HAYS COUNTY, Texas — A new executive order issued by Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra requires people to wear masks in schools.

Becerra issued the order at approximately 10:45 p.m., Friday, August 13, 2021 and it will become effective on Satuday, August 14 at midnight.

The order was submitted in response to the growing dangers of the delta variant, the spike in hospitilizations and the lack of ICU beds for the ammount of patients there are.  

Students, staff and visitors over the age of two will be required to wear a face covering while on school property or school buses. It will apply to all public schools, including public charter schools, grades K-12 in Hays County.

“We are experiencing a health crisis emergency with rising hospitalizations, and limited bed space. I am concerned about the health and safety of our children and our hardworking faculty and staff members in our ISDs and hospitals,” Judge Becerra said. “This order is intended to slow down community spread of the COVID-19 virus, and free up hospital space. Personal responsibility, undefined, as a disaster response strategy for an infectious disease pandemic is not working.”