Picture used for illustrative purpose. File

Gulf Today Report 

The Attorney General of Texas sued Austin officials for refusing to lift the mask mandate.

On Wednesday, Texas lifted its COVID-19 restriction- which made mask-wearing compulsory in public spaces.

However, the city council in Austin, the state capital decided to still make mask-wearing compulsory.

"I told Travis County & The City of Austin to comply with state mask law. They blew me off. So, once again, I'm dragging them to court", Attorney General Ken Paxton said on Twitter. 

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Several major retailers, grocery and restaurant chains in Texas have said they would still require masks to be worn in their stores.

Austin Mayor Steve Adler said, "we think that masking is so important. Now is not the time to take a risk. We are not far enough along yet. We are still battling this virus."

The United States has recorded above 500,000 deaths from the coronavirus pandemic.

Additionally, it has vaccinated around 20% of its population.