The head of the Texas Restaurant Association says 74% of the group's members will require staff to keep masks on. Many will urge guests to do the same.
The head of the Texas Restaurant Association says 74% of the group’s members will require staff to keep masks on. Many will urge guests to do the same.
Austin 360
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Tuesday announced that he would lift all capacity restrictions for businesses amid the coronavirus pandemic, as well as end the state mask mandate. Austin s restaurant community was swift to react.
Abbott, in lifting the restrictions, cited declining hospitalizations across the state as more people are vaccinated against the coronavirus. His new executive order will take effect next Wednesday. He said that businesses can still limit capacity, require masks or implement other safety measures if they choose to do so. The move flouts warnings from health experts and federal officials, who have urged caution from state officials as new, more contagious variants could lead to a rebound in coronavirus cases and hospitalizations after promising declines.
He continued that people should still be careful, even with the relaxed rules. Despite these changes, remember this, removing state mandates does not end personal responsibility or the importance of caring for your family members or caring for your friends or caring for others in the community, said Abbott.
Emily Williams Knight, President and CEO of the Texas Restaurant Association said she echoed that the food industry must continue safe practices.
“While we celebrate today’s news, we must remain vigilant, so we do not slide backwards. Consumers will only go where they feel safe, and so restaurants must continue to be very thoughtful and implement the safety protocols that will enable them to maintain and build trust with their consumers and employees, said Williams Knight.