ABC(TEXAS) — The mask mandate in Texas may be long gone, but Matthew McConaughey is urging Texans to keep “masking up.”

The 51-year-old actor, who lives in Austin, appeared recently on CBS This Morning and shared his opinion on Governor Greg Abbott’s decision to lift the statewide requirement for face coverings. 

“I was a little dumbfounded by the decision,” the Oscar winner admitted. “I understand ‘Go back to work.’ What I did not understand was, pull the mask mandate.”

“Look, we’re on our way,” he continued. “The mask is just this minor inconvenience. And I think I just want to remind not only Texans, but everybody out there, in my opinion, it’s not the mask we’re afraid of… it’s the word mandate. Alright? So let’s not let the word mandate get in the way of the practical use of this little tool called a mask.”

McConaughey reasoned with viewers, stating that masks are “a small inconvenience today for more freedom tomorrow” and that now Texan’s have the choice on whether they wear one. 

“If you have the choice, keep masking up It’s proven to help,” the actor pleaded. “We don’t have much longer in this. We’ll get through this. Thank you.”

By Danielle Long
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