Gov. Abbott says Texans must wear masks in public as COVID-19 cases surge

Exceptions

The governor's order provides some exceptions to the mask mandate, including:

• People who are under 10 years old or have a medical condition or disability that prevents them from wearing a mask.
• While eating, exercising outside, swimming, voting or driving alone or with a member of the same household.

A reversal

This order represents a reversal for Abbott, who previously refused local jurisdictions the right to mandate masks and limit gatherings despite repeated pleas that he do so.

Earlier this week, Travis County Judge Sam Biscoe sent Abbott a letter asking the state to enforce mandatory masking, prohibit social gatherings of more than 10 people, roll back business occupancy and allow local officials to issue stay-home orders as needed.

"In summary, the rapid increase in cases has outstripped our ability to track, measure and mitigate the spread of disease," he wrote.

Austin Mayor Steve Adler, along with the mayors of eight other large Texas cities, also sent Abbott a letter, on June 16, asking for the authority to impose a mask requirement.

The next day, Abbott allowed local jurisdictions to require businesses to mandate masks among employees and customers.

This story is developing and has been updated.