Texas to require face coverings in public spacesStaff at The Original Ninfa's restaurant in Houston, Texas, seen wearing gloves and masks, on May 1, 2020. HOUSTON - Texas Governor Greg Abbott, a Republican and ally of US President Donald Trump, on Thursday issued an executive order requiring face coverings in public spaces as the state marks record numbers of new infections. "Restricting the size of group gatherings will strengthen Texas' ability to corral this virus and keep Texans safe," he said. Texas on Wednesday reported a record 8,076 coronavirus cases in 24 hours, 1,000 more than the record high a day earlier. Abbott's orders came as many Republican officials, who were initially lukewarm about the importance of wearing masks, begin publicly calling for face coverings as the United States sees soaring numbers of new infections.

Source: Bangkok Post July 02, 2020 21:00 UTC