Tuesday afternoon, during a live broadcast from Lubbock, TX, Governor Abbott announced that he has issued an Executive Order to reopen all businesses in Texas, effective next Wednesday. His order also ends the statewide Mask Mandate. The Governor acknowledged the virus hasn’t disappeared completely, but he believes “state mandates are no longer needed.”

All businesses may reopen at 100% capacity, and businesses may determine if they wish to restrict capacities on their own.

If COVID-19 hospitalizations rise above 15% for seven straight days, county judges my opt to impose stricter strategies, but they cannot impose face mask restrictions.

“Too many Texans have been sidelined from employment opportunities,” Abbott said. “Too many small business owners have struggled to pay their bills. This must end. It is now time to open Texas 100%.”

Cox Media Group