Gov. Greg Abbott’s decision to end his pandemic restrictions on masks and business capacity was a surprise — and a convenient change of subject for an executive under scrutiny for statewide blackouts last month.
Coronavirus in Texas
As the coronavirus spread across the state, The Texas Tribune covered the most important health, economic, academic and breaking developments that affected Texans. Our map tracker showed the number of cases, deaths, tests and vaccinations in Texas from 2020-22.
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Gov. Greg Abbott heeds the call of his GOP critics in removing coronavirus restrictions
Abbott’s announcement Tuesday that he was fully reopening Texas capped a nearly yearlong stretch of the most intraparty dissent he has seen in his time as governor.
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Gov. Greg Abbott says he’s rescinding statewide mask mandate and capacity limits on businesses
The change, which comes as the seven-day average of new coronavirus deaths remains above 200, will go into effect March 10.
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Coronavirus in Texas
“It’s putting us in the firing line”: Some small-business owners worry about Gov. Greg Abbott lifting coronavirus restrictions
Abbott’s order will leave it to business owners to decide whether to require customers wear masks inside their establishments. Some say they will keep coronavirus restrictions in place, but some business owners worry those decisions could anger potential customers.
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Texas’ local officials blast Gov. Greg Abbott for “irresponsible action” of lifting coronavirus restrictions
City and county leaders urged residents in their areas to still follow recommendations from health experts and officials that call for wearing face masks in public.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Keep wearing your mask, health officials say after Gov. Greg Abbott lifts mask mandate
Some variants of COVID-19 are more contagious and researchers believe they can reinfect people who already have gotten the virus. Doctors and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still recommend wearing masks.
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After a year of pandemic, Texas voters more open to sending kids to school, poll finds
The perceived risks of most activities haven’t changed, but Texas voters are warming to the idea of sending their kids back to public schools, according to the latest University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll.
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Texas voters’ apprehension about COVID-19 has risen since October, poll finds
The surge of COVID-19 cases from October to January got a response from Texas voters: Their concerns about the spread of the virus increased, according to the latest University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll.
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Texas voters say they believe vaccines work. Some of them still won’t get a COVID-19 shot.
Most Texas voters think vaccines are safe and effective, but a significant number say they won’t line up for COVID-19 shots, according to the latest University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll.
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Texas expects to receive more than 200,000 initial doses of newly approved Johnson & Johnson vaccine
The Food and Drug Administration on Saturday approved the vaccine, the first that requires one dose instead of two.