Texas Dems ask Gov. Abbott to give mask mandate options

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By Delilah Alvarado

(AUSTIN, Texas) On Saturday, Texas Democrats wrote a letter to Gov. Greg Abbott and Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath about allowing schools to have a mask mandate.

Last week, Abbott said he would not bring back a mask mandate, telling KPRC in Houston it would be “inappropriate to require people who already have immunity to wear a mask,” according to KXAN.

The letter was sent by Rep. Vikki Goodwin with 31 lawmakers' signatures, coming after an increasing spread of COVID-19 and the delta variant.

“The academic year will be starting soon, and we have heard from school officials and parents in our districts that the path we are on is not acceptable to them,” Rep. Goodwin wrote.

“Children under 12 cannot get a COVID vaccine, which means they are vectors of infection for each other, their teachers, and their family members,” it states. “Putting them all in one building without masks is foolish.

The letter also mentions that while children are less likely to contract the virus or become seriously ill, they can spread to those who are vulnerable at home or elsewhere.

Goodwin also added that schools should have the option to conduct virtual teaching for higher-risk students.

Austin-Travis County is at stage 4 risk, and health officials are encouraging everyone to get vaccinated and wear masks indoors.

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