Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced lifting of the mandatory mask guideline in the state, despite several warnings from health officials against easing COVID-19 related safety restrictions.

Abbott announced lifting of the mandate during an event where he issued an executive order taking back most of his earlier executive orders on COVID-19 restrictions.

“Removing state mandates does not end personal responsibility and caring for your family members, friends and others in your community. People and businesses don’t need the state telling them how to operate,” CNN quoted Abbott as saying.

All kinds of Businesses will be allowed to open in the state from next week.

Twelve states other than Texas have no mandatory mask rule despite President Joe Biden emphasising repeatedly its importance, equating wearing a mask to a “patriotic act”.