Greg Abbott on Thursday signed an executive order prohibiting mask mandates or COVID-19 vaccine requirements from government agencies and municipalities statewide. Abbott issued the order Thursday, two days after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended indoor mask mandates, regardless of vaccination status, in places with at least 50 confirmed COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people over the previous seven days. Abbott defended the move in a statement, arguing, "Today’s executive order will provide clarity and uniformity in the Lone Star State’s continued fight against COVID-19." "Dr. Walensky said in rare circumstances, a vaccinated person may transmit. But in defending the decision to reinstate mask mandates, Walensky said Thursday that while vaccines are highly effective against serious illness, the new guidance helps protect more vulnerable individuals and children who are too young to get immunized.

Source: Fox News July 30, 2021 17:15 UTC