Most Austin-area school officials say they will continue to require students and staff to wear masks in their facilities despite Gov. Greg Abbott's executive order Tuesday lifting state-mandated rules for face coverings. The Texas Education Agency on Wednesday updated its pandemic-related guidance for school districts but kept its regulations on masks in place. According to the guidance, a school board has the ability to "modify or eliminate" the agency's mask requirements at their respective districts. Shortly after Abbott announced the order ending the statewide mandate, which will come into effect March 10, Austin school officials said t it plans to keep its rules related to masks in place.