AUSTIN (WBAP/KLIF) – Texas Governor Greg Abbott said Tuesday that COVID-19 testing continues to ramp up across the state as his phased reopening slowly continues.
Phase 1 began last Friday with the opening of restaurants, movie theaters, malls, and retail stores at 25% capacity. Increased testing and a decline in COVID-19 statistics will allow more restrictions to be lifted.
“The National Guard is helping make sure that Texas is doing a lot of testing,” Gov. Abbott said. “The number of testing is important, but that number is only meaningful according to context.”
Abbott said the percentage of people who were tested for COVID-19 compared to the number of positive cases continues to decline.
“One thing I look at every single day is what is the percentage rate of people who tested positive,” Abbott. More than 95% of people who were tested, test negative.”
According to the Governor, the COVID-19 hospitalization rate has remain state in Texas has remained steady or steady declining.
The Governor urged Texans to continue to practice social distancing.
“As it stands now, there is no cure for COVID-19,” said Gov. Abbott. “We must find a way to bridge that divide.”
He said it’s up to Texans whether more businesses are opened up or if the state has to move backward. But the Governor provided clarity to his current Executive Order.
The Governor said elderly or people with pre-existing health conditions should stay home if at all possible. He encouraged organizers of funerals, burials, memorials and weddings to allow a designated area for vulnerable people. Beaches, lakes, rivers, are to be treated the same way parks are to be treated when it comes to social distancing guidelines.
As of Friday, May 8, hair salons, nail salons, tanning salons, and barber shops can reopen in Texas under social distancing guidelines. Stylists and customers will be asked to wear face masks.
“We went to work with local businesses and we are grateful for so many business owners for working with us on strategies that were approved by our medical team.”
Under the Governor’s revisions, gyms and exercise facilities can open at 25% capacity as of May 18. Under the revised order, all equipment must be disinfected and customers must wear gloves.
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