Renewed criticism is being leveled at Gov. Greg Abbott in the face of his extension over Labor Day weekend of a disaster proclamation regarding Covid-19.

The proclamation reads in part “the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) poses an imminent threat of disaster for all counties in Texas.”

The timing of the declaration is odd.

Abbott has come under increasing pressure to open Texas back up across the board and to keep it open. 

Statewide Republican leadership has also come out in favor of reopening.

“I have no idea why Abbott has not been as bold as (Florida Gov. Ron) DeSantis,” Elizabeth McDowell, the Wheeler County Republican Chairman told the Lone Star Standard. “Texas should denounce further lockdowns! I plan to help vote out every public official that has acted like a Democrat during this crisis.”  

Last week DeSantis came out boldly in favor of putting children back in the classroom and on sports fields this fall.

The Centers for Disease Control recently revised Covid-19 death rates to note only 6 percent of the deceased died solely from the virus. Still, many areas of the country are delaying reopening or even considering a hybrid approach in which only the most vulnerable, or those who choose do to so, take shelter.

"Citizens of the US have enough sense to take care of their own health," McDowell said. "Our freedoms are being taken away and business are being ruined!"

Diana Hoover, Chair of the Lipscomb County Republican Party, said Abbott is fence straddling for fear of political backlash. 

“I think Governor Abbott doesn’t want to be accused of having ‘blood on his hands’ when people die,’ Hoover told the Lone Star Standard. “He’s overly cautious.  We all struggle to know what the best plan is and try to be safe without being overly frightened.”

The larger concern for Menard County GOP Chair Susan Williamson is the virus is being manipulated and used as a tool for opportunistic politicians.  

"Social media and mainstream news organizations that are slanting information for political reasons should be held accountable," Williamson said. "This must be what living in Russia was like during the Cold War.  It’s not just free speech that is being canceled but also our access to information is being denied. 

Several influential Republican supporters in Texas wrote a letter requesting Abbott take more leadership in reopening the state fully.

Abbott is one of three governors in the country with complete authority over statewide Covid-19 response.