A restraining order was granted to local authorities in the city of San Antonio and Bexar County on Tuesday after a lawsuit was filed to regain local control over Covid-19 prevention measures. The lawsuit was in response to Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s executive order banning mask mandates in schools.

The restraining order will be in effect until Monday. The plaintiffs will return to court to seek a longer extension until a decision is made regarding Abbott’s executive order.

Judge Arteaga, who granted the restraining order, explained that she considered comments from the San Antonio medical director and the fact that some children already started the school year. Judge Arteaga said “those under 12 . . . don’t have access to the vaccine, and they’re already in school. So I do find that this is emergent, I do find that it is necessary.”

After the restraining order was granted, San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg and Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff announced an indoor mask mandate for public schools in the county. Students ages 2 and older will be required to wear masks indoors. The mandate also applies to teachers, staff, and visitors as well, regardless of vaccination status.

In addition to the mask mandate at schools, masks will be required at Bexar County facilities and facilities owned by the City of San Antonio under an emergency order that went into effect on Wednesday.

In response to the restraining order, Abbott’s press secretary, Renae Eze, asserted “Governor Abbott’s resolve to protect the rights and freedoms of all Texans has not wavered. There have been dozens of legal challenges to the Governor’s executive orders – all of which have been upheld in the end. We expect a similar outcome when the San Antonio trial court’s decision is reviewed by the appellate courts.”