Texas Lifts Mask Mandate, Goes For 100 Percent Business Occupancy

Starting next week, all Texas businesses will be allowed to open at full capacity. But wait, there's more.

Not only that, but patrons of those establishments will not be required to wear a mask.

Gov. Greg Abbott made the announcement Tuesday, which just happens to be Texas Independence Day. And Abbott's declaration gives Texans back their independence.

"Too many Texans have been sidelined from employment opportunities. Too many small business owners have struggled to pay their bills," Abbott said at a restaurant in Lubbock. "This must end."

He later added to cheers, "It is now time to open Texas 100%."

Abbott cited growing vaccination rates and decreasing reports of COVID-19 numbers as some of the reasons for his decision. Other states, such as Kentucky, Mississippi and Michigan, have also decided to increase capacity in statewide businesses -- though Texas is the first to bump it to full capacity.

Texans will still be allowed to wear masks, practice social distancing and not attend large gatherings, but now, they may do so at their own discretion. Abbott has merely removed the government from the equation.