Mayor, Council Members Slam Governor Abbott’s Decision to Lift Mask Mandate
March 3, 2021 - San Antonio
Lifting the mask mandate. “Too many Texans have been sidelined from employment opportunities,” Governor Greg Abbott said Tuesday afternoon during a speaking engagement with the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce. “Too many small business owners have struggled to pay their bills. This must end. It is now time to open Texas 100%.” Screenshot: YouTube.
By Jade Esteban Estrada, Staff Writer | San Antonio Sentinel
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
- On Tuesday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that he would lift the mask mandate that was intended to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus
- The reversal of his Covid-19 safety order is effective on March 10
On Tuesday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that he is lifting the mask mandate intended to help mitigate the spread of Covid-19 and that businesses of all kinds would be able to operate at 100% capacity. The reversal of this order will take effect March 10.
“Too many Texans have been sidelined from employment opportunities,” Abbott said Tuesday afternoon during a speaking engagement with the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce. “Too many small business owners have struggled to pay their bills. This must end. It is now time to open Texas 100%.”
Abbott’s order was met with sharp criticism from local leaders.
“As if one catastrophe wasn’t enough, it seems with today’s announcement that our state leadership is intent on leading the nation in avoidable deaths,” said San Antonio City Councilwoman Ana Sandoval in a statement on Tuesday.
“Rolling back precautions across the state - before the majority of Texans are vaccinated and at a time when we’re contending with new variants of Covid-19 - recklessly endangers the lives of millions. This direction stands contrary to proven science and puts at risk the efficacy of the vaccine. It is a slap in the face to every frontline worker who continues to risk their lives.”
San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg immediately took to social media to voice his concern over the reversal.
“Opening everything to 100% while simultaneously nixing our state's mask mandate is a huge mistake,” he tweeted Tuesday. “Covid-19 is still widespread in our community and infecting far too many vulnerable residents. Please join me in continuing to wear a mask. We’re not out of the woods yet.”
City Councilman Roberto Treviño encouraged his constituents to use their best judgement to continue to wear a mask, wash hands often, and to maintain physical distancing from others when in public.
“The governor’s action is premature and will make Texans less safe,” he said in an emailed statement. “As we approach spring break next week, please take every precaution possible to keep you and your family safe.
Jade Esteban Estrada is a staff writer for the San Antonio Sentinel, where he covers public health and other citywide issues. jade@sasentinel.com | Twitter: @getjaded