Texas Governor Greg Abbott today released his plans and specific dates for re-starting the Texas economy from the Covid-19 shutdown.
The Governor says the Texas economy will re-open in phases. Phase 1 will allow all Texas retail stores, restaurants, and movie theaters to re-open this Friday, May 1st. However, during Phase 1 they will be limited to 25% occupancy. The same will be true of Museums and libraries. Churches are urged to use social distancing and caution will allowing worshipers to attend. Outdoor sports such as golf and tennis can resume with 4 or less participants. Licensed practitioners can resume activities safely.
Phase 2 if Covid-19 numbers like Hospitalizations and death rates do not spike will take effect by May 18th. That would include allowing more Texas businesses to re-open and expand occupancy rates to 50 percent.
Counties with 5 or fewer confirmed Covid-19 cases can already go to that 50 percent threshold.
Still not allowed to open back up at this time includes salons, barbershops, gyms, and bars. Those may have to wait until mid-May, although he said that could change before that date.
The Taskforce is looking at safe ways to allow Summer Camps for youth.
The Governor said they will continue to expand testing and contact tracing as we move forward to bring Texas back to normal.
The Governor says his proclamations supersedes any local directives. He also said the stay at home order ends at the conclusion of this Thursday April 30th.
For a complete rundown on the Governors Open Texas guidelines click here.