Texas Governor Greg Abbott and his Mississippi colleague Tate Reeves , despite warnings from doctors about the need for further security measures, one day announced the abolition of mandatory mask regime in their regions.
Abbott said that in addition to canceling the mandatory wearing of masks, all previous coronavirus restrictions from March 10 are also considered invalid:
“Too many Texans have lost their job opportunities. Too many small business owners have struggled to pay their bills. This must end. It's time to 100% open Texas.
Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves also announced the cancellation of the mask regime in the state, promising that the new decrees will soon enter into force, and the business will be able to open fully.
The reason for the lifting of the restrictions was the damage that Texas suffered after the recent snowfalls and severe frosts, a decrease in the incidence of coronavirus, as well as a massive vaccination campaign.
However, not everyone shares the optimistic mood of the governors. For example, Judge of Harris County (Texas) Lina Hidalgo declared her disagreement with Abbott's decision and warned of a possible danger:
“Now is not the time to reverse the gains we have been so hard at work. At best, today's decision is wishful thinking. At worst, it's a cynical attempt to distract Texans from the failure of the state's oversight of our power grid … Every time public health measures are canceled, we see a surge in hospitalizations.
Mayors of the largest cities in Texas, such as Houston, Dallas and Austin, did not agree with the governor's opinion. They said they would continue to encourage the wearing of masks and adherence to previous safety measures. Otherwise, according to the mayor of Houston Sylvester Turner, “all the sacrifices made may be in vain.”
