Summary

Governor Abbott's decision to lift the mask mandate and fully reopen businesses in Texas has raised concerns about the potential risks to public health, as the COVID vaccine does not provide absolute protection and its effectiveness in preventing virus transmission is still under study.

Abstract

The article expresses skepticism about the wisdom of Governor Abbott's executive order to lift the mask mandate and allow full business operations in Texas, given that not all residents have been vaccinated and the vaccine does not completely prevent infection. It highlights the state's previous struggles with high COVID-19 case numbers and deaths, the ongoing risk of transmission even post-vaccination, and the importance of continuing safety measures. The CDC's recommendations to maintain protective practices such as mask-wearing, social distancing, handwashing, and avoiding crowded or poorly ventilated spaces are emphasized. The article suggests that Texans should remain cautious and not relax safety measures prematurely, considering the state's history with the virus and the current vaccination rates.

Opinions

Governor Abbott's lifting of the mask mandate and full reopening of businesses may endanger Texas residents, especially since not everyone is vaccinated.
There is a concern that people in Texas are becoming too complacent too soon, as evidenced by relaxed adherence to safety protocols in public spaces like gyms.
The article implies that Governor Abbott may have acted hastily with the executive order, echoing past mistakes in managing the pandemic.
It is suggested that the same careless attitude towards COVID-19 safety measures observed in El Paso could spread to other major cities in Texas.
The article underscores the importance of understanding that the COVID vaccine does not immediately confer immunity and that vaccinated individuals can still carry and transmit the virus.
There is an emphasis on the need for continued vigilance and adherence to CDC guidelines, even after vaccination, to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Don’t Be Fooled. The Coronavirus Vaccine Doesn’t Work 100 Percent

Governor Abbott could be putting the lives of Texas citizens in more danger.

Governor Abbott lifted the mask mandate in the state of Texas and allowed businesses to open 100 percent. Though the mask mandate is lifted, not everyone has received the COVID vaccine. Studies show that a person who has received the vaccine, this does not prevent them from getting infected.

The governor has made mistakes in the past regarding the safety of Texas residents in relation to the virus. Time will tell if he acted too fast with the executive order.

On March 2, Governor Abbott issued Executive Order (GA-34) that lifted the mask mandate in Texas and opened all businesses and facilities 100 percent with an effective date of March 10.

Texas is the third leading state based on the number of deaths related to COVID.

Did Governor Abbott open up the state of Texas too early?

People are getting too comfortable, too soon

Today, I was exercising at EP Fitness in El Paso, Texas. In the gym, about half the people were joking and talking with others without wearing a mask. Several people ignored the six-foot requirement and were about two to three feet away from other people in the gym.

A few days ago, this didn’t happen. People respected each other’s space even while not wearing a mask.

Last year, El Paso had high numbers of people who had COVID-19. In November, the city had to request mobile morgues in addition to six trailers. The state had to send 1,400 people to assist city hospitals. At the time, El Paso had more people with COVID than 29 other states.

Last month, El Paso had 182 new COVID-19 cases and 41 deaths. This was the second-highest number of fatalities since the city had 44 deaths in December.

It is possible the same nonchalant attitude about COVID will happen in other Texas cities such as Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Austin, and others.

What you need to know about the COVID Vaccine

Though Governor Abbott signed the order to open up Texas, many people still have not received their COVID vaccine. About 13 percent of Texans have received the first dose. For the second vaccine shot, only 7.5 percent have received this.

Even after you have received the vaccine, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says it takes a few weeks for your body to build protection against the virus. It is still possible to get COVID-19 after receiving the vaccination. The vaccine cannot give you COVID-19.

The CDC recommends continuing to practice the tools you learned to avoid getting COVID. These steps will help you avoid getting COVID and stop the spread of the virus.

Scientists are still learning how the vaccine prevents you from spreading the virus to others. If you receive the COVID vaccine, you can carry and spread the virus to others. You have an “asymptomatic infection” showing no signs of carrying the virus. You will not get COVID but you still carry the virus and can spread it to others.

Five steps you should consider to avoid getting COVID

There is no guarantee these steps will prevent you from getting COVID. These precautions will help increase your chance of not getting infected.

The following steps are recommended by the CDC.

1. Continue to wear your mask.

2. Continue to practice safe distance from others.

3. Wash your hands often.

4. Avoid crowds.

5. Avoid poorly ventilated locations.

Basically, you should not let your guard down too early. The coronavirus is still affecting and killing people every day.

Usually, you don’t know who has or hasn’t received the COVID vaccine. Then you don’t know when they received the vaccine which takes a few weeks to enter their system.

For your safety, wait until the vaccine percentage rises higher for your city. Scientists are continuing to study the effects of the vaccine.

Millions of people have received the vaccine, and you may have some side effects. Some side effects are chills, tiredness, and soreness.

Hopefully, Governor Abbott made the right decision, and the state does not go backward with an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths.