Austin ISD Will Continue Mask Enforcement, Officials Say

AUSTIN, TX — Austin ISD will continue its mask enforcement policy for students and employees despite Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's latest executive order, officials said.

The district announced Tuesday in a Tweet it will continue to require all students, staff and visitors to wear masks on district property and at district events.

The decision comes hours after Abbott issued an executive order to reopen Texas at a 100 percent capacity and halt the state's mask mandate. The order will go into effect on March 10.

Want to know more? Click here: Gov. Abbott Moves 'To Open Texas At 100%,' End Mask Mandate

"As you may be aware, this afternoon Governor Greg Abbott announced an order to lift the statewide mask mandate," the district said in a statement. "Our decisions have been and will continue to be based on guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

"We appreciate everyone's efforts to keep safe by wearing masks, maintaining social distancing when possible, and washing hands frequently."

Austin ISD, which serves most of the City of Austin and surrounding towns, isn't the only school district in the Austin area to continue its mask policy despite the Governor's order.

Round Rock and Leander ISD both issued statements Tuesday evening its school districts, which serve Williamson County, will enforce its existing mask protocols and social distancing requirements.

Pflugerville ISD has yet to announce if it will continue to implement a mask enforcing policy.

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