Texas Governor Greg Abbott speaks at the annual National Rifle Association (NRA) convention in Dallas, Texas, US, May 4, 2018. (Photo: Agencies)

WASHINGTON - Texas Governor Greg Abbott lifted a state mask mandate on Tuesday and said he was authorizing businesses restricted because of the coronavirus pandemic to open "100 percent."

"Too many small business owners have struggled to pay their bills," Abbott said in a speech to the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce. "This must end. It is now time to open Texas 100 percent."