Abbott: 'It is now time to open Texas 100 percent'
LUBBOCK, Texas (KTEN) -- Gov. Greg Abbott says most Texas COVID-19 restrictions will expire on Wednesday, March 10.
"It is now time to open Texas 100 percent," Abbott declared at a briefing in Lubbock on Tuesday afternoon. "Everybody who wants to work should have that opportunity; every business that wants to be open should be open."
He said an executive order will end the statewide face mask mandate next week, making Texas the biggest state to halt the requirement.
"Effective next Wednesday, all businesses of any type are allowed to open 100 percent," the governor said. "That includes any type of entity in Texas."
But the executive order does give business owners some leeway.
"Nothing in this executive order precludes businesses or other establishments from requiring employees or customers to follow additional hygiene measures, including the wearing of a face covering."
Abbott acknowledged that while the coronavirus has not disappeared from Texas -- there were 1,637 new cases and 59 deaths reported on Monday -- the situation is more under control.
"The vaccine supply is increasing so rapidly, Texas will soon expand the categories of people who are able to get them," the governor said. "Some medical professionals say that within a few months, every Texan who wants a vaccine shot will be able to get a vaccine shot."
He added that by March 10, more than half of all senior citizens in the state will have received at least one COVID shot.
"By the end of this month, every senior who wants a vaccine shot will be able to get a vaccine shot," Abbott said.
State health officials say almost 2.3 million Texans are confirmed to have had a case of coronavirus; more than 43,000 have died.
Speaking on MSNBC, family physician and epidemiologist Dr. Camara Jones was critical of the governor's decision.
"It's very premature," she said. "It is going to cause another spike in Texas ... it is wrong, and it is going to be deadly."
The governor's executive order provides that any region that sees a sharp increase in COVID-related hospitalizations can reinstate certain restrictions.
Abbott encouraged Texans to continue taking steps to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus.
"Removing state mandates does not end personal responsibility, or the importance of caring for your family members and caring for your friends and caring for others in your community," he said. "Personal vigilance to follow the safe standards is still needed to contain COVID."
Video courtesy WFAA
