Texas courts cleared for in-person trials, and local officials will decide whether to require face masks Texas Tribune Tags: Credit: Miguel Gutierrez Jr./The Texas Tribune Need to stay updated on coronavirus news in Texas? Our evening roundup will help you stay on top of the day's latest updates. Sign up here. Days after Gov. Greg Abbott announced he will lift many coronavirus restrictions next week, including a statewide face mask mandate, the Texas Supreme Court has largely opened up the courts as well. Texas courthouses no longer need a state safety review before conducting in-person hearings, including jury trials. And requirements that people wear masks and socially distance will be left up to local officials, according to the all-Republican court’s revised emergency order issued Friday.