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Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced Tuesday the Lone Star State will fully reopen next week, dropping the statewide mask mandate.
The Republican governor will issue an executive order to rescind many of the state’s previous orders. Effective March 10 all businesses in the state will be allowed to fully reopen.
“Too many Texans have been sidelined from employment opportunities,” Abbott said in a speech to the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce. “Too many small business owners have struggled to pay their bills. This must end. It is now time to open Texas 100%.”
He added: “Removing state mandates does not end personal responsibility. Personal vigilance to follow the safe standards is still needed to contain COVID. It’s just that now state mandates are no longer needed.”
San Antonio’s liberal mayor, Ron Nirenberg, immediately called the governor’s orders “a huge mistake.”
“COVID-19 is still widespread in our community and infecting far too many vulnerable residents. Please join me in continuing to wear a mask,” Nirenberg tweeted. “We’re not out of the woods yet.”
Caleb Parke is a senior correspondent for the ‘Todd Starnes Show.’ Follow him on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and connect with him at calebparke.com.