Gov. Gregg Abbott announced Tuesday that he would be removing the occupancy restrictions for businesses and allowing them to open at 100% capacity and remove the statewide face mask mandate  this coming Wednesday, March 10. This left local educational authorities with the task of figuring out how to address requirements at the classroom level.

“At this time Katy ISD continues to follow TEA’s guidance concerning school COVID-19 safety practices, which includes the wearing of masks, frequent hand washing, and social distancing to mitigate spread and protect the health and safety of students and staff,” said KISD spokesperson Maria DiPetta in a brief announcement that afternoon.

The district will continue to require students to wear masks until further notice, according to the district's news website.

The announcement said the district continues to evaluate the governor’s latest orders and is awaiting updated guidance from the Texas Education Agency before making any changes. However, they also invite students, parents and employees to submit their questions or concerns via email at covid19responses@katyisd.org or by calling 281-396-7499.

Meanwhile, Royal ISD has not announced any decisions related to the changes in policy issued by Abbott. A representative of the district said the issue is likely to be discussed at Monday’s RISD Board of Trustees meeting.