Gov. Abbott Announces Phase One to Open Texas

Governor Abbott held a press conference Monday, April 27, where he presented the Texans Helping Texans: The Governor's Report to Open Texas and issued three Executive Orders GA-18 - related to reopening services, GA-19 - related to hospital capacity, and GA-20 - related to travel restrictions.

He announced that the statewide executive order to stay home will expire on April 30.

Phase one of Open Texas is set to begin May 1, and if cases are still contained, Phase two will begin two weeks later, with proper data given and considered, on May 18.

Phase one has the main priority of protecting the most vulnerable populations, such as those older than 65 and those with other illnesses. It emphasizes that these populations stay home if at all possible.

Phase one includes:

• Retail stores, restaurants, movie theaters, and malls opening, but limits the occupancy to no more than 25%. If owners of these businesses feel unsafe or would rather not open at this time, there is no requirement to do so.

• ​Museums and libraries also have the same options, but with limitations when it comes to anything hands-on. Those activities must remain closed.

• Outdoor sports are okay as long as there are four or fewer players. This includes sports such as tennis and golf.

• ​Doctors, nurses, dentists and all licensed healthcare workers are now allowed to return to work, with the restriction of 50% occupancy in place.

• Single-person offices may operate.

• Anything that was kept open during the stay at home order, such as places of worship, can begin expanding their occupancy.
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• Essential services can continue to operate as usual.

Businesses such as barber shops, salons, gyms, and bars will not be able to open at this time, but will be considered later in May.

The Office of the Governor has also created checklists to consider for business able to open in Phase one and for consumers. They can be found here.

opentexas-report.pdf
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