Gov. Gregg Abbott of Texas issued an executive order to end the mask mandate, thereby allowing businesses to reopen to full capacity. The executive order will be effective from March 10, 2021.
During a news conference, he announced, ‘It is now time to open Texas 100 percent. He believes that the time is right to lift all the restrictions and mask mandates. He is aware of the fact that the coronavirus is here to stay, however, the main safety precautions that were being taken to fight this disease can be given leverage.
Mississippi governor Tate Reeves followed suit announcing that he would remove the mask mandate, and allow the businesses to reopen. Reeves recently tweeted, ‘Our hospitalizations and case numbers have plummeted, and the vaccine is being rapidly distributed’, it is time. This tweet indicates that the people have learned in the previous year about how to conquer this ferocious disease and how to come out stronger.
On the other hand, CDC Director Rochelle Walensky has warned both the leaders against the consequences of the move they are about to take.
President Biden is optimistic that with the vaccination drive getting momentum, all the American residents will be vaccinated by July.
Last week, Texas was battered by an unprecedented polar plunge, leaving many people without power, food, and water supplies.
The COVID-19 positivity rate in Texas stands at 9%, well above the threshold of 5%, recommended by the World Health Organization. Only 6.8% of the Texas population has received both doses of vaccines, well below the national average of 7.9%.
During his visit to Texas, President Biden had promised to help the state government in an effort to rebuild the infrastructure that was damaged during the winter storm last week.
