Gov. Abbott addresses mask order

Gov. Greg Abbott took to the television last week to spread a message encouraging Texans to continue following protocols set in place to stop the spread of COVID-19 across the state. Despite saying that shutting down the Texas economy for a second time is the “last option,” Abbott suggested that it could happen again.

Although Gov. Abbott has not explicitly stated that another shut down was on the way, he told KLBK in Lubbock that following his mask order could prevent that from happening.

“If people use face coverings, it will be enough (to prevent a shutdown),” Gov. Abbott said. “The only way it would be enough is if people do not adopt this practice. The public needs to understand this was a very tough decision for me to make(...) I made clear that I made this tough decision for one reason: It was our last best effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. If we do not slow the spread of COVID-19(…)the next step would have to be a lockdown.”

Gov. Abbott repeated that a lockdown was not preferred and is still considered the last option available. With the increased number of hospitalizations and deaths in Texas, he stressed that it was possible if people did not wear masks when in public.

For the rest of the story, see the July 15 edition of The Graham Leader.