Controversy over Texas mask mandate ban heats up

Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced a series of steps Monday to battle the alarming surge in COVID-19 cases in the state, reports CBS Houston station KHOU-TV. But the controversy over his ban on localities issuing mask mandates got even hotter.

Abbott asked hospitals to postpone elective procedures to make room for COVID patients, said Texas would bring in out-of-state medical personnel to boost staffing at hospitals, and directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to open five more COVID-19 antibody infusion centers around the state. They treat patients who don't need hospitalization with therapeutic drugs. Abbott also urged people to get vaccinated. "The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective, and it is our best defense against this virus," he said.