In a significant legal development, a Texas judge has issued a temporary restraining order against Governor Greg Abbott’s executive order that prohibits mask mandates in schools. This ruling comes as COVID-19 cases continue to climb across the United States, particularly in the South, where the delta variant is causing unprecedented surges. Texas is experiencing a severe uptick in cases, yet Abbott remains steadfast in his stance against mask requirements in schools, counties, and cities.
Several of Texas’ largest school districts have opted to defy this executive order, insisting that masks be worn by students and staff. The pivotal ruling from Judge Maria Gonzales of the Bexar County Civil District Court was prompted by a lawsuit filed by the city of San Antonio along with Bexar County. “This decision was not made lightly,” Judge Gonzales stated, emphasizing the necessity of protecting children under the age of 12, who do not have access to vaccines and are currently attending school.
Prior to this ruling, mask mandates had been announced by major Texas school districts, including those in Dallas, Austin, and Fort Worth. In response, Abbott’s office asserted that parents should have the ultimate authority to decide whether their children wear masks, equating the mask choice to other parental decisions. This statement has sparked backlash, especially given the alarming rise in pediatric COVID cases; North Texas has reported that only 2 percent of pediatric ICU beds are currently available.
Despite the growing crisis, Abbott has introduced a new executive order urging hospitals to postpone elective surgeries to accommodate the influx of COVID patients. In the past two weeks, Texas has seen a staggering 91 percent increase in cases, alongside a 98 percent rise in hospitalizations and a 101 percent uptick in deaths. The current seven-day average for cases has surpassed the peak levels seen in the previous summer, with hospitals in hard-hit cities like Austin nearing full capacity.
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In summary, a Texas judge’s ruling now allows schools to impose mask mandates, countering Governor Abbott’s executive order amid rising COVID-19 cases. This legal decision reflects the urgent need to protect unvaccinated children in school settings.