TEXAS GOVERNOR ABBOTT ISSUES EXECUTIVE ORDER

  

Texas Governor Greg Abbott on Thursday issued an executive order that will close schools, restaurants, bars and gyms in an effort to stop the spread of coronavirus.  The governor’s executive order begins at midnight Friday and lasts through midnight April 3.  Governor Abbott said the order prohibits dining or eating at restaurants and bars, but “to go” orders are still permitted. He said that Texans must limit social gatherings to 10 people and may not visit nursing homes except for critical care.  Essential services and critical operations like grocery stores and pharmacies will be allowed to remain open. Schools that haven’t already shut their doors will remain closed for the remainder of the timeframe.  He clarified that the order was not a “shelter in place.” He said Texans may venture out of their homes but stressed that they needed to exercise caution.

The Washington County Chamber of Commerce has highlighted the impact of the Governor’s Executive Order below:

•       On March 19, 2020, the Texas Department of State Health Services determined that COVID-19 presents a public health disaster.

•       This Executive Order is effective March 20, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. through April 3, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. statewide and includes the following:

o      No 1 – Social gatherings shall not exceed 10 people.
o      No 2 – People shall avoid eating or drinking at bars, restaurants, and food courts, visiting gyms and/or massage parlors; however use of drive-thru, pick-up or delivery options is allowed and encouraged.
o      No 3 – People shall not visit nursing homes or retirement facilities.
o      No 4 – Schools shall remain temporarily closed.
•       This DOES NOT prohibit people form visiting the following:
o      Grocery stores
o      Gas stations
o      Parks
o      Banks
•       All critical infrastructure will remain open.
•       Domestic travel will remain unrestricted.
•       Government entities and business will continue to provide essential services.
•       Offices and workplaces that remain open should encourage employees to use good hygiene practices and work from home when feasible.

The goal of this Executive Order is to reduce public contact, so COVID-19 is contained with the hope that this Executive Order can expire April 3, 2020.