Greg Abbott. Tamir Kalifa/Getty ImagesSan Antonio and Bexar counties officials can temporarily issue mandates for masks, despite Texas Governor. Judge Antonia Arteaga issued Tuesday's ruling denying Greg Abbott (R) permission to prohibit local governments and school districts from imposing requirements for masks.On Tuesday, San Antonio and Bexar County filed lawsuits to stop Abbott's actions. Officials wanted to require masks in public schools and municipal buildings. Arteaga stated that she didn't take her decision lightly, The Texas Tribune reports. She cited the start of school and the guidance provided by Dr. Junda Woo (health director at San Antonio's Metropolitan Health District), who advised that masks were necessary for schools to prevent the spread of the highly contagious Delta virus.A second hearing is scheduled for Monday. However, Joe Gonzalez, Bexar County District Attorney, stated during a press conference, "for now we're going to win a victory lap. We're very happy about the result that was achieved today." Renae Eze spokeswoman for Abbott said that the governor has "resolved to protect the rights, freedoms, and dignity of all Texans" and has not wavered.Texas has reported a 18.1 percent positive rate for the Delta variant, which is responsible for a spike in COVID-19-related cases. Children 12 years and younger have not been given the COVID-19 vaccines in the United States. Teachers associations and districts have called for mandatory masks at campuses.You might also likeFederal judge sidelines cruise ship company, suspends Florida's 'vaccine passport ban'Sociology shows that policy makers have looked at vaccine refusal in a wrong way.GOP senator on DeSantis' Mask Mandat Ban: "Local officials should have control over here."
