Governor announces next steps to reopen

Posted 4/29/20

The statewide stay-at-home order spawned by the coronavirus outbreak will be allowed to expire Thursday night, announced Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday.

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Governor announces next steps to reopen

Posted

The statewide stay-at-home order spawned by the coronavirus outbreak will be allowed to expire Thursday night, announced Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday.

He also outlined the anticipated phase-in of many Texas businesses Friday, May 1, with the notable absence of salons, barber shops, gyms and bars.

Restaurants, which had been restricted to take-out only, were given the go-ahead to reopen. Retail businesses were OK’d to reopen, including libraries and museums, as long as they follow social distancing practices and allow no more than 25% capacity. Some had been allowed to switch to to-go service on Friday, April 24.

Lt. Gov Dan Patrick stressed that while face masks are not mandated, they are strongly encouraged.

Another round of business expansion will be announced May 18, the governor said, as long as progress continues in slowing the growth of COVID-19 cases caused by the virus.

Part of phase two would increase capacity in stores to 50%.

In phase one, some outdoor sports are allowed, limited to four participants, which could also be expanded in the next phase.

Wood County reported seven cases as of Monday, with 84 persons tested.

Rural counties with five or fewer cases were given additional leeway, such as 50% capacity for stores.

For those businesses not yet allowed to reopen, Abbott said plans are in the works to allow that by mid-May.

He stressed that everything is contingent upon continuing to contain the spread of COVID-19, especially as it relates to protecting the most vulnerable citizens.

Wood County Judge Lucy Hebron issued an updated county disaster declaration Tuesday in line with the governor’s latest executive order.