States are Dropping Mask Mandates and COVID-19 Restrictions
Some states have started planning to lift mask mandates for businesses.
March 11, 2021
On March 2nd, Gov. Greg Abbott announced that “It is now time to open Texas 100%” and his executive order allowing all businesses to fully reopen will be effective March 10th. Abbott cited lower hospitalization and virus positivity rates that have been declining for two months. According to ABC News, Texas will be joining other Republican states – Iowa, Montana, Mississippi, and North Dakota – in ending mask requirements.
Dr. Fauci and Dr. Rochelle Walensky have expressed their criticism of the plans. Dr. Fauci stated that restrictions should not be lifted until the number of new cases falls below 10,000 a day nationwide and that “We have to carefully look at what happens over the next week or so […] before you start making the understandable need to relax on certain restrictions” (ABC News). Dr. Walensky agrees when pointing out that “now is not the time as the latest data suggests that these declines may be stalling, potentially leveling off and still [at] a very high number” (democracynow.org).
As more states begin to drop mask mandates and COVID-19 regulations, depending on their success, we may expect to see other states follow their lead. However, if these orders result in an increased number of cases and deaths, states may respond by returning to the stricter, original regulations from the beginning of the pandemic.
As states begin to allow businesses to open up, some businesses may still choose to keep mask mandates. Previously, there have been numerous cases in which certain customers have responded with violence or hostile reactions to mask rules. Now that mandates are being lifted, if businesses choose to keep these rules – whether as a result of a local legal mandate or in the interest of public safety – we can expect to see a similar or even worse backlash.
Dropping mask mandates has also led to a false sense of safety for those living in these states. Despite the distribution of vaccines, no state has been fully vaccinated yet and it is still recommended for vaccinated people to continue to wear masks. Hannah Bucklin (11) shares that “even though some people have access to vaccines, we still need to be careful and wait for the number of cases to go down before transitioning back to normal. ” Although it may seem safe to begin returning to normal as vaccines continue to be distributed, it is still important to follow the CDC guidelines.
Fiona Salisbury • Mar 19, 2021 at 8:43 PM
I’m interested to see if this will lead to the rise in cases in these states. I hope that California continues to enforce mask mandates so that we can keep seeing more progress when it comes to lowering cases.
Kylie de Best • Mar 14, 2021 at 9:14 PM
It is interesting to see the mask mandates being lifted, as it shows the cases are going down and that people are beginning to think it is a safer time now. Though the cases are not super low, the opening of businesses can help struggling businesses, and some cities like Austin have decided to keep the mandate to ensure extra safety.
Katelyn Ruggles • Mar 13, 2021 at 6:44 PM
I think it is going to be really interesting to see how no masks will affect the pandemic and if COVID rates will show a rise. Hopefully the vaccine will come into play and make it so we will not see such a large spike in cases.
danielle huizar • Mar 13, 2021 at 3:01 PM
I was shocked to hear of Texas and other states dropping the mask mandates. Although the pandemic is getting”better,” I believe we should still be careful and cautious with this pandemic. Thank you for informing us in this article.
Tiana Salisbury • Mar 12, 2021 at 6:51 PM
I wonder if dropping the mask mandate will result in a spike of COVID-19 cases in Texas, but I hope everyone can keep staying safe from the virus. This will hopefully be progress towards life going back to normal! Good work!
Paige Reddick • Mar 11, 2021 at 11:35 PM
Great article, Suhani! I hope this does not result in a spike in cases and everyone can stay safe. Thank you for educating me on this event.
faith desio • Mar 11, 2021 at 6:44 PM
It is so interesting to see different state’s approaches the pandemic! I can see the positives and negative of dropping the mask mandates and think that it is a big decision to make. I hope that everyone is still staying safe and healthy with or without the mask mandate. Good job summarizing the situation Suhani!