Texas lifts mask rule, other U.S. states drop Covid restrictions despite warnings
- by Carmen Reese
- in Science
- — Mar 3, 2021
According to Abbott's office, by the end of March every senior who wants a vaccine would be able to get one.
"For almost half a year, most businesses have been open either 75 percent or 50 percent and during that time, too many Texans have been sidelined from employment opportunities", Abbott said.
Abbott issued an executive order that rescinds numerous state's previous orders, allowing all businesses in the state to fully reopen and revoking the statewide mask mandate as of next Wednesday.
Fif, who also threatened to leave NY and vote for Trump due to the Dem's plans to raise taxes, implied he was ready to head out to the Lone Star state when the restrictions are lifted on March 10th. "Too many small business owners have struggled to pay their bills", Abbott stated.
Shortly after Mr Abbott's announcement, Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves said he would do the same in an even shorter time frame.
"It is now time to open Texas 100%", said Abbott during a press conference in Lubbock.
On Tuesday he said the USA was on track to have enough vaccines for every adult in the country by the end of May. "Vaccines to protect Texans from COVID", Abbott added.
More than 42,000 people have died with Covid in Texas since the start of the pandemic.
What about other U.S. states?
"Starting tomorrow, we are lifting all of our county mask mandates and businesses will be able to operate at full capacity without any state-imposed rules", Mr Reeves said.
But getting rid of masks just seems ignorant to me.
The Hays County Local Health Department has recorded 16,399 total COVID-19 cases and 221 coronavirus-related fatalities.
State Rep. Erin Zwiener (D-Driftwood), who represents Hays and Blanco counties, called Abbott's move irresponsible, and said she will continue to wear a mask until health experts advise otherwise. "Personal vigilance to follow the safe standards is still needed to contain COVID", Abbott said.
Abbott said he was lifting the restrictions because of the arrival of Covid-19 vaccines, and better testing and treatments.
Meyers added that the recent snowstorm that had left millions of Texans without power could increase the transmission of the virus.
