Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott said on Tuesday that he planned to open the state “100%” next week, about a year after the coronavirus pandemic began in the United States.
Abbott said he will issue an executive order that rescinds many of the state’s previous executive orders and, starting next Wednesday, all companies in the state will be allowed to reopen fully and the statewide mask mandate will be revoked.
“Removing state mandates does not eliminate personal responsibility,” warned Abbott. “Personal surveillance to follow security standards is still necessary to contain COVID. It turns out that state regulations are no longer needed now.”
BIDEN REITERA SUPPORT FOR TEXAS IN CALL WITH GOV. ABBOTT ON THE WINTER STORM CRISIS, SAYS THE WHITE HOUSE
Abbott pointed to a series of positive statistics while detailing the state’s reopening plans, including a reduction in active COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, and the lowest rate of positivity the state has recorded in months.
He also noted that the vaccine is a major factor contributing to the state’s ability to reopen safely, saying health experts expect 7 million vaccines to be distributed in the state next Wednesday.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPLICATION
“Within a few months,” said Abbott, it is hoped that anyone who wants to receive an injection will be able to do so.
This story is developing, please check back for updates.