Anniversary of COVID-19 pandemic passes unnoticed among mask-wearing Texans

Mar 11, 2021 | 10:59 AM

AUSTIN, Texas — The one-year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic is passing largely unnoticed in the Texas capital. 

Even though Gov. Greg Abbott has fully lifted statewide restrictions, people are persisting with masks and keeping their distance. 

Rod Marritt, who got his second dose of the vaccine nearly three weeks ago, is still wearing a mask in public, as is his wife.  

Both are staunchly opposed to the governor’s decision, and take comfort in the fact that most people in the city seem to agree. 

The two retirees say the last 12 months have been among the longest of their lives, largely because they’ve been unable to visit family. 

President Joe Biden is scheduled to deliver a prime-time address tonight to spell out the next steps in the administration’s COVID-19 strategy, and to encourage people to stay the course.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 11, 2021.

The Canadian Press

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