On Tuesday, April 27, Governor Greg Abbot announced that he will NOT be extending the "Stay at Home" order that expires April 30 and he outlined next steps for reopening business in Texas.
Abbott announced that as part of “Phase 1” retail stores, malls, restaurants and movie theaters will be able to reopen on Friday, May 1. Phase 1 of the plan would allow those businesses to reopen (if they choose to), however, venues will be limited to 25 percent capacity.
Museums and libraries will also be allowed to reopen on Friday, however, any hands-on exhibits cannot.
Certain sport, such as golf and tennis, will be allowed, but only if there are four people or less playing together and practicing social distancing.
Anyone with a medical license in the state of Texas can get back to work in a normal way, however, hospitals must maintain 15 percent of beds available for a potential surge in COVID-19 patients.
Not included in the list of businesses that can reopen are barber shops, salons, gyms and bars. Places of worship will be able to expand capacity on May 1 but must encourage social distancing
Abbott said that Phase 2 would begin on May 18, depending on whether spread is still able to be prevented after Phase 1 begins. Phase 2 would allow businesses to bump up capacity to 50 percent.
Click here to read the full Governor’s Report to Open Texas