City of Kerrville to make mask wearing in city facilities voluntary effective May 1

Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s March 2, 2021 Executive Order GA-34 lifted the state-mandated mask requirement (originally set forth by the Governor’s July 2, 2020 Executive Order GA-29) effective March 10, 2021.

However, No. 4 on page 2 of Executive Order GA-34 stated:

“Nothing in this executive order precludes businesses or other establishments from requiring employees or customers to follow additional hygiene measures, including the wearing of a face covering.”

In an email released shortly after the Governor’s order (1), Abbott spokesperson Renae Eze confirmed that cities are allowed to take this measure “just like private companies can with their property.”

Per the Texas Municipal League, while Abbott’s order doesn’t allow local leaders to impose fines or jail time for people who don’t follow mask mandates, cities can ban maskless people from entering city-owned property or escort people out if they remove face coverings once inside.

In accordance with the caveats in Executive Order GA-34, and in line with CDC guidelines regarding mask usage (2), City of Kerrville management chose to maintain a mask mandate in its indoor facilities out of concern for the safety and health of both its employees and visitors to its facilities.

This decision was also made in order to allow area COVID-19 vaccination programs adequate time to make significant inroads in vaccinating all citizens who wished to receive a COVID vaccination.

Written notification of the mandate was posted on the entrance doors to city buildings, and City Council was informed of the decision. Out of respect for citizens who did not wish to wear a mask inside city buildings, the City of Kerrville has continued to offer numerous online options, curbside/drive-thru services, etc… to meet the needs of citizens in regards to city matters.

As of Monday, April 5, the Texas DSHS has reported that 80% (11,945) of Kerr County citizens 65 years of age and older have been administered a vaccine (first dose plus fully vaccinated), and 46% (20,533) of Kerr County’s eligible population were administered a vaccine.

In light of these recent developments, the City of Kerrville will make the wearing of masks in all city facilities voluntary rather than mandatory effective May 1, 2021.

Texas’ largest cities will keep requiring masks in municipal buildings even after statewide mandate ends.

CDC recommends that people wear masks in public settings and events and other public gatherings.