Texas governor lifts state mask mandate, other COVID-19 restrictions

Texas is lifting most of its remaining coronavirus restrictions, including its statewide mask mandate and capacity restrictions on businesses, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) announced Tuesday.

In a speech, Abbott emphasized that he expects people will continue to exercise personal responsibility to keep themselves safe without a government mandate.

"Texans have mastered the daily habits to avoid getting COVID," Abbott said.

Abbott also said that effective March 10, every business will be allowed to open at 100 percent capacity.

"Make no mistake, COVID has not suddenly disappeared. COVID still exists in Texas, in the United States and across the globe," Abbott said.

"But it is clear from the recoveries, the vaccinations, the reduced hospitalizations and the safe practices that Texans are using, that state mandates are no longer needed," he added.

Abbott cited increasing vaccination rates and a low statewide positivity rate as additional justification, saying that the state is "in a far better position now."

Abbott said about 5.7 million shots have been administered, particularly to seniors, and that by the end of this month, "every senior who wants a vaccine shot can get a vaccine shot."

Texas has a total population of nearly 30 million people.