GOV. ABBOTT LIFTING STATE COVID-19 MANDATES EFFECTIVE NEXT WEDNESDAY
Governor Greg Abbott is rescinding COVID-19 restrictions on business capacity and ending the statewide mask mandate.
Abbott announced this (Tuesday) afternoon that, starting next Wednesday, all types of businesses will be allowed to open up to full capacity and the mask order will be lifted.
Abbott said he believes it is time to “open Texas 100 percent,” and that “people and businesses don’t need the state telling them how to operate.” He said the state is in “far better position now” to deal with COVID-19 than it was several months ago, but he also acknowledged that removing the state mandates “does not end personal responsibility.”
Abbott also announced that vaccine production is increasing to the point that the state will soon expand the categories of Texans who are eligible to receive vaccines. In addition, he said within a few months, any Texan who wants to get vaccinated will be able to do so.
Abbott reiterated that any business that wishes to retain capacity limits is free to do so. He also said if COVID-19 hospitalizations in any hospital region rise above 15 percent of total capacity for seven straight days, a county judge in that region may use mitigation strategies. However, any restrictions imposed may not include reducing capacity to less than 50 percent for any entity.
In the big over crowed cities I can see the need for masks but not in the small rural communities and most of TEXAS is small communities and I think that this was a contributing factor in our governor’s decision so wear your mask if you want or don’t it’s still your choice
I feel for the the health care professionals that have been on the line every day in our nation trying to save lives – yours and mine – and a simple wear a mask in public indoor places can’t be followed by some because they don’t like the feel of it on their face or are not convinced it does anything. Yes masks are not bullet proof, not the complete answer to this covid battle but they are a line of defense that lessens the virus from entering Your respiratory (breathing) system. Scientists, laboratory researchers, doctors are educated on disease and healthcare protocols, as carpenters know building skills, fence builders know fences, chefs know food recipes, politicians know politics and how to get re-elected. Never before or no – correction been 100 years since the spanish flu pandemic – so none of us living have any experience in dealing with a pandemic. Literally every corner of the world, least populated to the most remote places around the world have been subject to this covid virus – what makes a non scientific non medical person think they have a handle on their notion of ‘the masks don’t work ‘. It’s irresponsible to not exercise caution in an indoor setting. I know this same egotistical attitude does not believe either that 500,000 people this year in the United States alone have died of Covid. Our Governor exercises his privileged political power position to throw out simple wear mask protocols to further his future political runs and to divert attention from the recent freeze that left Texas in the dark and severe cold without heat. Guess what – every single person on earth, man, woman and child is tired of this pandemic – not just you! Everyone wants to go back to before the pandemic – no worry, no virus, no extra precautions – not just you. No one likes thinking twice about stepping in too close to hear a person, simple handshakes, remembering a face mask. Christians are suppose to think of others, love their neighbor and care about life for all people not just their own self. With vaccines becoming more available and caution used in masks in indoor situations, there WAS hope we could all get out of this covid world Sooner than Later. But with premature political wands, you, your Mom, Grandpa, and children may be dealing with this for many years at some costs of life that we do not want to visit our doorstep. Sometimes life takes patience and some inconveniences.
Another good Christian card, love how it’s pulled when someone tries to preach to others about what “they” should do….This is NOT a Christian issue so please quit pulling that card. Judging people based off of their own God given free choices isn’t being a good “Christian”….
It is simply a diversion to get your attention off ERCOT and the tragedy of two weeks…wake up!! A big political ploy!!
It’s a sorry testimonial for Texas and it’s educational system when so many are happy to abandon science. Now is NOT the time to let up in our battle with this virus. There are so many concerned with how “inconvenient” it is to wear a mask. This is about everyone fighting together! Rampant ignorance!
I think this is something the spectator needs to look into and get the taxpayers some answers.
There are legitimate reasoning on both sides of the issue. And people are so emotionally tied to their beliefs there will not be a large shift one way or the other.
I am wondering where the people are that can listen openly to both sides and help us come to a comprise. These people should be our leaders. This division is not good for our children or our country.
Compromise is always good. But is that what we say to the loved ones of the victims who contracted Covid thru no fault of their own? Yes, you wore your mask at church, at the wedding, at the ballgame, or to teach school, to work as a nurse, but many others did not, so you are now dying? But we compromised to make them more comfortable because it is their right to make you suffer for their comforts? Compromise is vital, but not at the expense of human life. And this decision comes from the pro life group?
Spot On!!
For those of you complaining about the changes that Governor Abbott made with the mask mandate, no where did he say that you have to quit wearing your mask. It is your own decision to wear it or not wear it. Also, if you are complaining about gas prices going up then maybe quit driving around because, you are supposed to stay home due to COVID. I think that the ignorance in this country need to stop and people need to take responsibility for their own actions.
Its funny how the fearful respond almost on que to what doesn’t come through their approved channels.
If the Texian decision bothers you, make sure you wear a good mask that filters the virus and wear it like the educated person you think you are.
Let people live in freedom. Freedom demands sacrifice. Or is that just not you or you anymore?
It’s amazing that there is such fear over this virus when the statistics for survival/recovery is between 97% and 99.75%.
I’m so happy we don’t have to wear the mask! If other people don’t feel safe then they can keep wearing it!
BIG MISTAKE. What is he thinking…wait..he ISN’T thinking!!
It has worked so well in California and New York
Really? I live with preexisting conditions. Honestly, I dont feel safe to live in Texas anymore. Isn’t this why the cases began to climb in the first place? I cannot believe this man calls himself a Texan. He can go to sleep at night KNOWING that he is putting hundreds of thousands of lives at risk!!
I understand “My Body, My Choice”. However, if everybody around you doesn’t wear a mask and someone has it, the virus can go through the mask!!! Has anybody been paying attention to the news? Apparently Science and facts do not matter at all to anybody!
For those of you protecting the people around you, GOD BLESS YOU!! At least there are a few smart people in this county!
It’s all about money and corporations in this state.
So you’re saying the masks don’t work, but we should wear masks? ??
“the virus can go through the mask” So you’re saying masks don’t work, like Fauci said March 2020
Dear Anonymous User,
Just a quick question, if I may? If as you say in your comment, “the virus can go through the mask!!!” why should we wear a mask at all? If it offers no protection, what is its purpose? If it DOES offer protection, then you should feel at ease wearing it, regardless of others’ choice. What am I missing?
“the virus can go through the mask!!!” – read that again.
My whole family wore masks and we all caught covid. All at the same time. We also did social distencing. You will never tell me masks work. One of my family members is 95 years old with a pace maker and he had pneumonia.we all are ok.
Go to California or New York. They have the strictest rules and will keep you safe.
The Governor never said “you cant wear your mask”. He never said ” all businesses must open to 100% capacity”. What he is doing is giving citizens a choice and giving us liberty to make our own decisions. I do believe is that is the way it should have been all along. About a year ago we were ask to do this for 2 weeks tp “flatten the curve”. Then we are told you can’t go to church or school, can’t visit relatives , and the list goes on and on. I , personally am tired of being told what I can and cannot do. If you are still concerned then wear your mask and avoid situations where you may be in a crowd, but don’t condemn me or any one else that chooses to exercise the freedom we are given by being citizens of the USA.
Without a doubt, this announcement will have tragic consequences for far too many people. Because it is a medical fact that thousands of people who contract Covid are asymptomatic, and spread the disease to others when they don’t wear a mask. The average mask, worn correctly is about 70% effective. That leaves 30% most likely to infected by the irresponsible. Better masks improve the odds. But people of all ages, small children, teenagers, young adults, and irresponsible persons do not always wear masks correctly or wash their hands well and often. So, they contract the virus and give it to others. More than half a million Americans have died, and hundreds of thousands more will die or have permanent disabilities. For anyone who loves this purely political decision, I can only come to one conclusion, they do not care for the humans unknown to them, because it doesn’t effect you. That, is called narcissism.
You are guessing at your facts?
Where are you getting these numbers exactly? Out of thin air, ir your own personal opinion? All of your statements are of opinion. Stay home and stay safe. Stop trying to scare people. It is not what you say it is.
A lot of what was said is accurate! You should be scared because it’s the largest death toll this state and country has ever had. That’s more people dead then in any war this country has fought in. The truth is scary! Mix up the news you watch because if your only watching that one cable channel your not getting the whole story.
The FACT that masks slow transmission is settled science. Humans have known this since the 17th century. Do you know what facts are?
Jeff; SCIENCE CAN NEVER BE SETTLED!!! FACT.
While I have been blessed to get both vaccines, I wonder if this action will be celebrated by many, but regretted in April and May. Healthcare professionals have been belittled for the mask mandates (which, for the most part, are not enforced by any local agencies anyways), and for the advice that until 65% or more of the state’s population is fully immunized the restrictions needed to be kept in place to some degree. While I’m sure some will laugh at me, I will continue to wear a mask just so that I do not infect others, if I were to unknowingly be a carrier.
I concur. There might soon be enough vaccines, but the logistics of administering them and having them become effective will remain challenged for a while. This is not the time to let our guard down. Give it a little while longer. You may never know if you’ll be responsible for passing it along, and not knowing doesn’t exempt you from responsibility for your fellow man. This is a minor inconvenience. Just do it…and just a little while longer.
As has been quoted here before: “if your ‘rights’ trump responsibility to neighbor, you may be practicing religious ‘freedom’ bot you aren’t practicing Christianity”
That is great news. I was a little worried about some of his decisions at the beginning of this Covid-19 mess, but he has proven himself again to be a great Governor and leader.
For anyone who is still concerned or worried, please stay home, be safe, and get a vaccination when one is available for you.
For all you with the thumbs down or angry face…….No one said YOU can’t keep wearing them!! Wear them FOREVER if you want!! Nobody is stopping you!!
Great News!!! And if you feel safe to wear a mask, then wear one! If a vaccine makes you feel protected, then get one!! My body my choice if I choose not to!!
Thank you.