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On Monday, Governor Abbott announced three new executive orders related to the opening of the State of Texas. Executive Order No. GA-18 includes phase one to safely open the State of Texas. Phase one allows retail stores, restaurants, theaters and malls to open on Friday May 1 at 25% occupancy. Within shopping malls, the food-court dining areas, play areas, and interactive displays and settings must remain closed. Sole proprietor businesses may also reopen. All museums and libraries could reopen at 25% occupancy, but “hands-on” exhibits would need to stay closed. Bars, salons, gyms, public swimming pools, interactive amusement venues, tattoo studies, massage studios and barbershops must remain closed.
Phase two could be implemented as soon as May 18, as long as data shows no resurgence of COVID-19 cases in Texas. In addition, visiting of nursing homes is still prohibited, and the movement of staff between nursing homes is limited. The order does not require the use of face coverings in public settings but does highly encourage the use and prohibits local entities from imposing a civil penalty for failure to wear a face covering. The Governor does have discretion to impose restrictions in a county if a spike in COVID-19 cases occurs.
The Governor noted that phase one is not a requirement for businesses to open but rather permission. Under phase one, all businesses allowed to open are required to follow the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) minimum standard health protocols, which include safe distancing practices.
The Governor’s second order, Executive Order No. GA-19, relates to hospital capacity. Licensed healthcare professionals can return to work as long as hospitals continue to reserve 15% of capacity for potential COVID-19 response.
The Governor’s third order, Executive Order No. GA-20, relates to expanding travel without restrictions. There are no longer quarantine requirements for travelers from the State of Louisiana. Air travelers from a point of origin or point of last departure from the following states or cities must register with DPS and quarantine for 14 days:
States: