Gov. Abbott Signs Executive Order Preventing Local Officials from Limiting Capacity at Businesses, Requiring Vaccines or Face Masks

AUSTIN (WBAP/KLIF)- Governor Greg Abbott issued a new Executive Order which will prevent local officials’ ability to limit capacity at businesses or to require vaccines or face masks.

Governor Abbott said the order “emphasizes that the path forward relies on personal responsibility rather than government mandates.”

The Governor said they combined several existing covid-19 executive orders to promote statewide uniformity-the new order overrides previous orders, so local officials can’t restrict business capacity, even if hospitalization rates are over 15% in an area.

“Texans have mastered the safe practices that help to prevent and avoid the spread of COVID-19. They have the individual right and responsibility to decide for themselves and their children whether they will wear masks, open their businesses, and engage in leisure activities. Vaccines, which remain in abundant supply, are the most effective defense against the virus, and they will always remain voluntary – never forced – in the State of Texas.”

View the Executive Order here.