Starting March 10, Governor Abbott will re-open Texas and lift the current mask mandate. The change, which comes as the weekly average of new coronavirus deaths remains above 200, is a way to jumpstart the state’s economy.

Abbott announced on Feb. 2 that he was rescinding “most of the earlier executive orders” approved over the course of this global pandemic. A spokesperson confirmed that sporting events, concerts, and similar events will also be able to resume.

Masks will no longer be required in public.

Abbott is optimistic that vaccinations will help decrease the number of new coronavirus cases, however, less than 7% of Texans have been fully vaccinated.

Other Texas government officials are outraged by the governor’s decisions. Judge Lina Hidalgo, of Harris County, stated “now is not the time to reverse the gains we’ve worked so hard to achieve.”

Rep. Chris Turner of Grand Prairie, believes Abbott is trying to switch the tone after failing the people of Texas during the recent winter storm that left millions in the dark, and without water.

Dr. Anthony Fauci has stated that he does not know when everything will return to normal, but the American people may need to continue wearing face masks into 2022.

Do you agree with the governor’s decisions?

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