Mask order issued for entire state of Texas

TEXAS (KTRK) -- In a groundbreaking move on Thursday, Gov. Greg Abbott issued a statewide mask order.

This means every Texan is required to wear a mask or facial covering when out in public. According to the governor, the order applies to all counties in the state with more than 20 confirmed COVID-19 cases.

The requirement must be followed anywhere where a person cannot socially distance. If, for example, a person is exercising by themselves or riding a bike, a mask is not required. Children under the age of 10 are exempt from the order.

According to Abbott, first-time violators will be issued a warning. If violated a second time, a $250 fine will be issued, said the governor.

The order goes into effect at noon Friday.

The mandate comes one day after Texas hit another grim milestone in COVID-19 cases and reported 8,076 new cases on Wednesday, making it the highest one-day total in the state since the start of the pandemic.... (Read more)

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