AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Despite Texas Gov. Greg Abbott ending a statewide mask mandate on Wednesday, local officials will continue the requirement in Austin and Travis County under public health rules.
District 4 City Council member Greg Casar, in a tweet, said the requirements will continue under the rules issued by interim health authority Dr. Mark Escott.
“In Austin, we’re committed to saving lives. Period," Casar tweeted. "If state officials don’t want to do their jobs in this pandemic, then we'll do it ourselves."
Escott, speaking to both the Austin City Council and Travis County Commissioners Tuesday morning, said that people cannot be arrested or charged for not wearing a mask. Businesses, however, can require their customers to wear a mask, and individuals can face criminal trespassing charges if they refuse to comply or leave when asked.
Escott also said the area will remain in Stage 4 of Austin Public Health's COVID-19 risk-based guidelines for the time being, at least until the end of the week.