Governor Greg Abbott has announced Texas is lifting its mask mandate, making it the largest US state to no longer require one of the most effective ways to slow the spread of the coronavirus, AP reports.

The announcement has rattled doctors and big city leaders who said they are now bracing for another deadly resurgence.

“Removing statewide mandates does not end personal responsibility,” said Abbott, speaking from the crowded dining room of a restaurant in Lubbock, surrounded by several people not wearing masks.

“It’s just that now state mandates are no longer needed,” he said.