Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Thursday issued a statewide face-covering requirement as the CCP virus outbreak continued to worsen in the state.
Local law enforcement officers can issue fines or warnings over masks, but they can’t make arrests.
Children younger than 10 years old, people with medical conditions that prevent them from wearing a mask, people drinking or eating, or people exercising outside are exempt from the order.
The governor added that “wearing a face-covering in public is proven to be one of the most effective ways to slow the spread of” the virus, which causes the disease COVID-19, while keeping Texas businesses open.
He said, “Texans should wear a face covering for the health of their families, friends, and for all fellow Texans.”
Texas has reported more than 170,000 cases of the virus and 2,500 deaths so far, according to Johns Hopkins University data.
The order from Abbott, a Republican, came after top Republicans, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) urged Americans to wear masks to protect themselves and others from the virus.
“If I were in a group of people and I was close, I would. I have. People have seen me wearing one, if I’m in a group of people where we’re not 10 feet away,” the president said. “Usually I’m not in that position and everyone’s tested because I’m the president and they get tested before they see me, [but] if I were in a tight situation with people, I would absolutely,” he added.