Brownwood News – In a news conference Monday afternoon at the State Capitol, Texas Governor Greg Abbott outlined a plan to open Texas in phases, starting with some businesses this Friday, May 1st, but with limited capacity. He is lifting his “stay at home” order on April 30.
Opening Friday, May 1: Retail stores, restaurants, movie theaters and malls. They will only be allowed to operate at 25% capacity in Phase 1. Museums and libraries will also be allowed to open at 25% capacity, but hands-on exhibits must remain closed.
Abbott’s order supersedes local orders saying those businesses must remain closed. Businesses can, however, stay closed if they wish.
After a two-week period, if there is no spike in cases of the novel coronavirus, other businesses can begin to open, Abbott said.
If COVID-19 doesn’t spread, retail stores and other businesses can increase occupancy to 50%.
Closed for a little longer: Barbershops, hair salons, bars and gyms until mid-May.
More on this story as details are released.
