visitation at county and municipal jails can resume.
- People visiting the Texas Capitol will no longer be required to wear face masks. But at least for now, more restrictive rules imposed by the House and Senate will remain in place in their respective chambers.
About The Texas Tribune
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