Thread by @TexasTribune

1/ Gov. Greg Abbott lifted Texas' mask mandate, but health experts say you should still wear masks for protection as more contagious variants of the coronavirus circulate in the U.S.

A thread of some reminders on how to best protect yourself and others: bit.ly/3ldL5Bu

2/ Last month, @CDCgov released new research that found the effectiveness of cloth and medical masks can be improved by making sure they are well fitted to the contours of the face. This prevents air from leaking around the edges. wired.com/story/how-to-d…

3/ The CDC says this can be done several different ways, including double masking. Wear a cloth mask with multiple layers of fabric or wear a disposable medical mask underneath a cloth mask:
cdc.gov/coronavirus/20…

4/ Dr. Sherri Onyiego, the local health authority for Harris County, told us in January that double masking comes in handy when you're in indoor spaces like the grocery store. bit.ly/38BwPO0

5/ Other ways to make sure your mask fits snugly against your face include:

-Choosing a mask with a nose wire
-Using a mask fitter or brace
-Knotting and tucking ear loops of a 3-ply mask

6/ You should not:

-Combine two disposable masks
-Combine a KN95 mask with any other mask

More tips here from @wired: wired.com/story/how-to-d…

7/ Masking is just one of the tools for protecting yourself and others from the virus. Health experts also recommend:

-Maintaining distance from people outside your household
-Limiting time in grocery stores
-Getting tested frequently + sanitizing hands bit.ly/38BwPO0

8/ Are you fully vaccinated and wondering what’s changed for you in terms of safety precautions? Check out @CDCGov’s guidelines for you here: cdc.gov/coronavirus/20…

9/ We reported last week that Gov. Greg Abbott's team of medical advisers appeared to play a minimal role in his decision to repeal the state's coronavirus restrictions.

One adviser expressed overt reservations about the move. bit.ly/3cltKT2

10/10 As of March 12, at least 45,318 Texans who tested positive for the virus have died.

Here's where we track the state's coronavirus and vaccination data: bit.ly/3pvBwPG