COPPERAS COVE, Texas — Multiple Central Texas cities are still enforcing city employees and visitors to wear masks inside city facilities, despite Gov. Greg Abbott's executive order that lifts statewide COVID-19 safety restrictions that went into effect Wednesday, March 10.
Copperas Cove
The City of Copperas Cove is requiring face masks inside city facilities when six feet of social distancing can't be maintained, the city announced Tuesday.
The decision, which is for people 10 and older, was made by city officials after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order that rescinds the statewide requirement to wear face coverings starting at 12:01 a.m. on March 10.
"The order does however strongly encourage individuals to wear face coverings over the nose and mouth, wherever it is not feasible to maintain six feet of social distancing from another person from a differing household," the city said in a release.
The city added that its mask requirement will exempt those with a medical condition that prohibits face coverings.
City officials are also asking the public to continue maintaining proper hygiene and regular cleaning of hands prior to entering city buildings. Public meetings will continue to be virtual, the city added.
Killeen
The City of Killeen will also continue to require face masks for all city employees and visitors to city facilities. Abbott’s order also removes mandated occupancy restrictions, however, the City of Killeen will continue to limit occupancy at facilities based on the building configuration and the service provided.
Social distancing measures that were put in place by the city over the last year will continue to be utilized for the safety of employees and the public. The City of Killeen encourages the public to continue using web, email and phone options when possible for obtaining services.
Waco
The City of Waco will also continue to require masks in city facilities and on city property. City closures will also stay in place. Citizens can continue to use online services available through the City of Waco website.
The city said it is in the process of developing a procedure for approval of private events to be held on city-owned property. More information will be available soon, the city said.
Temple
The City of Temple said it will also continue requiring face coverings at city facilities in an effort to minimize transmission risks of COVID-19 for residents and city staff. City employees are required to wear a face covering when social distancing guidelines cannot be followed. The Temple Police Department and Temple Fire & Rescue will continues wearing face coverings, the city said.
Earlier Wednesday, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is "looking at every avenue available" to stop Austin from enforcing masks.