ABILENE, Texas — During a press conference held Wednesday morning, Mayor Anthony Williams of Abilene says he recommends citizens wear masks while in public, to slow the spread of COVID-19.
"We bring before you today a recommendation.. And let me be clear.. A recommendation is not a mandate" said Abilene Mayor, Anthony Williams.
According to Williams under Governor Abbotts most recent order GA-28, a municipality nor a county can really mandate a citizen wear a mask, but himself Taylor County Judge Bolls, and health authorities in the Big Country do support his recommendation to slow the spread.
Annette Lerma, Director of Health Services for the city of Abilene says there has been a spike in COVID-19 cases, bringing their positive rate, which is the number of positive cases divided by total tests conducted that week from 1% to 12%. Lerma says the hospitalizations have nearly doubled in the last week.
According to Mayor Williams, privately owned businesses in the Big Country will be able to determine their own requirements when it comes to masks.
"In the market place you can make a decision, and you as a citizen you have the opportunity to do whats best for you and your family" said Williams.