Texas AG says schools trump health officials on school re-openings
1 / 4Virus Outbreak TexasStanding with his son Diego Ramirez, Juan Ramirez waits for his turn to register his son for his senior year at Permian High School Monday morning July 27, 2020 at Music City Mall in Odessa Texas. Classes start Aug. 12 for ECISD in Odessa Texas, and registration is required for all students whether they are sending their kids to campus or staying at home for remote learning.
Dozens of cities, counties and school districts — including in the most populous areas — have already decided to delay school reopenings for the upcoming academic year. Paxton, a Republican, said local health officials' authority is limited to addressing “specific, actual outbreaks of disease.” He previously said local health orders closing schools didn't apply to private religious schools.
Story continuesRepublican Gov. Greg Abbott, who toured parts of South Texas hit by Hurricane Hanna, didn't address Paxton's guidance directly when speaking with reporters in Corpus Christi. But he said school opening decisions are best left to local education officials with input from health authorities.
Abbott said the state is pushing hard to meet the medical needs of the region, and announced the McAllen Convention Center would be converted into a hospital for up to 250 patients this week. Other nearby communities will get temporary “step down” facilities for up to 40 patients who are recovering from COVID-19.
Local officials have pleaded with Abbott for weeks to allow them to use tougher enforcement measures to force the use of face masks and business closures. Abbott said local governments already have the authority of civil fines.
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