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Federal mask mandate remains in place as Texas rescinds its COVID restrictions

Gov. Abbott rescinded Texas' mask mandate, but the federal order remains in place. So which one are you supposed to follow?

HOUSTON — The White House says it's doing everything it can to expand COVID-19 mandates. That includes a federal mask mandate.

RELATED: 'The last thing we need is the Neanderthal thinking': Biden responds to decision to end mask mandate in Texas

It makes following the rules a bit confusing.

So, let's start with the federal mask mandate, which went into effect on Jan. 21.

The White House confirms you must wear a mask while on any federal property, so if you're visiting a national park, pack a mask.

Under federal rules, you have to wear a mask while you're at an airport, on a plane, train, city bus, boat or ferry.

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered as follows: Section 1. Policy. Science-based public health measures are critical to preventing the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by travelers within the United States and those who enter the country from...
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 7902(c) of title 5, United States Code, it is hereby ordered as follows: Section 1. Policy.

Federal agents are at both Houston airports enforcing the policy.

All other properties in Texas now have the power to decide for themselves after Gov. Greg Abbott announced that the statewide mask mandate would be rescinded on March 10.

RELATED: Gov. Abbott announces end to statewide mask mandate, allows Texas businesses to open at 100%

If a business has a sign on their door asking you to wear a mask before you enter, you have to do it. If you don't and you're asked to leave, it could be considered trespassing.

Abbott's order acknowledges the legal consequences. Criminal trespassing is a misdemeanor.

Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo hopes Texans don't take it that far, but if they do, the Houston Police Department has a plan in place.

"Just call us. We’ll be there ASAP. And what we’ll always try to do is we’ll always try to use sugar rather than vinegar. But let’s be real clear, a lot of people have lost their human decency. Their sense of decency. And for those people who would just sit there and argue with the hostess at a restaurant, I would just say, shame on you," Acevedo said.

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