Will Texans See Mask Mandates as COVID Cases Rise? Abbott Says No

COVID-19 cases are increasing across the country, with many officials calling for new mask mandates, but Governor Abbott says he will not impose new mandates for Texans.

When will this all end? Seems like it may never really go away. Once again the country is seeing a rise in COVID-19 cases with many new cases being the Delta variant.

The Washington Post reports that Arkansas and Missouri are the two "hot spots" right now as vaccination rates are low and cases are rising, but California is also seeing a rise in COVID numbers as well. Los Angeles County has imposed indoor mask policies for everyone. The spike in new cases is prompting more talk of mask mandates across the country.

Houston's KPRC reports that Governor Abbott says he won't issue new mask mandates, but instead is working with officials and encouraging people to get vaccinated. “The medical component, as we all know, is that one of the things that dramatically reduces, if not eliminates, the possibility of getting COVID or even getting the Delta variant of COVID is getting a vaccine.”

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Abbott doesn't believe that those who have immunity should be forced to wear a mask. “It would be inappropriate to require people who already have immunity to wear a mask,” he said.

The governor says that those most in danger of severe complications from COVID are senior citizens, and that they are getting the vaccine with 70% of seniors fully vaccinated.

“It’s only the younger cohort that are just now becoming to the age of vaccination that have not yet received a shot,” Abbott says.

Gov. Abbott believes that with school starting soon, parents will get their kids vaccinated.

Let's hope the spike in cases doesn't send us backwards.

Here's What's Happening at This Year's Central Texas State Fair

After taking a year off in 2020, the Central Texas State Fair returns this September with everything you love about a rip-roarin' good time at the Bell County Expo Center! Here's your guide to the great shows, music, food, and rodeo action you expect as they do it big for 2021.

It's Time to 'Stuff the Bus' for Central Texas Students

The new school year is just around the corner, and Central Texas students will face unique challenges as we put the pandemic behind us and look to the future.

One challenge no child should face is being without the essential school supplies they'll need to live up to their potential and achieve academic success.

That's where you and I come in. From July 19 to August 15, you can donate school supplies at the following locations. Donated supplies will benefit students in need in Belton ISD, Killeen ISD, and Temple ISD. (Click each district to view their 2021-2022 school supply lists.)