Government Gets Creative to Sell the Public on Wearing Masks

Although critics say it isn’t enough, Gov. Greg Abbott’s office and other governmental leaders have been trying to increase public awareness of the importance of wearing masks, and government testing sites are giving people masks. 

Although he takes it off to speak, Abbott himself has worn a mask at his recent news conferences. The state’s mayors and county judges have also been pictured in news media and on social media wearing their masks. 

Houston has a new public service announcement featuring rapper Slim Thug, gymnast Simone Biles, Astros player Carlos Correa and Mayor Sylvester Turner urging Houston to mask up.

Abbott has enlisted the help of professional sports icons, actors and musicians to help convince Texans of the importance of wearing a mask. 

One PSA features Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith promoting wearing masks, washing hands and practicing social distancing. Click here to watch the PSA that has received just over 3,000 views.

Baseball Hall of Fame and Houstonian Nolan Ryan joined Abbott in telling Texans not to be a “knucklehead” in a PSA released earlier this month.  

The governor’s office used Texas native, University of Texas professor and actor Matthew McConaughey for a PSA on social distancing. But McConaughey also made a video of his own showing people how to make a mask out of a bandanna (or other fabric) and a coffee filter.

The governor’s office collaborated with country music star George Strait turning the lyrics of his popular song “Write this Down” into a campaign to fight the coronavirus.

Although it does not feature any big-name actors or sports stars, Abbott’s office has also released a Spanish language PSA. 

The Texas Division of Emergency Management, in partnership with the Texas Military Department, on Thursday began distributing three-ply surgical masks to everyone who undergoes a COVID-19 test at a state-run mobile test collection site. Here is the link to the COVID-19 Test Collection Site map in case you need a test. 

“This program helps ensure that Texans have the resources they need to effectively mitigate the spread of this virus and keep themselves and their communities safe. I continue to urge all Texans to do their part by taking necessary precautions that will reduce the spread of COVID-19 throughout our state,” said Abbott.