Texas becomes biggest US state to lift coronavirus mask mandate
The Texas Governor has lifted most of the state's coronavirus pandemic restrictions, allowing businesses to reopen at full capacity as of next week and telling residents that masks were no longer required.
Governor Greg Abbott, a Republican, has faced sustained criticism from his party over the statewide mask mandate - a measure introduced to prevent the spread of coronavirus that has killed more than 42,000 Texans.
The move by Mr Abbott marks the furthest any US state has so far gone to roll back harsh restrictions on businesses and residents imposed by political leaders in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.
North Dakota, Montana and Iowa have also lifted mask orders in recent weeks.
"It is now time to open Texas 100 per cent," Mr Abbott said at a press conference held in a restaurant.
Hospitality venues would have limits on the numbers of patrons removed, he said.
"Removing statewide mandates does not end personal responsibility," said Mr Abbott, speaking from a crowded dining room where many surrounding him were not wearing masks.
"It's just that now state mandates are no longer needed."
He said the new rules would take effect March 10, unleashing a wave of alarm from big city mayors and leaders along the US-Mexico border, where the virus has been especially rampant.
https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMibmh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmFiYy5uZXQuYXUvbmV3cy8yMDIxLTAzLTAzL2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzLWF1c3RyYWxpYS1saXZlLW5ld3MtY292aWQtMTktbGF0ZXN0LXZpY3RvcmlhLWZpbmVzLzEzMjA4ODM40gEA?oc=5
2021-03-03 01:31:56Z
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