County Judge issues mask mandate for public schools in Hays County

Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra enacted a mask mandate for all public K-12 schools throughout the county. 

Becerra issued the executive order late Friday night, which goes into effect Sunday at 12:01 a.m. The county judge cited the Delta variant as reasoning behind his new mandate, which has spurred an increase in COVID-19 cases across the state.

“We are experiencing a health crisis emergency with rising hospitalizations, and limited bed space,” Becerra said in a statement. “I am concerned about the health and safety of our children and our hardworking faculty and staff members in our (school districts) and hospitals. This order is intended to slow down the spread of the COVID-19 virus, and free up hospital space.”