Lifting Mask Mandate and Reopening Texas

Kaili Hesse, Staff Writer

Is Covid coming to an end? Covid-19 has been around for a little over a year now. People have been required to wear masks, socially distance, and some businesses were even shut down in order to decrease the spread of the virus. In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott issued an executive order lifting the mask mandate and increasing the capacity of businesses and facilities to 100 percent. This order was issued on March 2, 2021, almost a year after Covid-19 restrictions were put in place by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Governor Abbott stated that with the vaccine, Texas now has the tool they need to protect Texans from the virus. He believes that the state mandates are no longer needed due to the recoveries, vaccinations, reduced hospitalizations, and safe practices that Texans are using. 

The announcement made by Governor Abbott does not disregard safe practices, but it is a reminder that each person plays a role in their safety and the safety of others.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,” said Governor Abbott. 

Dr. Anthony S. Fauci does not agree with the governor’s statement and warned that some states dropping the mask mandate is risky. “Even though the decline was steep, we absolutely need to avoid the urge to say ‘Oh, everything is going great,’” said Dr. Fauci. Although there is an increase in the rate of people getting vaccinated, there is still a chance of a rise in Covid-19 cases due to the new executive order in Texas. Private businesses are still allowed to require masks in their facility, but some people refuse to wear a mask when asked. This noncompliance puts businesses owners in a tough situation. Since the mask mandate was lifted, there have been some arguments and debates whether it should have been lifted or not.