Governor Greg Abbot has officially decided to lift the mask mandate in the state of Texas. This mandate comes after over 43,000 COVID-19 related deaths in the state and health officials worry this number will now rise. Although Abbott believes “Texans have mastered avoiding COVID” and he feels this is the best decision for the people of Texas.
Officials also urge citizens to remember that the pandemic is not over and masks are still proven to be one of the most effective ways to stop the spread. They also believe with the new variants spreading, mask-wearing should be a must.
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%.”
As of now, no penalties will be given to anyone in the state of Texas for breaking pandemic advisory statements. Some people, however, do not feel the same way.
Mayors of Dallas, Houston and Mission are all going against Abbott’s order and are encouraging masks to be worn indoors. Sylvester Turner, Houston Mayor said, “It really undermines all of the sacrifices that have been made by medical professionals, doctors, nurses, EMS workers, firefighters, police officers, municipal workers, and people in the community.”
Abbott said that Texas counties can have mitigation strategies, meaning if hospital capacities in any region rose by fifteen percent, counties would then be able to add restrictions if needed. Businesses still have the option to reduce capacity and follow restrictions of their choice.
Nadya Gibson, senior marketing major said, “I think it was all too quickly and I don’t think it will result in a good outcome.” Gibson worries that with the summer approaching, more and more people will be traveling in and out of the state which could increase cases throughout the entire country.
Gibson also knows people living in Texas who still prefer to wear a mask. She said, “I would definitely still wear my mask if I lived in Texas just to keep my loved ones and I safe until I was vaccinated and everyone around me was vaccinated as well.”
Anthony Frasca, junior elementary and special education major added, “ I think this will show many other states the importance of why we should still wear masks.” He worries about the potential rise in cases as people now believe life can go back to “normal.”
Riffhi Parmar, senior biology pre-med student, stated his concerns of numbers once again rising. He said, “If every other state is wearing masks, I don’t understand why they are not too.” Parmar shared that if he lived in the state of Texas, he would still be wearing a mask to protect both himself and his family.
Those around the country wonder what the outcome will be, especially since only seven percent of Texans have been vaccinated.
