AUSTIN, Texas — Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order on March 31 requiring Texans to remain in their homes, unless for an essential activity. On April 30, that executive order was allowed to expire.
On April 17, Abbott announced his plan for reopening Texas businesses amid the COVID-19 pandemic, issuing three executive orders outlining how the state would begin to reopen. That day, Abbott also said Texas schools would remain closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year.
On May 18, Abbott said Texas was ready to enter "phase two" of reopening.
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Here's a breakdown of which Texas businesses have reopened so far and which will be opening next:
April 20
Texas state parks reopened with visitors still required to stay six feet apart. Many are now operating with reservations in place to limit the number of guests.
April 22
Restrictions on elective surgeries were loosened and standards were increased for nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
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April 24
All stores in Texas able to operate "retail-to-go."
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April 27
Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton issued updated joint guidance on religious services.
May 1
Texas restaurants, retail stores, malls, movie theaters and museums allowed to reopen at 25% capacity.
Most museums allowed to reopen at 25% capacity. Libraries allowed to reopen at 25% capacity without reopening interactive features.
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May 8
Salons, barbershops, nail salons and tanning salons may reopen. These businesses must operate with one customer per stylist. If customers are waiting inside, they must stay six feet apart; otherwise, customers should wait outside. Stations must be six feet apart and the governor recommends that customers and stylists wear face masks.
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May 18
Gyms and other exercise facilities may reopen, as long as they meet the 25% capacity requirement. Showers and locker rooms must remain closed and equipment must be disinfected. Gym customers should wear gloves that cover the entire hand and fingers. Customers at gyms also must be six feet apart.
Non-essential manufacturers may also reopen at 25% capacity, as can businesses located in office buildings with some restrictions. Also allowed to reopen: massage services, electrolysis, waxing, tattoo studios and hair loss treatment and growth services.
Child care facilities may also reopen with certain standards, and youth clubs such as Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and FFA may hold meetings with social distancing practices in place.
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Additionally, as of May 18, camping in Texas state parks may also resume, with social distancing practices still in effect.
May 22
Bars, wine tasting rooms and breweries will be allowed to reopen at 25% capacity. Restaurants will be able to reopen at 50% capacity instead of 25%.
Bowling alleys, bingo halls, skating rinks, aquariums and a few other businesses will also be allowed to reopen at 25% capacity and with restrictions.
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May 29
Zoos may reopen with restrictions.
May 31
Youth sports camps, summer camps, daytime and overnight camps may reopen.
Some professional sports may return, including golf, auto racing, baseball, softball, tennis and basketball. Spectators will not be allowed to be physically present at sporting events.
June 1
Schools will be able to offer summer school programs as long as they follow social distancing practices as soon as June 1.
Austin ISD told KVUE that as of May 18, all summer learning opportunities will be online. Leander ISD and Hays CISD also said all summer school will be entirely online. Round Rock ISD said they have planned for no in-person summer school, though their leadership team hasn't convened to discuss Abbott's May 18 briefing.
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