In Texas, the wearing of masks in schools has been canceled in defiance of the recommendations of the regulator

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced that the mandatory requirement to wear protective masks will be lifted in all public schools in the state starting next month, Reuters reported.

In addition, from Friday, May 21, a government agency whose employees will require compliance with a mandatory mask regime may be fined $1,000. The ruling does not apply to public hospitals, state criminal justice and juvenile justice department facilities, as well as county and municipal prisons , clarifies The Texas Tribune.

The new school rules will come into effect when the school year ends for most students: for example, in Dallas, in some schools, the last day of classes will come on May 27, in Houston on June 11.

Texas is making progress in fighting the coronavirus pandemic through vaccinations and other measures, Abbott said. "We can continue to fight COVID-19 while protecting the freedom of Texans to choose whether or not to wear masks," the Governor said.