Texas To End Mask Mandate While Still Giving Companies Options For Guidelines

Texans can rejoice if they are tired of wearing a mask, governor Greg Abbott will be lifting the order put in place for COVID guidelines beginning this week. This will give companies the option to either still require patrons and workers to be masked or to drop the requirements at the discretion of management. Once the mandate is lifted no one will be fined or face charges for not following guidelines but can still at the choices of places like restaurants and bars to be directed to wear a mask or provide people with one.

Places in Amarillo that I know will still be asking to wear a face covering include 806 Lounge + Bar and Palace Coffee Shop among other essential establishments that may be added to the list in the near future. I’m happy to see this even though I am aware of a social media debate going on where people think it is a little too early to drop the face coverings even though the spread of the virus has decreased with the administration of vaccines to healthcare and essential workers. Just recently there was an article that said teachers are the next up to be vaccinated for the next school year, retail giants like CVS have been giving them out to these groups of people.

It’s great to see businesses booming in Texas again after a long battle with local businesses. Hopefully we will see other places around the country fully open up soon.

- Tristan