Many Pflugerville restaurants, businesses happy mask mandate lifted

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Restaurants and businesses in Pflugerville have updated their face mask rules in accordance with the CDC’s latest guidelines for people fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced on May 13 that they were relaxing mask wearing instructions for fully vaccinated individuals so that they could no longer wear masks indoors, in crowds, and in most indoor spaces.

Jermaine Dumes, co-owner of Down South CaJJun Eats, said he thought this was a step in the right direction.

“After all of the restrictions – closings, takeaway and roadside pickups – and all of the things we tried to roll with, I think this was something we have all been waiting for,” said Dumes. “I think people will adjust to the news and lift the restrictions. Although it will likely take some time, I’m excited.”

Dumes said the restaurant has dropped its mask requirement on customers but will allow them to wear one if they so choose.

“Since we’re an outdoor venue, we probably won’t wear masks in the future, but we’re not there yet,” said Dumes. “We’re all so used to it now that I think it’s going to be a big change for us.”

Nyja Anderson from Pflugerville said she wears her mask when picking up her food at restaurants like Down South CaJJun Eats.

“I think it’s really up to the person, so I wear it comfortably even though I’m fully vaccinated,” said Anderson. “I think I do it more for the guys behind the counter just to make sure everyone else is safe.”

RELATED: Businesses in the Austin area may in certain cases drop mask rules for fully vaccinated customers

In the wine and craft beer bar Three Legged Goat, co-owner Jim McDonald decided to lift the mask requirement for guests and staff.

“As soon as we stopped wearing our masks, people would come in and see me, my wife or my son without our masks and take off their masks, but people would still come in with a mask,” said McDonald. “Now that almost everyone wants to be vaccinated and we’re on the other side, we felt like we should do it voluntarily (wearing a mask). Nobody should feel weird about it, nobody avoiding you. It was already over one year and we feel like we have been trained to wear masks. When we heard the CDC’s new guidelines, it was exciting and a surprise. ”

McDonald said he plans to allow staff to choose whether or not to wear their mask.

“Since this is a small family business, some of the employees include myself, my wife and son, and others, but my family are all vaccinated and my son will still choose to wear a mask,” said McDonald. “We want our business to be a space where you have the right to choose what you like best.”

Denise Stokes, co-owner of Pflugerville Nutrition, said it would also stop coercing customers who wear masks in-store.

“At this point, staff will continue to wear masks for the safety of our customers and family members who have not been vaccinated,” said Stokes. “We will continue to monitor the situation and make adjustments over time.”

The city of Pflugerville announced last month, pursuant to Governor Greg Abbott’s ordinance, that visitors or employees would no longer need to wear a face mask.

“Understanding that vaccines are an option is a way for more of us to get back to normal and, most importantly, take care of another,” said Mayor Victor Gonzales. “I am proud of the quality of service we have continued to provide during this pandemic and we will continue to strive to serve Pflugerville safely when we reopen.”

However, not all companies are prepared to lift their mask requirement.

Blanca Rodriguez of Stylin ‘Salon and Spa said she has a masking requirement for the time being.

“Because so many people are still not vaccinated, we only keep the masks from that point on until things develop a little,” Rodriguez said.

Although the salon doesn’t have a set date that it will lift its masking requirement, Rodriguez said the majority of its clients prefer it because it makes them feel safe.

As of Tuesday, 54% of Travis County’s residents are fully vaccinated.

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