The Woodlands removes mask restrictions; federal requirements still apply to trolley service

In compliance with a new executive order from Gov. Greg Abbott, The Woodlands has removed its requirements for masking and other COVID-19-related protocols from its facilities and activities.

In a brief May 20 board of directors meeting, Chair Gordy Bunch said the township is moving forward based on the governor's orders with regards to its buildings and programming.

However, its Town Center Trolley program, which is partially federally funded, will continue to follow federal mandates for masking, he said.

"Local governments can not issue mask requirements, social distancing and other COVID-related protocols," Bunch said. " ... If anyone gets confused between where there’s a mask and not a mask that’s a federal mandate."

According to the Transportation Security Administration, a face mask requirement is in place for individuals on transportation networks including commuter bus and rail systems through Sept. 13.

Meanwhile, the Curative mobile testing locations in The Woodlands will continue at least until June, and the township is looking into pop-up vaccine opportunities for the community, Bunch said.