On Tuesday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott scrapped the state’s mask mandate and said that businesses of any kind would be allowed to operate at full capacity beginning March 10—next Wednesday. The fallout is splitting the Texas business community like burnt orange versus maroon and white barbecue.
- Retailers including gym operator Life Time Fitness, grocer Albertsons, and some local restaurants have dropped mask requirements, plan to return to normal capacity, or both.
- Others, including Hyatt, Target, Starbucks, and CVS, say they’ll keep mask requirements in place.
Many health experts argue the moves could lead to a resurgence of the virus, and some business owners say they’re worried because the statewide mask mandate gave them cover when dealing with mask-resistant customers. But especially hard-hit sectors such as gyms and food services are desperate for normal operations to resume.
Zoom out: In the last week, other governors have also said they’ll ease restrictions, including in Mississippi, Iowa, and Montana.
