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Urgent Updates
Has the governor made any comments about his current orders,
and specifically his mask order?
Yes. He issued a new executive order (GA-34) that fully opens all business and ends the
statewide mask mandate. Today (March 2), the governor held a press conference
in Lubbock. Speaking to the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce, he spoke first
about the success of the Texas economy, even in the face of the pandemic.
“It is now time to open Texas 100 percent,” said the
governor. Now is the right time, he said, because we are in a completely
different position than last year at this time. We have:
-an abundance of personal protective equipment.
-the capability to do well over 100,000 tests per day.
-antibody therapeutic drugs to keep people out of hospitals.
-mastered daily habits to avoid getting COVID-19.
-most importantly, vaccines. More than 5.7 million have
been given to Texans. Today, a one day record will be set, giving more than
216,000 vaccines. That’s over one million per week now.
These efforts, he said, should ensure that we keep
hospitalizations low in Texas. “Make no mistake, however, COVID-19 has
not suddenly disappeared…but state mandates are no longer needed.”
His new order will, effective next Wednesday (March 10),
rescind most previous orders, including the statewide mask mandate. But,
“repealing these don’t change the fact that Texans need to exercise personal
vigilance.”
He concluded by saying that “some local officials are
concerned this could lead to a worsening of COVID-19 in their communities,”
but that they needn’t worry. His order will provide that, if
hospitalizations rise above 15 percent in a state trauma region, the county
judge can impose mitigation measures. But the judge won’t be able to
impose any penalties for a violation of those measures. The order makes
no mention of mayoral authority.
What’s the latest regarding future stimulus legislation?
Last Saturday (February 27), the United States House of
Representatives passed H.R. 1319, the American Rescue Plan Act of
2021. The 594-page bill includes $350 billion in emergency relief
for states and local governments, and funding for housing, education, food
and nutrition, unemployment assistance, vaccines, COVID-19 testing, and FEMA
assistance.
The bill now moves on to the Senate for consideration.
What’s the latest vaccine-related news?
The United States Food and Drug Administration has authorized
a third COVID-19 vaccine – developed by Janssen Pharmaceuticals (a Johnson
and Johnson company) – for public use.
According to USA Today, “about four million doses of the new
vaccine should be made available next week, 20 million total during March,
and another 80 million by the end of June.”
Because the vaccine requires just one dose, it should help
protect 100 million people and take effect more rapidly than the two-dose
vaccines. It should also be easier to distribute to rural areas and
other places without pharmaceutical-grade freezers because it can be stored
for longer in a refrigerator.
The new vaccine joins two others: one from Pfizer-BioNTech and
the other from Moderna, which have been given to nearly 50 million
Americans since they were authorized in December.
Further Updates
Where can I find archived issues of the TML Coronavirus
Updates?
TML Coronavirus Updates are archived by date here and by subject here.
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