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| Governor Abbott's Plan to Reopen Texas Economy |
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by Katie Gourley Yesterday afternoon, Governor Abbott issued three new executive orders (Executive Orders GA-18, GA-19, and GA-20), marking the beginning of a phased reopening of the Texas economy. In light of the expiration of Governor Abbott’s “stay home” order on April 30, 2020, the most recent executive orders lay the groundwork for getting Texans back to work. In total, these orders allow certain targeted businesses to reopen with limited occupancy, provide guidance for vulnerable populations, such as those 65 and older, implement a mitigation plan for nursing homes, roll out a statewide testing and tracing program, and remove certain travel-based restrictions on individuals.
Under Phase One, “Essential Services,” as previously defined in Executive Order GA-14, shall remain operational in their current capacities (i.e., not subject to any occupancy limitations). However, pursuant to Executive Order GA-18, retail stores, dine-in restaurants, movie theaters, shopping malls, museums, and libraries may resume operations beginning this Friday, May 1, 2020. Such “Reopened Services,” as they are defined in GA-18, must limit operations to 25% of their occupancy. Additionally, restaurant valet services shall remain suspended, and food court dining, play areas, and interactive displays in shopping malls and museums must remain closed. Businesses operated by a single person working alone may recommence, and local government operations, such as those related to permitting, recordation, and document-filing services, may resume as determined by the local government. At this time, Reopened Services expressly exclude bars, gyms, public swimming pools, interactive amusement venues such as bowling alleys and video arcades, massage establishments, tattoo studios, piercing studios, and cosmetology salons. However, the Governor has expressed the desire to reopen these businesses by mid-May.
In order to promote the reopening of Texas businesses in a safe and hygienic manner, DSHS has issued minimum health standard protocols for individuals, employers, and employees, as well as industry-specific protocols for retailers, restaurants, movie theaters, museums, libraries, and each of their respective customers or guests, outdoor sports participants, single-person offices, churches, and counties with low impact from COVID-19. These protocols, along with additional information outlining the new guidance and recommendations, can be found in Texans Helping Texans: Governor’s Report to Open Texas.
Areas which have avoided outbreaks will be able to reopen at an accelerated rate. Counties with five or fewer confirmed cases may increase capacity for restaurants, retail, shopping malls, museums, libraries, and/or movie theaters if the county judge certifies and affirms to DSHS that the following standards have been investigated and confirmed to be met....Read More. |
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