Texas Gov. Greg Abbott dons a mask following a news conference where he provided an update to Texas' response to COVID-19, Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Texas is open 100% and COVID-19 mask mandate lifted.
NewsOne Nigeria reports that Governor Greg Abbott of Texas, a state in the United States, announced Tuesday, March 2, 2021, that he’s lifting the mask mandate in Texas, even as health officials warn not to ease safety restrictions.
Governor Abbott made the announcement during a Lubbock Chamber of Commerce event where he issued an executive order rescinding most of his earlier executive orders like the mask mandate.
The Texas Governor also announced Tuesday, that businesses of any type will be allowed to open 100% beginning March 10.
“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%,” he said.
In a tweet on Tuesday, Abott wrote: “I just announced Texas is OPEN 100%. EVERYTHING. I also ended the statewide mask mandate.”
Governor Abott in a statement said: “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%,” he said.
Like Abott, Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves also announced Tuesday the end to all county mask mandates and that businesses can reopen at 100% capacity. The new orders will go into effect Wednesday, Tate said.
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. Our hospitalizations and case numbers have plummeted, and the vaccine is being rapidly distributed. It is time!,” Reeves tweeted Tuesday.