El Paso leaders hold Covid briefing, say mask mandates at local government facilities are lifted

EL PASO, Texas -- El Paso's top city and county leaders held a joint news conference during the noon hour Tuesday to provide an update on the Covid-19 situation and response locally, with face mask rules and border reopening possibilities taking center stage.

Mayor Oscar Leeser and County Judge Ricardo Samaniego said masks would no longer be required at public buildings operated by the city and county as of May 21, per a new order issued Tuesday by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.

However, officials noted that local businesses may still opt to require masks for customers and employees if they desire. In addition, the El Paso International Airport, Sun Metro buses and other public transportation will still require mask wearing under federal directives.

The discussion about face masks came in the wake of U.S. Centers for Disease Control updating its guidance last week, saying fully vaccinated persons could shed the mask at outdoor and many indoor gatherings.

Face masks continue to be strongly encouraged by both El Paso and CDC officials for those who have not been vaccinated.

El Paso saw its vaccination rate reached 54% as of Tuesday, officials said, although the demand for vaccine shots has declined to its lowest level since becoming available. Experts have said so-called herd immunity could be achieved with a 75% vaccination rate.

Local officials also addressed the potential for a reopening of the border between El Paso and Juarez in the wake of ongoing talks between the U.S. and Mexico about curbing restrictions. It was announced Tuesday that border limits would remain in effect through at least June 21.

Samaniego said moving closer to herd immunity would be essential to getting the border back open and boosting the local economy. Vaccination rates for border cities are said to be among the key criteria U.S. and Mexican officials are monitoring as they discuss when to reopen it.

The El Paso leaders pointed out that local health department data shows new coronavirus infections in the community have dropped and virus-related hospitalizations in El Paso are at their lowest level since early last summer.

You can watch the entire news conference in the video player below.