Texans protest eliminating mask mandate on behalf of service workers Eric Gay/AP A visitor wearing a mask to protect against the spread of COVID-19 passes a sign requiring masks, Tuesday, July 7, 2020, in San Antonio. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has declared masks or face coverings must be worn in public across most of the state as local officials across the state say their hospitals are becoming increasingly stretched and are in danger of becoming overrun as cases of the coronavirus surge. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) and last updated 2021-03-08 18:12:11-05 Protesters converged in Austin, Texas, on Monday asking Gov. Greg Abbott to reconsider his decision to drop all coronavirus-related restrictions.