Texas and Mississippi ditch facemask rules as they try to return to pre-pandemic life
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WASHINGTON - President Joe Biden on Tuesday said it's a "big mistake" for states to lift pandemic restrictions, calling it a result of "Neanderthal thinking."
In brief remarks before meeting with a bipartisan group of lawmakers to discuss ways to fight cancer, Biden said it's important to listen to the recommendations of scientists, especially as the nation is on the cusp of turning things around with the coronavirus vaccines.
© Patrick Semansky, APPresident Joe Biden talks with a volunteer at the Houston Food Bank, Friday, Feb. 26, 2021, in Houston.
"The last thing we need is Neanderthal thinking that, `In the meantime, everyone's fine, take off your mask,'" he said. "Forget it. It still matters"
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His comments came the day after the GOP governors of Texas and Mississippi said they're lifting COVID-19 restrictions, including mask mandates.
"I think it's a big mistake," Biden said. "I hope everyone's realized by now these masks make a difference."
White House officials are emphasizing that people can still follow the federal guidelines on their own.
"Every individual is empowered to do the right thing here, regardless of what the states decide for personal health, for public health, for their health of their loved ones and communities," Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Wednesday. "I would still encourage individuals to wear masks, to socially distance, and to do the right thing to protect their own health."
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said he's moving to "open Texas 100%" and will issue an executive order to take effect March 10 rescinding most of his earlier orders, including restrictions on business occupancy and the July 2 statewide mask order.
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves tweeted Tuesday that, starting Wednesday, all county mask mandates would be lifted and businesses allowed to operate at full capacity. He noted that hospitalizations and case numbers have plummeted, and the vaccine is being rapidly distributed.
"We are getting out of the business of telling people what they can and cannot do," he said.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: President Biden on states lifting mask mandates: 'The last thing we need is Neanderthal thinking'