City Of San Antonio Statement On Texas Supreme Court Ruling Regarding COVID-19 Prevention Measures

Press release from the City of San Antonio:

August 15, 2021

CONTACT: Covid19media@sanantonio.gov

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

SAN ANTONIO (August 15, 2021) — Late this afternoon Texas Supreme Court ruled to stay the City of San Antonio and Bexar County’s temporary restraining order (TRO), pending tomorrow’s trial court hearing on the petition for Temporary Injunction. The TRO was set to expire with tomorrow’s hearing, so the ruling has little practical effect.

Importantly, the Supreme Court did not rule on the Attorney General’s Petition for Writ of Mandamus, meaning that the City and County will move forward with presenting their case tomorrow. The hearing is set for Monday, August 16, 2021 in Bexar County District Court.

“The City of San Antonio and Bexar County’s response to the Texas Supreme Court continues to emphasize that the Governor cannot use his emergency powers to suspend laws that provide local entities the needed flexibility to act in an emergency,” said City Attorney Andy Segovia. “His suspension authority is meant to facilitate action, not prohibit it.”

Bexar County Health Authority Dr. Junda Woo’s health directive mandating the use of masks in public schools from pre-kindergarten through grade 12th remains in effect. City facilities will also continue to require the use of masks for both staff and visitors.

Attachment: City of San Antonio and Bexar County filing to the Texas Supreme Court

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.