City Of San Antonio And Bexar County Mask Mandate Remains In Place

Press release from the City of San Antonio:

August 16, 2021

CONTACT: Covid19media@sanantonio.gov

Laura Mayes, City of San Antonio, 210-207-1337
laura.mayes@sanantonio.gov

Monica Ramos, Bexar County, 210-335-2742
monica.ramos@bexar.org

Questions from the general public:
Preguntas del público:
COVID-19@sanantonio.gov
COVID-19 Hotline: 311; option 8

SAN ANTONIO (August 16, 2021) — Today Bexar County District Court Judge Antonia “Toni” Arteaga granted the City of San Antonio and Bexar County a temporary injunction allowing the Health Authority’s mask mandate for public schools to remain in place. The courts will consider a permanent injunction tentatively set for December.

“We are extremely pleased with Monday’s district court ruling. Still, we know the fight is not over and an appeal is expected,” said Mayor Ron Nirenberg. “Regardless of the eventual outcome in court, every day our unvaccinated children are protected at school by masks, which have been proven to be effective, is a win for our community.”

“I am more than pleased about the ruling. Judge Toni Arteaga understands the need to protect our children who cannot get the vaccine. With a high of over 1300 in our hospitals today, it is crucial that we protect our most vulnerable,” said Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff.

On Monday, August 10, 2021, Bexar County Health Authority Dr. Junda Woo issued a health directive mandating the use of masks in public schools from pre-kindergarten through grade 12th remains in effect.

City of San Antonio and Bexar County facilities will require the use of masks for staff and visitors.

“As we have said throughout this matter, the mask mandate is a time-sensitive measure that helps local leaders and health experts to contain the spread of COVID-19. This is especially important given the thousands of children who returned to school this week, many of whom are not yet eligible to be vaccinated,” said City Attorney Andy Segovia.

“In the still ongoing legal battle to keep Bexar County residents and our children safe from the effects of COVID-19 and the resurgence of infections as a result of the Delta variant, District Court Judge Arteaga granted a request for a temporary injunction sought by Bexar County and the City of San Antonio. I believe that today Judge Arteaga gave this matter great consideration and made a tremendously hard decision. Whether we agree or disagree, today reminded everyone that the public can have confidence in its legal system and in the members who practice in it and that in the end, the rule of law will prevail over politics or any other consideration. As we work together to try and alleviate the effects of the Delta variant in our community, I will continue to advocate for the health and safety or our local community. Please be safe for each other and for all of us,” said Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales.

For more information visit covid19.sanantonio.gov.

This press release was produced by the City of San Antonio. The views expressed here are the author’s own.