County to Apply for Waiver From State Mask Order

Fayette County Judge Joe Weber will ask the State to grant Fayette County a waiver to the Governor’s face covering order.

Governor Greg Abbott issued the face covering order on July 2. It included a provision allowing counties to opt-out of the order if they have fewer than 30 active cases. As of Wednesday, Oct. 14, Fayette County was reporting 11 active cases. Weber said his office started the paperwork on Wednesday and hoped to submit it by the end of this week.

“Although I don’t agree with the mandate to wear masks, I strongly recommend that people continue doing that if you find yourself in a situation where you can’t social distance. I think its a smart thing to do.”

Weber has been a critic of Abbott’s mask order, although he has enforced the order. He even kicked out several people from a Commissioners Court meeting last week for not wearing masks.

Neighboring Colorado County has also opted-out of the mask order.

Weber said businesses and other private property owners would be free to require their employees, customers or visitors to wear masks.