Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday revealed his plan to reopen Texas businesses. Abbott will allow his previous stay-at-home executive order to expire April 30.
Under what he calls Phase 1 of the statewide reopening efforts, restaurants, theaters and malls will be allowed to reopen on May 1 with no more than 25% occupancy. Licensed health care professionals, such as doctors and dentists, may return to work May 1 if they choose. Abbott also called upon Texans to act responsibly as we re-engage in the economy, to continue following all health precautions and sanitizing guidelines, and to care for our vulnerable neighbors.
To view the governor’s plan, visit his website.
Fort Worth city officials are meeting to determine what the governor’s plan means for Fort Worth businesses and will release details and guidance later this week. Abbott said his order supersedes all local orders and that businesses are allowed but not required to reopen.
Barber shops, gyms and nail salons are still closed on May 1, but may reopen by mid-May, during what Abbott called Phase 2 of his plan. Implementation of Phase 2 will depend on whether a spike in new COVID-19 infections is recorded during the Phase 1 reopenings.
