US states, Texas and Mississippi are both lifting restrictions and mask mandates and increasing capacity of all businesses to 100%. Although still advised against by health experts, large, social gatherings can now take place without any restrictions.
Governor of Texas, Greg Abbott recently issued an executive order which is due to commence on Wednesday, March 10th. Abbott revealed the news Tuesday and declared the state will lift all mask requirements and allow for the increased capacity of all businesses.
“With the medical advancements of vaccines and antibody therapeutic drugs, Texas now has the tools to protect Texans from the virus,” Abbott said after issuing Executive Order GA-34. “We must now do more to restore livelihoods and normalcy for Texans by opening Texas 100%.
“Make no mistake, COVID-19 has not disappeared, but it is clear from the recoveries, vaccinations, reduced hospitalizations and safe practices that Texans are using that state mandates are no longer needed.
“Today’s announcement does not abandon safe practices that Texans are using that state mandates are no longer needed. Today’s announcement does not abandon safe practices that Texans have mastered over the past year,” he continued.
“Instead, it is a reminder that each person has a role in play in their own personal safety and the safety of others. With the executive order, we are ensuring that all businesses and families in Texas have the freedom to determine their own destiny.”
As well as Texas, the state of Mississippi issued a separate executive order on Tuesday, lifting the state’s mask mandates and giving businesses the green light to reopen at full capacity. Mississippi Governor, Tate Reeves took to Twitter to announce the news.
“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. Our hospitalizations and case numbers have plummeted, and the vaccine is being rapidly distributed. It is time!”
More than 3.5 million residents of Texas have received at least their first dose of the vaccine, with 1.8 million fully vaccinated. In Mississippi, 14.1% of the state’s residents have had at least one dose, and 7.6% are fully vaccinated.
Meanwhile, Ireland’s vaccination target for the week has been missed, with just over 81,000 injections administered. There had been the target of 100,000. On Sunday night, 439,782 vaccines in total had been given out. Over the course of the previous seven days 81,843 injections were administered – below the target of 100,000 which had been set.
