On Tuesday, Governor Abbott held a press conference where he issued Executive Order No. GA-21, relating to the expanded reopening of services as part of the safe, strategic plan to Open Texas.
The Governor announced some guidance as it relates to wedding services, venues and receptions. Weddings held indoors other than at a church, congregation, or house of worship must limit occupancy to 25%. Wedding venues and services required to conduct weddings may immediately open, and wedding reception services are allowed to resume but must limit their occupancy to 25% of the total listed occupancy. These occupancy limits do not apply to the outdoor areas of a wedding reception or to outdoor wedding receptions.
In addition to guidance, the Governor announced some additional businesses that are allowed to safely open. Beginning May 8, cosmetology salons, hair salons, barber shops, tanning salons, nail salons, and other establishments where licensed cosmetologists or barbers practice their trade may open. All such salons, shops and establishments allowed to open are required to follow the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) minimum standard health protocols, which includes at least six feet of social distancing between operating workstations. In addition, swimming pools may open subject to certain limitations, including on their occupancy or operating levels.
Beginning May 18, additional employers will be allowed to open with limited occupancy. Office buildings may open with the greater of five or fewer individuals or 25% of the total office workforce, and they are required to follow the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) minimum standard health protocols, which include appropriate social distancing. Non-essential manufacturing services may also open on May 18, but facilities must limit their occupancy to 25%. In addition, gyms, exercise facilities, and exercise classes may also open on May 18 at 25% occupancy. Locker rooms and shower facilities must remain closed, but restrooms may open.
Finally, the Governor provided guidance from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) on graduation ceremonies and the creation of the Surge Response Teams to help with any area that sees a spike in COVID-19 cases. Full details of the TEA's graduation ceremony guidance can be found on the TEA website.
On Thursday, the Governor modified his Executive Orders related to COVID-19 to ensure Texans cannot go to jail for violating these orders. Governor Abbott removed confinement as a punishment and made this order retroactive to April 2, superseding local orders.
If you have any questions about the Governor’s Executive Orders, please contact Stephanie Reyes, Vice President of Public Policy by email at sreyes@sachamber.org or by phone 210-229-2162.
