On Wednesday Dr. John Hellerstedt, the Department of State Health Services Commissioner and Chief Medical Advisor on Governor Abbott’s Open Texas Task Force testified before the State House Public Health Committee about the Governor’s decision to issue an executive order rescinding the State’s COVID restrictions, including the mandatory mask provision.
State Representative Erin Zwiener (D-Kyle) asked Dr. Hellerstedt if the Governor consulted with him about his decision to lift the statewide mask order?
“We have daily discussions with the Governor’s staff about what we in public health see going on in terms of trends,” said Hellerstedt.
Zwiener then asked about any recent conversations specifically about the mask order. Hellerstedt said the Governor let him know that he wants people to continue to wear masks and that he would continue to stress that. Zwiener persisted, asking if that conversation was prior to the Governor’s announcement on Tuesday? “I have had conversations with his team prior to the announcement,” said Hellerstedt. Zwiener then asked if he had any personal conversations directly with the Governor prior to the announcement. “No, I did not have a personal conversation with him prior to the decision,” replied Hellerstedt.
Hellerstedt’s response seemed to jive with a recent tweet sent Wednesday afternoon from Dr. Parker Hudson, one of the four Medical advisors on Governor Abbott’s Open Texas Task Force. “Many are asking...I was not consulted prior to GA-34 (Abbott’s executive order rescinding the COVID restrictions). Vaccination is the most important pandemic response. Masks & ventilation continue to be essential & I'm glad @GovAbbott encouraged Texans to follow @TexasDSHS recs on covid precautions & wear masks per @CDCgov & science,” wrote Hudson.
Dr. Mark McClellen, another of the four doctors on the Task Force also confirmed that he was not consulted about the Governor’s decision.
McClellan released the following statement to multiple media outlets about lifting the COVID restrictions. “I don’t think this is the right time. Texas has been making some real progress but it’s too soon for full reopening and to stop masking around others."
Governor Abbott’s spokesperson, Renae Eze, said in a statement “the Governor speaks regularly with Dr. Hellerstedt and Dr. Zerwas, along with others in the medical community, regarding yesterday’s announcement. All were in agreement that Texans should continue following medical advice and safe standards on preventing COVID-19 to protect themselves and their loved ones, just like they do on other medical issues.”
Related
