Austinites will still have to mask up even though the state is ending its mask mandate on Wednesday.
Austin-Travis County interim Health Authority Dr. Mark Escott announced the latest public health mandate on Tuesday.
"We believe in masking. We know it works. ... We need that to continue. We need the efforts to continue. We need people to continue to mask and distance and do those things that have gotten us out of surge here in Travis County," Escott said.
The city is telling businesses that they must continue to require their customers to wear masks. However, residents cannot be arrested or fined for not wearing a mask. Someone can face criminal charges if they refuse to leave a business or threaten others when asked to wear a mask, CBS Austin reported.
Austin will also remain in stage 4 of its COVID-19 guidelines. It recommends that people avoid large gatherings and non-essential travel, and that businesses stay at under 50% capacity.
The city's regulations defy a recent decision by Gov. Greg Abbott to reopen the state 100% and lift the statewide mask mandate. Local leaders have criticized Abbott's decision.
“In Austin, we’re committed to saving lives. Period. If state officials don’t want to do their jobs protecting people from the virus, then we will,” said Austin City Council Member Greg Casar on Tuesday.
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