After ordering restaurants to cut back on seating as well as ordering all bars in Texas to close by noon today, Gov. Greg Abbott, in an "abrupt reversal of his previous policy," said the partial re-lockdown is "the last thing we want to do." What he didn't say, but should have, is that following Trump's advice by reopening prematurely was the last thing he should have done.
"It is clear," said Abbott, "that the rise in cases is largely driven by certain types of activities, including Texans congregating in bars. The actions in this executive order are essential to our mission to swiftly contain this virus and protect public health."
Had he bothered to heed health experts' advice rather than imitate the caveman grunting of Trumpian politics, mitigating — not "containing" — the state's first major wave of covid would not now be the governor's "mission." But I guess he first needed a body count before "protect[ing] public health."