Gov. Greg Abbott has ended Texas' statewide mask mandate and is allowing all businesses to reopen at full capacity.
"It is now time to open Texas 100%," Abbott said. "COVID has not suddenly disappeared. But it is clear from the recoveries, from the vaccinations, from the reduced hospitalizations, and from the safe practices that Texas are using, that state mandates are no longer needed."
Abbott's executive order, overrides the previous executive order and mandates that if hospitalization rates exceed 15% hospital bed capacity for seven days, county judges may use mitigation strategies in their jurisdiction.
The state's mask mandate had been in effect since July.
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