As COVID-19 cases in Texas rise again, some local officials urge everyone to wear masks and unvaccinated residents to stay home

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Officials in some of Texas’ largest counties are asking residents – even those vaccinated against the coronavirus – to wear masks in public again as the highly contagious delta variant continues to spread across the state. And some officials are urging unvaccinated people to limit their movement outside the home.

The updated suggestions came as Harris, Dallas and Travis counties increased their local coronavirus threat levels or precautionary guidelines in recent days.

Travis County officials made the announcement at a virtual press conference Friday morning. As part of step 4, officials in Austin and Travis want residents – vaccinated and unvaccinated – to wear masks at all times in public and unvaccinated people to leave their homes only for essential travel. .

“I know this transition to Stage 4 can be difficult, but we need to follow the recommendations of our local health authority to flatten the curve again and ensure we continue to protect ourselves and our most vulnerable,” said Travis County Judge Andy Brown in a statement. Press release.

It came a day after Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo also urged residents, even those who have been vaccinated, to wear masks in public as the county increased its COVID threat level. And Friday night, Dallas County officials increased their threat level, which asks unvaccinated people to limit travel outside the home.

Local authorities cannot enforce any restrictions, however, as Gov. Greg Abbott banned all local warrants related to the pandemic in May. The recommendations differ from those of the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which say it is safe for fully vaccinated people to “resume the activities you did before the pandemic without wearing a mask or taking a physical distance.” “.

The announcements come as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations increase statewide: The seven-day average of new cases in Texas fell from 2,410 to 4,087 cases per day from the seven-day period. previous days, while hospitalizations increased by 47% over the same period.

“Each of us has a personal choice to make – will we do our part to stop the transmission of the disease by getting vaccinated and taking the necessary precautions to protect ourselves and others, or will we be part of its continued spread? ? ” Austin-Travis County health authority Dr Desmar Walkes said in the press release from Austin.

Brandon Formby contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at https://www.texatribune.org/2021/07/23/austin-stage4-covid-19-masks/.

The Texas Tribune is a non-partisan, member-backed newsroom that educates and engages Texans about state politics and politics. Learn more at texatribune.org.