WASHINGTON – Texas Governor Greg Abbott yesterday lifted a state mask mandate and said he is authorising businesses restricted because of the coronavirus pandemic to open “100%”.
“For nearly half a year, most businesses have been open either 75% or 50%, and during that time, too many Texans have been sidelined from employment opportunities.
“Too many small business owners have struggled to pay their bills.
“This must end. It is now time to open Texas 100%. Every business that wants to be open should be open.”
The Republican governor in a speech to the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce said he is lifting the restrictions because of the arrival of the Covid-19 vaccine, and better testing and treatments.
“Texas now has the tools to protect Texans from the virus,” he said to cheers and applause from his audience.
Abbott imposed a mask mandate in the second most populous United States state eight months ago.
He said an executive order rescinding his previous Covid-19 orders and restrictions will take effect today.
His move lifting restrictions came despite a warning on Monday by Disease Control and Prevention Centres director Rochelle Walensky.
“I am really worried about reports that more states are rolling back the exact public health measures we have recommended to protect people from Covid-19.
“I remain deeply concerned about a potential shift in the trajectory of the pandemic.
“Now is not the time to relax the critical safeguards that we know can stop the spread of Covid-19.
“Continue wearing your well-fitted mask and taking the other public health prevention actions that we know work.” – AFP, March 3, 2021
