Gov. Greg Abbott this week swiftly ended countless community debates across Texas over whether masks should continue to be required in classrooms. Public schools can no longer mandate masks starting June 5, he said in his latest pandemic orders.
Officials at many Central Texas districts, which are scheduled to end the school year before the order goes into effect, said they would comply with Abbott s orders. Districts that defy the order, which applies to students, employees and visitors, could face a fine of up to $1,000.
Some districts including Round Rock, Eanes and Hays already had moved to make masks optional in June, after most classes end.
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COVID-19 Vaccine Approved For Youth Ages 12 And Over The Texas Department of State Health Services has notified vaccine providers that they can begin to administer the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to adolescents from 12 to 15 years old, in line with federal guidance. The notice comes after the Food and Drug Administration authorized the vaccine for adolescents last week and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended it for that age group. In Hill County, just under 30 percent of those 16 and up are fully vaccinated, and 36 percent have received one dose of a vaccine. The local vaccination rate is highest among those 65 years of age and older. In this age group, almost 64 percent of Hill County residents have received at least one dose of a vaccine, and about 56 percent are fully vaccinated.
KERA
Madeleine Jenkins, 15, rocks white Air Force sneakers, a half-up twisted ponytail, and high-waist jeans while receiving her first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination shot, administered by Parkland Hospital nurse Karina Garcia. She was the first teen to receive the shot in Dallas County, and she is the daughter of Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins.
Federal officials authorized use of the Pfizer vaccine for children ages 12 to 15. Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins daughter was the first teen to receive the shot in the county.
Fifteen-year-old Madeleine Jenkins was first up to get a COVID-19 vaccine at Parkland Hospital on Thursday.