While the Dallas Independent School District has mandated masks, it is unknown if the City of Dallas will do likewise.
An executive order from Gov. Greg Abbott on July 29 stipulates “no person may be required by any jurisdiction to wear or to mandate the wearing of a face covering.”
On Aug. 9, Michael Hinojosa, Superintendent of Dallas Independent School District, announced a mask mandate for everyone “on campus.” Other local officials have also issued similar mandates despite Abbott’s executive order.
The office of Mayor Eric Johnson was asked if he intended to issue a mask mandate as well.
“The mayor intends to encourage vaccinations,” Tristan Hallman, Mayor Eric Johnson’s Chief of Policy and Communications, said. “He also encourages the governor to put public health first as he issues his orders. And the mayor intends to follow the law as our city attorney instructs.”
Asked if City Manager T.C. Broadnax intended to issue a mask mandate, Hallman said the office hadn’t heard anything related to the city manager.
Dallas Express sent media inquiries to Broadnax and City Attorney Chris Caso. No response was received before publication.
Hallman also said no council action on mandating masks was expected this week.
Councilmembers Chad West and Cara Mendelsohn both said they’re unaware of any proposals to come before the council.
A search of the agenda for this Wednesday’s city council meeting returned zero results for the terms “mask” or “face covering.”
The city council meeting is scheduled to start at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 11.