Texas Governor Abbott bans officials from requiring face masks, introduces $1,000 fine for those who do

The move means officials at county level, in cities, school districts, public health authorities and government will not be able to require people to cover their face, Abbott’s office announced in a statement.

From May 21, local governments or officials who try to enforce mask-wearing in Texas could be slapped with fines of up to $1,000.

Schools may follow existing guidelines until June 4, and state-run hospitals and detention facilities will be exempt from Abbott’s executive order.