AUSTIN, Texas — Following in the footsteps of other Texas school districts, Austin ISD will require masks to be worn on all campuses. 

This comes despite Gov. Greg Abbott’s executive order that bans agencies that receive state dollars from implementing mask mandates, and a second, solidifying executive order banning mask and vaccine mandates.

The AISD school board held a special meeting Monday to get an update on COVID local health data and discussed safety protocols and how to safely return to in-person learning. 

According to a survey sent out by AISD 80% of families who responded said they plan to send their child to school wearing a mask.

The mandate goes into effect Wednesday. Both Houston ISD and Dallas ISD have similar mandates currently in place.

Austin is currently under Stage 5 COVID-19 guidelines. Under Stage 5 guidelines, it is strongly recommended that people only make essential trips outside of their homes, completely avoid gatherings, and avoid non-essential travel. It is also recommended that businesses be restricted to delivery and curbside pickup.