On Thursday, the 8th Court of Appeals denied the City of El Paso’s motion for emergency relief, requiring the City to temporarily lift the Local City-County Health Authority’s indoor mask mandate until the Court decides the merits of the Attorney General’s appeal.
Today’s decision is based on the Texas Supreme Court’s August 26th decision in the City of San Antonio and Bexar County case, in which it was determined that the status quo regarding mask mandates is Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s Executive Order, GA-38.
“El Paso has been doing a phenomenal job at working to protect our community from experiencing another alarming COVID-19 spike as seen in other parts of Texas. Our success is due in large part to our multi-pronged approach to battling COVID-19 by providing free vaccines and testing, advocating the use of face covers, and practicing health and safety protocols,” said City-County Local Health Authority Dr. Hector Ocaranza.
“We continue reporting new COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths, which signifies that this pandemic is clearly not over. El Paso is indeed a strong and resilient community that values the health and wellness of our family, friends and neighbors, which is why we urge everyone to get fully vaccinated, wash your hands, watch your distance and continue wearing your face mask when you are indoors or in crowded spaces.”
As of Thursday, 75.8 percent of the community’s population aged 12 and older is fully vaccinated and 87.9 percent is partially vaccinated.
To schedule a vaccine appointment or learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine, visit EPCovidVaccine.com. Residents can also call (915) 212-6843.
HISTORY
On Aug. 17, the City filed for a temporary restraining order against Gov. Abbott. Judge Ruben Morales of the El Paso County Court at Law #7 granted the City’s petition, and the Local City-County Health Authority issued a countywide mask mandate for all indoor facilities.
Judge Morales’ original temporary restraining order was amended on Aug. 27, by order of the 8th Court of Appeals, partially granting and denying the Attorney General’s motion and narrowing the mask mandate to be applicable in schools and in City facilities only.
On Sept. 2, County Court at Law #7 granted a preliminary injunction against Gov. Abbott and reinstated the original countywide mask mandate.
Today’s court decision will be posted online at www.EPStrong.org.
For our complete coverage of the Mask Mandate/Pandemic, click here.
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