via Austin Statesman, 'Gov. Greg Abbott said it's time to "open Texas 100%" and end the statewide mask order Tuesday, citing declining hospitalizations across the state as more people are vaccinated against the coronavirus.
Abbott will issue a new executive order, which will take effect Wednesday and rescind most of his earlier orders, including restrictions on business occupancy and the statewide mask order.
"Texas is in a far better position now than when I issued my last executive order back in October," Abbott said, adding that businesses can still limit their capacity or implement additional safety measures if they choose to do so. "It is their business, and they get to choose to operate their business the way they want to. At this time, however, people and businesses don't need the state telling them how to operate.'