Two months after President Biden called Texas’ lifting of the state’s mandatory mask mandate “neanderthal thinking,” a new report now shows that there are no new COVID deaths in the state. Governor of Texas Greg Abbott tweeted on Sunday May 16, “Today Texas reported: 0 Covid related deaths—the only time that’s happened since data was tracked in March, 2020.”
Governor Abbott also included more good news regarding COVID numbers such as, “the fewest Covid cases in over 13 months, the lowest 7-day Covid positivity rate ever,” and “he lowest Covid hospitalizations in 11 months.”
The comment made by President Biden back in March came after news that Texas and Mississippi were loosening up COVID restrictions and lifting the state wide mandatory mask mandate. Biden stated that he thinks that the changes were “a big mistake” and is “neanderthal thinking.”
“I think it’s a big mistake. Look, I hope everybody realizes by now that masks make a big difference. We are on the cusp of being able to fundamentally change the nature of this disease because the way in which we are able to get vaccines.”
“The last thing we need is the Neanderthal thinking that, in the meantime, everything is fine, take off our mask, forget it.”
Governor’s Abbott announcement of the lifted restrictions in the beginning of March also included businesses being able to operate at 100% capacity.
“With the medical advancements of vaccines and antibody therapeutic drugs, Texas now has the tools to protect Texans from the virus. We must now do more to restore livelihoods and normalcy for Texans by opening Texas 100 percent.”
“Make no mistake, COVID-19 has not disappeared, but it is clear from the recoveries, vaccinations, reduced hospitalizations, and safe practices that Texans are using that state mandates are no longer needed. Today’s announcement does not abandon safe practices that Texans have mastered over the past year. Instead, it is a reminder that each person has a role to play in their own personal safety and the safety of others.”
Governor Abbott also mentioned the fast rate of Texans ability to get the vaccine, stating that almost a million shots are given a week.
Governor of Mississippi Tate Reeves also ended the state-wide mandatory mask mandate and allowed businesses to operate at full capacity.
A tweet from the governor on March 2nd stated, “Starting tomorrow, we are lifting all of our county mask mandates and businesses will be able to operate at full capacity without any state-imposed rules. Our hospitalizations and case numbers have plummeted, and the vaccine is being rapidly distributed. It is time!”
Mississippi’s new Covid death count from April 30th to May 14th is three people.
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