Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced on Tuesday that he’s rescinding a number of COVID-19 mandates, including mask requirements and limits on the capacity for all businesses.
The Republican governor said the mandates are no longer necessary due to advancements in vaccines and remedies used to fight the virus.
Starting Wednesday, March 10, businesses will be allowed to open at 100% capacity and masks will no longer be required in Texas. Shortly after Governor Abbott’s announcement, Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves revealed that the state will also lift COVID-19 restrictions.
“Starting tomorrow, we are lifting all of our county mask mandates and businesses will be able to operate at full capacity without any state-imposed rules,” Reeves tweeted. “Our hospitalizations and case numbers have plummeted, and the vaccine is being rapidly distributed. It is time!”