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Locals respond to Austin-Travis County’s move in Phase 4
For the fully vaccinated, Level 4 recommendations require the use of a mask at outdoor and indoor events, while dining, shopping, and even at private gatherings.
Austin, Texas – After months of declining COVID-19 cases, the trend has reversed. Austin public health officials announced a return to Level 4 Friday after seeing an increase in cases and hospital stays.
For the fully vaccinated, Level 4 recommendations require the use of a mask at outdoor and indoor events, while dining, shopping, and even at private gatherings. Those who are partially vaccinated or have not received a vaccination are encouraged to stay home, refrain from traveling, and only go for important things like grocery shopping.
However, due to the order of Governor Abbott, the city cannot issue a mask mandate.
“I think we saw at the local level, Mayor Adler, Judge Brown, they want everyone to wear masks, but Governor Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton don’t want this to be mandatory,” attorney Adam Loewy said in an interview with FOX 7 on Saturday.
Local bar operator Austin Talley agreed with the governor’s decision to leave the wearing of masks in the hands of individuals.
“I’ll just keep doing business as usual,” said Talley, operations director at Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Icehouse. “If you want to wear a mask when you come into my house, wear a mask; if you don’t, you don’t have to.”
Austin-Travis County is moving back to phase 4 of the COVID-19 guidelines
Officials say they took the move due to an increase in cases and hospitalizations due to the more contagious COVID delta variant.
For Chad Warden and Cole Stevens, they saw vaccination as their ticket to a mask-free Saturday afternoon downtown.
“If they feel more secure wearing one inside then do it, but I don’t see any real reason for that, especially if you’ve already been vaccinated,” said the warden.
Although the city cannot currently enforce a mask mandate, Loewy indicated the possibility of legal action.
“The city has already lost on this legal issue,” said Loewy. “But I have a feeling that you will try again because I think you are very concerned.”
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OTHER HEADINGS:
As COVID-19 cases rise in Texas, officials are urging everyone to wear masks and stay home unvaccinated residents
Officials are moving Austin-Travis County into Level 4 of the COVID guidelines
Austin-Travis County companies are preparing for Phase 4
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