Mandate for Texas mask ends today. Here are the current coronavirus rules.

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Texas’ mandate for the entire machine worldwide has ended from March 10th. Businesses may also now operate at full capacity, as long as the hospitals in their region do not treat a large proportion of patients for COVID-19. Gov. Greg Abbott announced that he was weakening the restrictions so that “businesses and families in Texas have the freedom to determine their own destiny.”

Health officials continue to stress the importance of wearing face masks to prevent the spread of the virus, along with hand washing and social distancing. Several Democratic leaders called the executive order “dangerous,” including President Joe Biden, who said it was a “big mistake” to end the mask mandate. In addition, three of Abbott’s four coronavirus medical advisers say they were not consulted directly before lifting his mandate.

Abbott said the state is in a “completely different position” than last year, with more access to tests, successful treatments, protective equipment and vaccinations. Texas, however, is still recovering from a severe winter storm that has killed thousands and overwhelmingly intensive care units across the state. Abbott’s decision to relax restrictions was announced because Texas averaged more than 200 deaths a day and because Houston reported the presence of every COVID-19 variant, the Houston Chronicle reports.

Here’s a look at what the loosened restrictions mean for Texans:

• In general, for the first time since last summer, masks will no longer be needed in public. Abbott made face masks mandatory for most Texans on July 2nd. While more than thirty states still need to be masked, Texas is the population state for not requiring it. But federal, state and local health officials say masks must still be worn and that other precautions must be taken to slow the spread of the virus.
• School boards, courts and college campuses may still need masks. Local governments may also require it in their facilities. Masks are still needed on federal property, on public transportation and in public schools. Days after Abbott’s announcement, leaders from Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and El Paso announced that masks would be expected to enter indoor spaces such as city libraries, police and fire department headquarters, convention centers and transportation centers.
• The legal protection for the application of mask use has been significantly reduced under the order – magistrates and local officials can not impose imprisonment or fines on those who refuse to wear a mask, nor can enterprises that do not oblige the use of a mask. However, they can still enforce infringement ordinances.
• Austin and Travis County Public Health Leaders says they will continue to require residents to wear masks in public. But officials did not say how they would enforce the order. If Austin does try to enforce its mask rule, it could set up a new legal force between the state and its capital.
• Many business owners have said that they need masks, while others feel powerless to enforce such a rule. Some businesses have already faced setbacks.
• Businesses can return to 100% capacity, but can still limit capacity or apply security protocols “at their own discretion”. according to Abbott’s latest order. That directive stipulates that businesses may still require employees or customers to wear masks. HEB, ALDI, Kroger and Target are one of the businesses that still need masks. As of Tuesday, Walmart has not released any updated guidance following the announcement; its current policy still requires masking in the store.
• Officials in areas with a large proportion of patients admitted to the hospital for COVID-19 may reduce business activity. Local officials may limit business operations to 50% if more than 15% of the hospital in their region is used for patients with COVID-19 for seven days or longer. If this threshold is met or exceeded, there are no automatic restrictions; local officials must issue it.
• Prison visits to provincial prisons can be resumed for the first time since Abbott declared a public health disaster last year, which has brought some relief to inmates in Texas. Visits must be scheduled in advance and only one adult can visit at a time. A negative test result and face masks are required, and no physical contact is allowed.
• Everyone state parks begin the process of returning to full capacity, according to a press release from state parks. Director Rodney Franklin continues to strongly encourage visitors to wear face masks, especially indoors, and social distance. Most parks have a larger capacity, but others may have capacity constraints or still recovering from the winter storm in February. According to a press release from state parks, which was common before the pandemic, many parks are expected to reach capacity during champions as well as visitors for day users.

Disclosure: HEB and Walmart were financial backers of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, non-party news organization funded in part by donations from members, foundations, and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune’s journalism. Find a complete list of these.