-
Governor of Texas seal
During a noon press conference, Governor Greg Abbott announced his plan to safely reopen Texas amid the coronavirus crisis.
Issuing a series of executive orders, Abbott announced the first portion of reopenings after the recommendation of a newly created "strike force" made of medical professionals, business leaders and government officials.
After conferring with experts, Abbott announced schools will not reopen this school year.
Beginning Monday, April 20, restrictions on surgery will be loosened. This will allow doctors to treat medical conditions without getting an exception. Additional measures will be taken for seniors living in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, which will minimize movement of staff between the facilities.
Retail businesses will be allowed to operate "retail to-go" beginning next Friday, April 24, which will allow non-essential businesses to reopen with restrictions.
State parks will reopen Monday, April 20. Visitors will be required to wear a face mask, stay 6-feet away from other visitors and will be barred from gathering in groups larger than five.