Texas is making headlines again, this time for doing something many other states are hesitant to do. On Tuesday Governor Abbott announced that the Lone Star State will open 100%, rescinding nearly all COVID-related restrictions.
I just announced Texas is OPEN 100%.
EVERYTHING.
I also ended the statewide mask mandate.
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) March 2, 2021
Many have viewed the move as an effort to solidify support for his upcoming reelection. There is also the speculation that Abbott is eyeing a run for President in 2024. And, recinding COVID-related mask mandates would sure to make him a favorite among his supporters.
Abbott 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%. So today, I’m issuing a new executive order that rescinds most of the earlier executive orders. Effective next Wednesday, all businesses of any type are allowed to open 100%. That includes any type of entity in Texas. Also, I’m ending the statewide mask mandate.
The Governor went on to highlight the importance of Texans continuing to show “safe practices” in regards to COVID. However, the Governor is obviously taking the route of trusting individuals to act responsibly saying, “Today’s announcement does not abandon the safe practices that Texans have mastered over the past year. Instead, it’s a reminder that each person has their own role to play in their own personal safety as well as in the safety of others. It’s a reminder that individual safety is managed every day as a matter of personal responsibility rather than by government mandate. Individual responsibility is a corollary to individual freedom, we can have both.”