Governor Abbott’s New PSA Urges Texans to Wear Masks

Gov. Greg Abbott didn’t wear a mask when he recorded his new public service announcement in which he urges you to wear one. 

The new PSA is titled: “Be a Good Neighbor. Be a Texan.” In the ad, which can be viewed here, Abbott encourages all Texans to protect themselves and others from COVID-19 by following best practices.

“Texans always get the job done, especially when we work together,” Abbott says in the ad. “As we safely open up our state, we need to unite as one Texas to contain COVID-19 and to get Texans back to work. If you go out in public, stay six feet apart from others, wear a face covering, and wash your hands regularly. Be a good neighbor. Be a Texan. Together, we’re going to make our way through this.”

Although they do not agree on the pace for reopening the Texas economy, Abbott’s message mirrors what the Democratic leadership of Texas’ largest cities are saying.

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo on Thursday extended her Stay Home, Work Safe order until at least June 10. 

Like Abbott, Hidalgo urges everyone to continue to do their part to prevent a second wave of COVID-19. But unlike the governor, Hidalgo includes staying home when possible in her recommendation.

“I don’t want people to get the message that we’re done, and the virus is over,” Hidalgo said. “There’s still no treatment, there’s still no cure, there’s still no vaccine.”

The judge’s Stay Home, Stay Safe order is not mandatory. That is a key point several Republican state lawmakers seemed to miss when they asked Abbott to respond.

State Sen. Brandon Creighton (R-Conroe) and State Reps. Dan Huberty (R-Kingwood), Jim Murphy (R-Houston), Briscoe Cain (R-Baytown), Tom Oliverson (R-Houston), Sam Harless (R-Spring), Dwayne Bohac (R-Houston), Valoree Swanson (R-Austin) and Dennis Paul (R-Houston) sent Abbott a letter urging him to take action to “cease this continual overreach into the lives and livelihoods of all Texans.”

Despite concerns from leaders like Hidalgo, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and others, Abbott is pushing ahead with his phased reopening of Texas. 

Bars reopened at 25% capacity and restaurants were allowed to push their capacity to 50% Friday. 

Summer school is clear to begin June 1, if school districts choose. 

And now, Abbott is talking about resuming college sports. In an interview with KXAN in Austin Friday he said, “Our goal right now is to have college football season start as planned, with fans in stands.”