During a press conference and release yesterday, non-coincidentally on Texas Independence Day, Governor Greg Abbott removed all Covid–19 restrictions on Texas businesses and will allow them to open at 100% capacity again. He also removed all state mandates that require masks.

The CDC’s data tracker is reporting encouraging news: there are less cases and deaths than there have been for a few months. President Biden also announced yesterday that his administration’s efforts to ramp up vaccine production will result in enough vaccines for every American “by the end of May.” The good news here is that the Covid–19 situation is improving, but let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves. We’re still in the midst of a major public health crisis.

Governor Abbott’s move is in direct contrast with science, public safety, and the well-being of Texans. It’s too soon. He knows it, and we all know it. This is nothing more than a publicity stunt as he attempts to energize his base for a reelection campaign next year. It’s also a convenient way to change the narrative away from the complete failure of our energy grid during the winter storms a few weeks ago.

This announcement is premature at best. It would have been better if he had a giant ‘Mission Accomplished’ banner hanging behind him while he spoke.