US: Texas Lifts Mask Mandate, Guv. Gets Criticized

In a shocking move, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced on Tuesday that the state no longer requires mask mandate. He said Texas is lifting its mask mandate. This announcement from the Texas Governor is garnering huge criticism all over and especially when the health officials are warning not to ease safety restrictions amid the new variants.

Texas Gov. Abbott also said the businesses of any type will be allowed to open 100 percent beginning March 10. He said, ‘Too many Texans have been sidelined from employment opportunities. Too many small business owners have struggled to pay their bills. This must end. It is now time to open Texas 100%’.

More than 43,000 people in Texas have lost their lives for Covid-19 and there is a chance of another deadly surge of cases in the state. The Federal health officials recently warned the states not to let the guard down as the pandemic is not over yet.

Announcing the lift of mask mandate, the Texas governor also said ‘Removing statewide mandates does not end personal responsibility. Texas has seen the number of cases and deaths going down. Texas is in third place with the highest covid-19 deaths after California and New York.

Criticizing the Governor’s move to lift the mask mandate with ‘personal vigilance’ and advice to ‘continue following medical advice, the state’s local officials called it an ‘irresponsible action’. The City and Country leaders urged the residents in their areas to still follow recommendations from health experts that call for wearing face masks in public.