As many states begin to open up after roughly a year of pandemic restrictions. Impatience poses a dangerous risk to a safe re-opening process. With College Basketball’s upcoming showcase events caught up in the fray.

One can’t help but feel hopeful; that the end of the COVID-19 pandemic is within sight. With effective vaccines against the virus rolling out nationwide. However, concerns abound over the way some states are approaching re-opening. With actions that could put hard fought progress made against the virus at risk. Through states rigorously lifting restrictions as case rates begin to decline nationwide. Leaving the cautiously minded among us concerned that we’re re-opening too quickly.

Texas and Mississippi are lifting their respective mask mandates. Despite both states dealing with COVID-19 and the brutal aftermath of recent winter storms. Texas is still recovering from a near-statewide blackout. Caused by a storm that disrupted the water supply in parts of Mississippi. Amid all of that, both states are scrapping mask mandates. Even though most Texans and Mississippians haven’t been vaccinated against COVID-19. This is not just an issue effecting Texas and Mississippi.

Closer to home, Ohio and Indiana are also striving to lift restrictions. Albeit in a fortunately more cautious way compared to Texas and Mississippi. While lifting some restrictions regarding different events and businesses. Ohio and Indiana are not scrapping their mask mandates. States are flirting with danger by lifting many restrictions prematurely and giving into false hope. Just as many states and individuals did after the first wave last May. Giving into false hope could unnecessarily curb the progress we’ve made against COVID-19.

Concerns about lifting restrictions would be lower if vaccination rates were higher. However, most Americans have not been vaccinated against COVID-19. We are not close to developing herd immunity at this time. Health officials are also concerned about the spread of COVID-19 variants. Now is not the time for us to take a COVID-19 victory lap.

These actions are affecting the sports beat, particularly College Basketball. Indianapolis is lifting some dining restrictions; allowing restaurants to operate at 50% capacity. Coming as Indiana gets set to host the Big Ten Tournament and March Madness. Texas’ re-opening measures are coming about days before the state hosts two major tournaments. San Antonio will host the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Tournament. While the Dallas-Fort Worth area will host the Men’s National Invitational Tournament. With a field of 16 teams instead of the tournament’s typical field of 32.

The Lone Star state’s actions are putting both events unnecessarily at risk. During a college basketball season already packed with pandemic postponements. Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky and Xavier Basketball had games cancelled by COVID-19 this year. This makes it more important for the NCAA to step up. To do what they should be doing all along. Take all the precautions warranted; to ensure events are held as safely as possible. Regardless of what Texas is or isn’t doing.

While Texas is scrapping their mask mandate; the NCAA will require masks for their upcoming tournaments. Beyond common sense and an abundance of caution. The NCAA is keeping their mask mandate in effect for a simple reason. To limit the risk of their tournaments being delayed due to COVID-19. These tournaments aren’t just happening for our own personal enjoyment. These tournaments generate millions in revenue for hosts and participating schools. The NCAA’s not going to let a couple of politicians get in their way.

At best, Texas and Mississippi are asking residents to be more personally responsible. When it comes to taking safety precautions against COVID-19. The danger lies in individuals and organizations loosening their own safety measures. Without public health guidelines in place to keep people in check. Just because Texas and Mississippi’s state governments are basically giving up. That doesn’t mean we should give up in the fight against COVID-19. Nor should college basketball programs do so, amid the difficulties they’ve faced with the virus.