AUSTIN (WBAP/KLIF) – Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced on Monday that phase 2 of reopening from the coronavirus pandemic can officially begin in the Lone Star State.
Abbott said testing has seriously increased across the state, including in high risk locations like nursing homes, jails, and meat packing plants. With more tests, the Governor stressed that it’s the positivity rate that needs to be looked at, opposed to just the number of positive cases.
“As testing increases so will the raw number of people testing positive,” said Abbott. “What matters most is the percentage of people testing positive.”
Abbott says Texas has shown a downward trajectory in the positivity rate over the last month, which allows him to enter phase 2 of reopening.
Under phase 2, bars, bowling alleys, and wine rooms can reopen Friday, May 22 at 25% occupancy. Restaurants can expand to 50% capacity on Friday. Child care services, including YMCA’s and Boys and Girls Clubs can reopen now.
Additionally, summer camps and little league sports can open up May 31. Summer school can operate under social distancing guidelines as of June 1.
“Today, tomorrow, and every day going forward is one step closer to medical discoveries that can treat and protect people from COVID-19—but until that day comes, our focus is keeping Texans safe while restoring their ability to get back to work, open their businesses, pay their bills, and put food on their tables,” said Governor Abbott. “By continuing to use safe practices, we are slowing the spread of COVID-19 and protecting our most vulnerable. Now more than ever, we need to work together as one Texas. I ask all Texans to continue heeding the guidance of our state and federal medical experts and do their part to protect public health. If we all unite in our resolve, we will overcome this challenge.”
Via Executive Order, the following services and activities may open under Phase II.
- Child Care Centers (May 18)
- Massage and Personal-Care Centers (May 18)
- Youth Clubs (May 18)
- Rodeo and Equestrian Events (May 22)
- Bowling Alleys, Bingo Halls, Simulcast Racing, and Skating Rinks (May 22)
- Bars (May 22)
- Aquariums and Natural Caverns (May 22)
- Zoos (May 29)
- Day Youth Camps (May 31)
- Overnight Youth Camps (May 31)
- Youth Sports (May 31)
- Certain professional sports without in-person spectators (May 31)
All sporting and camp activities are required to adhere by special safety standards, and minimum standard health protocols have been established for all newly-announced opened services and activities. Businesses located in office buildings may also open but must limit their occupancy to the greater of 10 employees or 25% of their workforce.
The Governor ended his Monday announcement by encouraging Texans to continue to make good choices.
“As we move in to phase 2, be a good neighbor,” said Gov. Abbott. “Be a good Texan.”
Listen to Clayton Neville’s story below:
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