FROM THE OFFICE OF HAYS COUNTY JUDGE BECERRA:
A new Executive Order issued by Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra requires people to wear masks in schools. Becerra issued the order at approximately 10:45 p.m., Friday, August 13, 2021.*
The mutated, highly contagious COVID19 Delta variant, a spike in hospital admissions, including pediatric admissions, and the fact that children younger than 12 years old not eligible to receive the vaccine, all led to the County Judge’s decision to issue the Executive Order.
Masks will be required to be worn in public schools. Students, staff, and visitors over the age of two (2) will be required to wear a face covering while on school property or school buses. It will apply to all public schools, including public charter schools, grades K-12 in Hays County.
Judge Becerra said, “Currently, 70% of the 12-15 age group are unvaccinated, and children under 12 are not eligible for a vaccine at all. Masks are their only line of defense.”
“We are experiencing a health crisis emergency with rising hospitalizations, and limited bed space. I am concerned about the health and safety of our children and our hardworking faculty and staff members in our ISDs and hospitals,” Judge Becerra said. “This order is intended to slow down community spread of the COVID-19 virus, and free up hospital space. He added, “Personal responsibility, undefined, as a disaster response strategy for an infectious disease pandemic is not working.”
See the Mask Order 08_14_2021.
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From the Office of
Ruben Becerra, Hays County Judge
August 14, 2021
*NOTE: This Order was in effect through August 22, 2021.