LUBBOCK, Texas — Governor Greg Abbott was in Lubbock on March 2 for a statewide announcement.
Abbott addressed small business and community leaders of the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce during the conference.
The governor also announced that he will reopen Texas at 100%.
"Every business that wants to be open should be open," Abbott said.
The governor said Texans have mastered the daily habits it takes to prevent catching COVID-19. This combined with the record number of vaccines being distributed in the state will help with the reopening of the state.
He also said he would be issuing an executive order rescinding multiple previous executive orders from the beginning of the pandemic.
"So today I am issuing a new executive order that rescinds most of the early executive orders effective next Wednesday. All businesses of any type are allowed to open 100%," Abbott said.
Additionally as of next Wednesday, the statewide mask mandate will be rescinded.
Abbott explained that now was as good a time as any to start to open Texas back up due to all the resources the state has.
"Most importantly, now in Texas and across the country we now have vaccines. Vaccines to protect Texans from COVID. More than 5.7 million vaccine shots have already been given to Texans," Abbott said.
The governor emphasized personal responsibility for Texans to continue best practices to combat the spread of the virus and keep other people safe as well as themselves.
"Removing state mandates does not end personal responsibility or the importance of caring for your family members and caring for your friends and caring for others in your community. Personal vigilance to follow the safe standards is still needed to contain COVID," Abbott said.
Abbott did say however that if hospitalizations in any sector rise above 15% for 10 straight days a county judge can use mitigation strategies in their county. However, judges would not be able to put anyone in jail or issue a fine for not wearing a mask.
You can watch the whole livestream of the announcement on the NewsWest 9 YouTube page.