File photo
File photo
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick was critical of Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo's mandatory mask order, arguing it would be better to say to people, “We recommend that you wear a mask for your own safety and the safety of others,”
In addition to opposing the mandatory wearing of masks, Patrick is also against fining people for not wearing them, according to ABC 13. He also believes provisions should be made for people who cannot wear masks for physical or emotional reasons.
“Trust the people of Harris County, they are good people," Patrick said.
As of April 30, Texas reported 28,087 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, including 732 deaths. Harris County leads the state with 6,161 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 109 fatalities.
On the state level, what Gov. Greg Abbott and Texas lawmakers say are the last word, but to this point Abbott has deferred decisions on mask wearing to local leaders.
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