KISD transitions to masks optional

The Kerrville Independent School District has released a statement saying that per Governor Abbott’s mandate released earlier today, Kerrville ISD will be lifting its current mask mandate. Facial coverings will be optional for all students and staff effective immediately.

All other COVID-19 safety mitigations will remain in place for the remainder of the current academic school year.

Abbott issued an executive order Tuesday banning school districts and other “governmental entities in Texas” from requiring or mandating masks. Abbott said that counties, cities, public health authorities or government officials can’t require or mandate the wearing of masks.

In the instance of school districts, they can continue to follow current mask-wearing guidelines through June 4. Masks will not be required for the fall semester under this executive order.

As part of Abbott’s order, beginning May 21, local governments and officials who attempt to require mask mandates or “impose a limitation inconsistent or conflicting with the Executive Order,” could be fined up to $1,000.

There are a few exceptions including: State-supported living centers, government-owned or operated hospitals, Texas Dept. of Criminal Justice facilities, Texas Juvenile Justice Dept. facilities, and county and municipal jails can still require masks. These include some of those areas hit hardest by the pandemic.