Texas Gov. Greg Abbott says it is time to open Texas 100%. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began last March, Abbott has implemented a variety of executive orders to limit the spread of COVID-19 in Texas, including limiting restaurant and retail capacity to 75%, bars at 50% and implementing a statewide mask mandate.
But on Tuesday, March 2, Abbott announced that not only are all Texas businesses allowed to open at 100% capacity, but he’s also ending the mask mandate he implemented last July. According to Abbott, no penalties can be imposed for failing to wear a face mask, and no one can be jailed for not following certain health protocols or orders.
If COVID-19 hospitalizations rise above 15% for seven straight days, then Abbott says county judges can implement mitigation strategies for their counties. In either case, Abbott says businesses cannot be forcibly closed and must remain open at least 50% capacity even if under a county order.
Abbott says Texas is able to lift restrictions because the hospitalizations and the positivity rate are at their lowest in four months, active COVID-19 cases are at their lowest since November and far more Texans are recovering from COVID-19 rather than retracting it. He does clarify, however, that each person should continue to observe their own personal responsibility and vigilance in limiting the spread of COVID-19.
“COVID has not suddenly disappeared,” Abbott says. “COVID still exists in Texas, the United States and across the globe. But it is clear from the recoveries, from the vaccinations, from the reduced hospitalizations and from the safe practices that Texans are using that state mandates are no longer needed.”
The executive order goes into effect next Wednesday, March 10.