American Airlines and Southwest Airlines say they will continue requiring employee vaccinations despite Abbott’s new order, which has left federal government contractors, nursing homes and other companies caught between conflicting rules from the Biden administration and the state.
Coronavirus in Texas
As the coronavirus spread across the state, The Texas Tribune covered the most important health, economic, academic and breaking developments that affected Texans. Our map tracker showed the number of cases, deaths, tests and vaccinations in Texas from 2020-22.
Analysis: Greg Abbott and the policy contradiction of an anti-mandate mandate
Gov. Greg Abbott’s latest executive order contradicts what he’s been saying for months about mandates and the personal choices of Texans and their businesses during the pandemic.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott bans any COVID-19 vaccine mandates — including for private employers
Abbott also called on the Legislature to pass a law expanding the ban on vaccine mandates.
After staff members died from COVID-19, Waco ISD vows to keep mask mandate in defiance of Gov. Greg Abbott’s order
A judge has yet to decide in the state’s lawsuit against the district for defying the governor’s executive order.
Allen West, GOP candidate for governor, says he has pneumonia caused by COVID-19
West, the former chair of the state Republican party, tweeted that his oxygen levels are low and he will likely be hospitalized, but says his condition is “not serious.”
Texas struggled to teach students learning English before COVID-19. The pandemic made it worse.
Since 2008, the number of Texas students learning English as a second language who take longer than five years to become proficient is growing.
Justice Department argues Texas ban on school mask mandates violates disabled students’ rights
Plaintiffs say the governor’s order denies children with disabilities, who are at a high risk of illness and death from the coronavirus, access to public education.
Texas nursing homes turn to state for help with staffing woes as vaccine mandate looms
About 40% of Texas nursing home workers are unvaccinated and could face dismissal or quit their jobs under a federal vaccination requirement for the industry.
Gov. Greg Abbott and local officials are fighting several legal battles over mask mandates. Here’s what you need to know.
The Texas fight over mask mandates is confusing. We’re here to help.
Amid a sharp rise in COVID-19 deaths this summer, more Texans under 60 are dying
Health officials say that the state’s high rate of unvaccinated people contributed to a summer surge in hospitalizations, which preceded the spike in deaths.
