Topic: Mask Ordinance

Texas Governor Greg Abbott's sudden Friday announcement allowing hair salons to reopen on Monday caught business owners off guard. Stylists in Austin struggled to implement new safety policies, including surface cleaning and parking lot waiting rooms, within 48 hours. Some employees expressed fear about returning to work despite the change in legal status.

The City of Austin has implemented a mask ordinance that is described as illegal due to being overruled by the State of Texas. Observations suggest a political divide in mask-wearing, with Democrats more likely to comply and Republicans resisting. Public sentiment is shifting toward a desire to end stay-at-home orders and return to work.