This past Tuesday, March 3rd, Governor Greg Abbott lifted the mask mandate completely in Texas. This announcement surprised many and lots of opinions circulated. Many took to social media to express their thoughts on the situation.  A majority did not approve. This even caught the attention of many A-list celebrities, such as Chelsea Handler, Billy Eichner, and Patricia Arquette.

Abbott lifted the mandate so that the capacity of all businesses is increased to 100 percent. He claimed that the advancement in medicine and vaccines will protect Texans from the virus. Abbott also said that the state of Texas has a surplus of protective equipment and can now administer over 100,000 Covid tests a day.

“We must now do more to restore livelihoods and normalcy for Texans by opening Texas 100 percent. 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,” said Abbott.

Although the mask mandate was lifted in Texas, Fort Bend ISD sent out a message via Twitter announcing that masks will still be required in District facilities for health safety purposes and will remain this way unless instructed otherwise by Centers for Disease Control, Fort Bend County health officials and district medical advisors.