Priscilla Aguirre
San Antonio Express-News
AUSTIN, Texas — Mandatory face masks are staying put in Austin for the time being.
Austin Mayor Steve Adler said the public health face mask order that requires all Travis County residents to wear them will remain in effect for the next two weeks. The order stays after a U.S. District Court judge refused to grant the State of Texas an emergency temporary injunction on Friday.
He said they learned Friday morning they could keep it until they return to court on March 26. Judge Lora Livingston said she wanted more time for each side to make their case, according to KXAN.com.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued Adler and Travis County Judge Andy Brown for allowing a public health mandate that goes against Gov. Greg Abbott’s new order, which doesn’t force Texans to wear a face mask starting Wednesday.
This isn’t the first time Paxton has taken the officials to court. Around New Year’s, the attorney defeated the Austin leaders in court for restricting in-person dining at restaurants, according to the Texas Tribune.
However, the second threat isn’t stopping the Austin officials. Adler said they will continue to support their health officials on the face mask matter.
https://twitter.com/MayorAdler/status/1370438425229340672
“No matter what happens then, we will continue to be guided by doctors and data,” the mayor tweeted Friday. “Masking works.”
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