Round Rock ISD To Continue Mask Enforcement Policy, Officials Say

ROUND ROCK, TX — Round Rock 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

"After today's announcement by @GovAbbott regarding his Executive Order to lift the mask mandate in Texas, @RoundRockISD has no plans to change the mask requirement in schools and facilities at this time," the district said.

The district said current Texas Education Agency guidance says that school systems may require the use of masks or face shields for adults or students for whom it is developmentally appropriate and should work closely with local health authorities as districts weigh operational decisions.

"Both Williamson County and Cities Health District and Austin Public Health have informed us that their recommendations regarding masks and social distancing have not changed," district officials said. "Austin-Travis County Interim Health Authority Dr. Mark Escott told Austin City Council and Travis County Commissioners today removing protections like mask requirements right now could result in a reversal of progress. Given this guidance, Round Rock ISD is maintaining current mitigation strategies."

Round Rock ISD isn't the only school district in the Austin area to continue its mask policy despite the Governor's order.

Austin and Leander ISD both issued statements Tuesday evening its school districts 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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