Any local governments or officials that attempt to impose a mask mandate or conflict with the order can be subjected to a fine of up to $1,000. Texans, not government, should decide their best health practices, which is why masks will not be mandated by public school districts or government entities, Abbott said. We can continue to mitigate COVID-19 while defending Texans liberty to choose whether or not they mask up.
Local businesses still have the authority to determine whether to require masks for customers.
Federal guidelines on face masks during travel
El Pasoans riding on Sun Metro buses, traveling through El Paso International Airport or riding on other public transportation are still required to wear a mask under federal guidelines.
There is some big news for parents of children 12 years old and older. Beginning Thursday, Immunize El Paso says it will begin vaccinating children in that age group. All this comes after the announcement on Monday from the Food and Drug Administration that they authorized using the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children 12 and older. This, of course, clears the way to get kids 12 and older vaccinated before they head back to school in the fall which would help clear the way for them to participate in their normal activities.
The FDA said that the Pfizer vaccine is safe for kids in that age group and they said that there were no cases of COVID-19 among fully vaccinated kids in that age group compared with 16 cases of COVID among kids given placebo shots. The other major COVID-19 vaccine manufacturer, Moderna, is working on their own study of their vaccine with 12- to 17-year-olds. The company says they are seeing strong protection and no serious side effects.
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The El Paso Independent School District and Immunize El Paso have expanded a COVID-19 vaccination clinic partnership project to now offer COVID-19 vaccines to all students ages 12 years and older at the EPISD s high school campuses.
The EPISD announced last Thursday it was partnering with Immunize El Paso for its Vaccinate Before you Graduate campaign aimed at getting as many students immunized as possible against COVID-19 before the end of May.
Immunize El Paso is offering free vaccinations to eligible students and their families, as well as faculty and staff.
Students under the age of 18 must have parental consent to receive a vaccine. An official form of identification and a health insurance card, if they have one, should be brought with people who are seeking a vaccine.
Times staff report
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The El Paso Independent School District is partnering with Immunize El Paso for the Vaccinate Before You Graduate Campaign to help high school students get a COVID-19 vaccine.
Immunize El Paso will offer free vaccinations to eligible students and their families, as well as faculty and staff, at district high school campuses. Participants will receive the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine and an appointment for a second dose later in the summer.
All students aged 16 and older are eligible to receive the vaccine. Students under the age of 18 must have parental consent. People should bring an official form of identification and a health insurance card if they have one.