Houston is good to go!

I first noticed this outfit back in January, at reference 1. This morning's email from them suggests that everything is up and running in Houston.

Not finding the more authoritative reference 3 in the first instance, rather the less authoritative reference 2, we have it that: 'Businesses around northwest Harris County have been adjusting after Texas Governor Greg Abbott lifted the mask mandate and other COVID-19 restrictions. The lifting of COVID-19 restrictions kicked in March 10, as part of Abbott’s order not requiring people to wear masks inside businesses and allowing businesses to operate at 100 percent capacity again. On HoustonChronicle.com: Harris County Sheriff’s Office focusing on traffic crimes, package theft in northwest Harris County'.

Reference 3 is rather more complicated than comparable central government websites in this country, perhaps necessary given the size and diversity of a place like Texas; one size does not fit all. But maybe the tone is captured by this quote: 'The strategies used by the judges cannot ... Impose any kind of penalty for failure to wear a face covering'.

So far, 45,000 Texans have died of coronavirus, from a population of something under 30m. So very roughly the same rate as here in the UK, the huge amount of space notwithstanding.

PS: I was pleased to see at reference 4 that the Republican Party's grip on this state is not unchallenged.

Reference 1: https://psmv4.blogspot.com/2021/01/a-puzzle-for-wednesday.html.

Reference 2: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/.

Reference 3: https://guides.sll.texas.gov/covid-19/covid-19-orders-laws.

Reference 4: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/opinion/editorials/article/Editorial-Stop-the-steal-of-Texans-election-16023632.php.