https://www.dallasnews.com/news/pol...lude-rollback-of-texas-covid-19-restrictions/
Gov. Greg Abbott says it is now time to open Texas 100%, end statewide mask mandate
Public health experts say the move is risky and comes much too soon.
AUSTIN — Texans will no longer be required to wear a face mask in public and all businesses can open at full capacity starting next week, Gov. Greg Abbott announced Tuesday.
The Republican made the sweeping move — on Texas Independence Day — even as public health officials say restrictions are still critical to control the pandemic, which has killed more than 42,500 Texans.
Abbott cited growing vaccination rates in his decision, although fewer than 2 million Texans are fully inoculated against COVID-19. The announcement puts Texas at odds with federal experts, who have said that even as vaccinations rise, people still need to wear masks, avoid crowds and socially distance.
Abbott also pointed to declining hospitalizations, but experts warn those gains are slowing and could reverse.
Texans will be in charge of managing their own individual safety, Abbott said, using practices learned over the pandemic.
Gov. Greg Abbott says it is now time to open Texas 100%, end statewide mask mandate
Public health experts say the move is risky and comes much too soon.
AUSTIN — Texans will no longer be required to wear a face mask in public and all businesses can open at full capacity starting next week, Gov. Greg Abbott announced Tuesday.
The Republican made the sweeping move — on Texas Independence Day — even as public health officials say restrictions are still critical to control the pandemic, which has killed more than 42,500 Texans.
Abbott cited growing vaccination rates in his decision, although fewer than 2 million Texans are fully inoculated against COVID-19. The announcement puts Texas at odds with federal experts, who have said that even as vaccinations rise, people still need to wear masks, avoid crowds and socially distance.
Abbott also pointed to declining hospitalizations, but experts warn those gains are slowing and could reverse.
Texans will be in charge of managing their own individual safety, Abbott said, using practices learned over the pandemic.
