State Officials React To Texas COVID-19 Reopen Plan

Texas is returning to life before the pandemic. Governor Greg Abbott said Tuesday that “it is now time to open Texas 100%.”

Governor Kevin Stitt supported his Texas counterpart's decision saying he "applauds the governor for lifting the mask mandate and reopening his state."

Meanwhile, the Oklahoma State Department of Health said travel to or from Texas poses a higher risk of COVID-19 and they want to make sure we all mitigate that risk.

Jared Taylor, the state Epidemiologist, stresses the importance of wearing a mask and social distancing.

“I think it definitely poses a risk right now. Certainly, travel relating Oklahoma with those states would pose a greater risk,” said Taylor.

He also said people traveling from Texas or expecting visitors from the state should get tested.

“Seeking proper testing and following quarantine and isolation guidelines are also mitigation steps,” Taylor said.  

OSDH said Oklahoma is in a good spot right now and it is up to us to keep up the downward trend.

Texas officially reopens next Wednesday. Several Oklahoma cities still have mask mandates in place.