Gov. Abbott lifts mask mandate, opens state to 100% capacity

Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued an executive order Tuesday lifting the mask mandate in the state of Texas as well increasing the max capacity of all businesses and facilities to 100% of their operating capacity. The order will go into effect throughout the state Wednesday, March 10.

Gov. Abbott made the announcement at Montelongo’s Mexican Restaurant in Lubbock Tuesday, March 2, regarding the lifting of the mask mandate and discussed the advancements the state has made which led to his executive order.

“With the medical advancements of vaccines and antibody therapeutic drugs, Texas now has the tools to protect Texans from the virus,” Gov. Abbott said Tuesday. “We must now do more to restore livelihoods and normalcy for Texans by opening Texas 100 percent. Make no mistake, COVID-19 has not disappeared, but it is clear from the recoveries, vaccinations, reduced hospitalizations, and safe practices that Texans are using that state mandates are no longer needed. Today’s announcement does not abandon safe practices that Texans have mastered over the past year. Instead, it is a reminder that each person has a role to play in their own personal safety and the safety of others. With this executive order, we are ensuring that all businesses and families in Texas have the freedom to determine their own destiny.”

For the rest of the story, see the March 6 edition of The Graham Leader.