Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced plans to loosen restrictions in place due to the Wuhan coronavirus, but schools will remain closed until next school year.
Abbott stated that due to “the efforts by everyone to slow the spread, we’re now beginning to see glimmers that the worst of Covid-19 may soon be behind us.”
State parks will reopen on April 20. People must wear masks and practice social distancing.
The government will lift the current surgery restrictions on April 22 only if it does not interrupt the hospital’s ability to treat coronavirus patients. Hospitals must keep 25% of the building available for those patients. It does NOT include abortions.
Another “order allows for product pickup at retail stores – what Abbott described as ‘retail-to-go’ – that will begin on April 24.” This means stores may bring out orders to a customer’s car.
Abbott said that the state might expand the openings on April 27 after officials speak with those in the medical field:
“Even more openings will be announced in May when it is determined that the infection rate continues to decline and when testing capabilities are sufficient to test and contain” outbreaks of the virus,” he said.Abbott didn’t detail what those later opening would entail. He did announce, however, that schools — public schools, private schools and universities — will remain closed for the rest of the school year.The governor stressed that the process of reopening will be “guided by data and doctors.” The task force will feature multiple leaders in the medical field and more than 30 business executives. Huffines, the chair, is Central and South Texas chairman of PlainsCapital Bank in Austin. From 2003-10, he served on the University of Texas System Board of Regents, including two stints as chair.
The stay-at-home order expires on April 30. These orders only provide exceptions to the order. Depending on what he hears on April 27 will determine if he eliminates the stay-at-home order.
CLICK HERE FOR FULL VERSION OF THIS STORY