Texas Drops Covid-19 Restrictions — Even Mask Mandate

TOPLINE Texas is dropping its Covid-19 restrictions on businesses and ending its statewide mask mandate, Gov. Greg Abbott announced Tuesday, the latest in a string of states that have relaxed or dropped restrictions as cases have fallen nationwide despite public health officials strongly urging against it.

KEY FACTS
“It is time to open Texas 100%,” Abbott said at a press conference Tuesday.

“All businesses, of any type” can fully open as of next Wednesday, Abbott said, saying increased Covid-19 testing, personal protective equipment and vaccines put the state in a “far better position” than when orders were first issued, and “Texans have mastered the daily habits to avoid getting Covid.”

The statewide mask mandate first went into effect in July and has faced pushback from Republicans, and Abbott had suggested last week he was reviewing the order and other restrictions.