Texas records zero COVID-19 deaths after Biden’s ‘Neanderthal thinking’ comment

Governor Greg Abbott says Texas recorded a day of zero deaths from COVID-19 after President Joe Biden attacked his plan to roll back restrictions as "Neanderthal thinking".

Mr. Abbott said Sunday marked the only time since data was tracked in March last year that the state had zero coronavirus-related deaths.

Two months ago, Mr. Abbott announced the end of the state-wide mask mandate and said it was time to "re-open Texas 100 percent".

President Biden criticized the governor of Texas over the mask decision – calling it a "big mistake".

"Look, I hope everybody has realized by now these masks make a difference," President Biden said.

"We are on the cusp of being able to fundamentally change the nature of this disease because of the way in which we're able to get vaccines in people's arms. We've been able to move that all the way up to the end of May to have enough for every American.

"The last thing we need is Neanderthal thinking that in the meantime everything is fine, take off your mask, forget it.

"It still matters."

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention updated its guidance for fully vaccinated Americans last week.

"Fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask or physically distance in any setting, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance," the CDC said.

According to the CDC, 47.1 percent of American adults have been fully vaccinated.