The Guardian
‘It’s each one for himself’: Texans defying the end of the mask’s mandate
Governor Greg Abbott removed the mandate from the mask on March 2, but not everyone in the state is ready to accept the change. A grocery store displays a sign requiring customers to wear masks on March 10, 2021 in Austin, Texas. Photo: Tamir Kalifa / Getty Images The parking lot was packed at The Shops at La Cantera, a partially open-air mall in northwest San Antonio, on the day that Texas officially ended the mandatory use of a mask. But it was clear that not everyone was ready to accept the move, with most people entering and leaving stores still wearing face covers, and many stores required customers to wear them before entering. Governor Greg Abbott announced the end of the state mask mandate he issued during the summer on March 2 and, on Wednesday, the new rules went into effect. This means that not only do Texans no longer need to wear masks, but also stores, restaurants and even bars are fully open at full capacity, despite the fact that only 16% of adults in the state are fully vaccinated. But some businesses at the mall – including Macy’s, Victoria’s Secret and L’Occitane en Provence – have taken responsibility for challenging the new rules, putting up signs informing customers that their policies are not in line with those of the state government. It is said: “Your mask must cover your nose and mouth at all times. No food or drink allowed. “Another says,” No mask, no entry. We welcome 4 customers at a time. Thank you! “Eryn Louis was sitting at a table in the outdoor food court in front of her sister. Before agreeing to be interviewed, the two women ask for a moment to put on the masks – a clear indication of how they feel about the new order from the governor. Store mask policy at a San Antonio mall. Photo: Erum Salam / The Guardian “I absolutely hate it,” said Louis, referring to Abbott’s decision to end the mask’s term throughout “I was at home with my mother when I found out. I almost wanted to cry because, although I was vaccinated twice, I am still at high risk, as I am a type 1 diabetic. Our grandfather is at high risk. My stepfather it’s high risk. “Louis and his sister said they had already witnessed an uncooperative customer defying a store’s masking policy.” Today, when we were leaving Target, there was a lady who was getting mad because Target still demands that the people Just wear masks, ”said Louis. “She said, ‘Target is not a Texas company. You don’t have to do this. ‘And of course she was not wearing a mask when she entered. ”Louis is a student and server at a restaurant. While she is completing online classes, she must be physically present at work, where she is most at risk during the pandemic. “We used [require masks]. Now, our sign on the door says only that we encourage you. Even last year, my managers cared more about the guest experience than about being a police officer in masks, ”said Louis. Louis said that even before the mask application was suspended, she and other servers were instructed not to say anything to customers if they were not wearing a mask, as they would just take it off at their tables anyway. “I received a client who was a doctor. He was afraid to sit next to someone because he saw Covid and what she could do. ”Ayana Delvalle works at the cash register at Pottery Barn, one of the many stores in the mall that still applies a mask policy. “Pottery Barn’s policy from the beginning has always been to cover your nose and mouth from the moment you enter the store until the moment you leave,” Delvalle. “Even more recently, we have not incorporated any food or drink into the store to prevent people from taking off their masks.” Devalle says she has not yet been vaccinated because she is still very nervous. “Getting the vaccine scares me a little because it is still a little early. I just want to wait and see how more the population reacts to this before I make that decision myself. ”Mask policy for a store in a San Antonio mall. Photo: Erum Salam / The Guardian However, she says she will continue to wear a mask in public. “For me personally, it is everyone’s choice, but I hope people make the right decision when it comes to other people’s health and safety,” said Devalle. Mahak Ahsan is a pharmaceutical student from the city. She expressed frustration that the state government is hampering the work she and her colleagues are doing to administer vaccines and educate people about the benefits of immunization and wearing masks. “Nobody has respect for health professionals. Not just for us, but nurses and doctors – all of whom work so tirelessly. We are the ones who are closest to the sick, so it’s just a slap in the face, ”said Ahsan. “It really sucks.” Ahsan believes that lifting the mask’s mandate is “a very bad idea”. “Most of Texas hasn’t even been vaccinated. This is crazy, ”said Ahsan. “I don’t feel comfortable knowing that so many people here are not vaccinated and are walking around without masks.” Ahsan said she was angry and worried because, although she was fully vaccinated, her parents just received the first vaccines this week. She believes that vaccines should be available and accessible to everyone, now that masks are no longer needed. “They did a horrible job of trying to give the [vaccines] for the people who need it most. You see these teachers still don’t have it, ”she said. “At this point, it is each one for himself. Everyone needs to understand now. “