Fort Bend Co. files lawsuit challenging Texas Governor's executive order, COVID threat level increased

Fort Bend County sues regarding Gov. Abbott's executive order regarding masks

FOX 26 Reporter Randy Wallace has more on the lawsuit and what's next for county employees as well as students.

FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas - Fort Bend County officials held a news conference on Wednesday afternoon to announce they are filing a lawsuit challenging Texas Governor Greg Abbott's executive order, GA-38.

DETAILS: Texas governor issues order to prohibit government entities from mandating masks

According to a release, the county requested a temporary restraining order, which was approved as county officials were holding the press conference Wednesday.

FULL VIDEO: Fort Bend Co. officials address lawsuit filed against Texas Governor, increases COVID threat level

Fort Bend Co. officials hold a news conference regarding the county filing a temporary restraining order regarding Texas Governor Greg Abbott's executive order regarding mask mandates.

That essentially means that all county employees and visitors to county facilities must wear face coverings and also inside school buildings, starting on Thursday morning.

The TRO will last for the next 14 days until another hearing will take place.

Fort Bend County Attorney Bridgette Smith-Lawson said, "I’ve experienced death in my family and I also have an 11-year-old child that can not be vaccinated. This is just not a concern of mine, this is a concern of many parents and many constituents who have reached out to us asking us to do something."

George also announced during the news conference that the threat level, which was at ‘orange’ has been increased to ‘red.'

"We are in the middle of a fight a war and our only weapon against this invisible enemy is vaccinations and masks," said Fort Bend County District Attorney Brian Middleton.

Fort Bend County is just the latest county that has challenged GA-38.

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On Tuesday night, Harris County announced the county had authorized the county attorney to also file a lawsuit against Abbott regarding GA-38.

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said on Twitter Tuesday night, "First responders and school leaders are speaking out and standing up as Delta ravages our community. We have their back," Judge Hidalgo said in her tweet.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner also announced last week that city employees would need to start wearing a mask.

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According to GA-38, those who attempt to impose a mask mandate or impose a limitation inconsistent or conflicting with the order can be subject to a fine of up to $1,000.