Reopening Texas Phase 1
During a news conference in Austin Monday afternoon, Abbott said restaurants, malls, retail stores and movie theaters can reopen on May 1 but will be limited to 25% of their capacity. Museums and libraries are included, but interactive stations and exhibits must remain closed. Within malls, the governor said all food courts, play areas and interactive displays also must remain closed. See the full press conference here
Not all business can open at once
Abbott said bars, salons, gyms and barbershops are still ordered to remain closed for the time being. Abbott said he hoped they would be able to resume operations in mid May, provided COVID-19 outbreak is kept in check.
"Public swimming pools, bars, gyms, cosmetology salons, massage establishments, interactive amusement venues, such as bowling alleys and video arcades, and tattoo and piercing studios will remain closed through Phase I," the governor's office said. "Nursing homes, state supported living centers, assisted living facilities, and long-term care facilities must remain closed to visitors unless to provide critical assistance."
Texans are free to return to outdoor sports, such as golf and tennis, so long as there are no more than four participants and that players maintain social/physical distancing.
The governor is also allowing all licensed physicians to return to work, with limited restrictions including that hospital bed availability must hold back 50% for COVID-19 patients.
Local government operations, including county and municipal government operations relating to permitting, recordation, and document-filing services, may reopen as determined by the local government.
Social Distancing & Masks Encouraged
Keep practicing safe social distancing and although masks are highly encouraged they are no longer mandatory according to Governor Abbott.
Phase II
If COVID-19 doesn't spread, retail stores and other businesses can increase occupancy to 50%. That could happen as soon as May 18.
Austin Mayor Adler
Mayor Adler 'not ready' to go to restaurants when they re-open on May 1
Gov. Greg Abbott announced Monday that restaurants are among the businesses allowed to reo...
Mayor Adler 'not ready' to go to restaurants when they re-open on May 1
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Some small business are still on the fence
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