DENTON, Texas — Updated Friday to clarify Denton ISD's policy.
Denton City Council Thursday night voted to pass a mask mandate that will apply to all city entities, including businesses, schools and city buildings. The mandate went into effect starting at 12 a.m. Friday, Aug. 13.
The mask ordinance says that masks are required in city-owned buildings and "strongly encouraged" in public.
Denton ISD told WFAA on Friday that it is not requiring face masks for students and staff, but is recommending them.
"Denton ISD will continue to strongly encourage all students, staff and visitors to follow our health and safety protocols which are outlined at www.dentonisd.org. Please know that our position has not changed, and we believe face coverings limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus," the district said.
The 5-2 vote came after a five-hour emergency meeting, according to the Denton Record-Chronicle. Councilmembers Paul Meltzer, Deb Armintor, Alison Maguire, Brian Beck and Vicki Byrd voted for the ordinance, and Denton Mayor Gerard Hudspeth and Councilmember Jesse Davis voted against it, according to the Record-Chronicle.
This news means Denton joins Dallas County in defying Gov. Greg Abbott's executive order that bans local governments from issuing mask mandates.
A spokesperson for the City of Denton said more information will be coming Friday morning.
Read the mask mandate document here.
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