Texas Gov. Greg Abbott requires masks statewide to fight COVID-19, limits size of gatherings

AUSTIN, Texas — As cases of the coronavirus surge to record highs in Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott on Thursday ordered the state’s residents to wear face masks in public in counties with outbreaks of COVID-19. Abbott also gave local officials power to restrict outdoor gatherings with more than 10 people ahead of the holiday weekend.

“Wearing a face covering in public is proven to be one of the most effective ways we have to slow the spread of COVID-19,” Abbott said. “We have the ability to keep businesses open and move our economy forward so that Texans can continue to earn a paycheck, but it requires each of us to do our part to protect one another — and that means wearing a face covering in public spaces.”

The move is a reversal for Abbott, who in April blocked local officials from penalizing people who don't wear masks. Those who don't follow Abbott's latest order first face a warning, and then fines of up to $250 for any subsequent offense.

The order, which takes effect Friday at noon, requires people over age 10 to wear masks inside businesses and in outdoor public spaces when it's not feasible to stay 6 feet apart from others. There are some exceptions, including for people who are eating, drinking, exercising, voting or worshipping. The requirements apply only in counties with 20 or more positive COVID-19 cases.

Local leaders have pressed Abbott for stricter mask requirements as cases soar.

On Thursday, Dallas County reported more than 700 new positive cases, far surpassing the previous single day record. Dallas County Clay Jenkins urged people to avoid large gatherings over the holiday weekend.

"The situation we have right now is significant & accelerating community spread," he said on Twitter.

Now that many businesses have reopened, masking and social distancing are among the only tools left to slow the spread.

Since so many infected people have mild or no symptoms, universal mask use can help slow transmission of the virus, public health experts say. They also offer some protection to the person wearing one.

Texas Democratic Party spokesman Abhi Rahman said Abbott's order is "too little too late."

"This should have happened weeks ago," he said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention began recommending in April that everyone wear a mask of cloth face covering when they can't be distanced from others. But leaders in Texas and in Washington, D.C., have been slow to fully embrace the policy.

After saying he didn't think masks were for him, and deriding a journalist for wearing one at his news conference, President Donald Trump changed his tone on Wednesday. Trump said he is "all for masks," which he thinks make him look like the Lone Ranger.

As new cases and hospitalizations climbed to record highs in June, Abbott has pleaded with people to wear face coverings. He began wearing a mask during public appearances in late May and in recent television appearances has held up his own mask to emphasize the importance.

He recently agreed that cities and counties could require masks inside businesses. But while Dallas County and others adopted the policy, other counties have not, leading to a patchwork of rules.

Before Thursday, some local leaders challenged Abbott's order that blocked cities and counties from penalizing people who do not wear a mask in public.

The Round Rock City Council on Monday adopted an emergency ordinance that orders people to wear masks in public and fines those who do not.

The mandates have proven unpopular with some conservatives in Texas, who say requirements to wear masks infringe on their freedoms.