GOV. ABBOTT EXPANDS LOCAL AUTHORITY ON OUTDOOR GATHERINGS
HHSC DIRECTED TO ENACT EMERGENCY RULES TO INCREASE SAFETY AT CHILD CARE CENTERS
Governor Greg Abbott has issued a proclamation allowing for increased local authority on outdoor gatherings.
Tuesday’s proclamation allows mayors and county judges to restrict outdoor gatherings of over 100 people. Restrictions previously could only be imposed on outdoor gatherings of over 500 people.
Abbott also ordered the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to enact emergency rules providing strict health and safety standards and procedures related to COVID-19 for child care centers in Texas.
The proclamation comes ahead of upcoming gatherings for Independence Day, and after the state reported a single-day record of over 5,000 new cases Tuesday. The governor’s office said these actions are being taken after consulting data showing an increase in COVID-19 infections connected to large gatherings and increased use of child care centers.
Tuesday, in an interview with KBTX-TV in College Station, Abbott said because the spread of COVID-19 is currently rampant, there is “never a reason for you to have to leave your home unless you do need to go out”, adding “the safest place for you is your home”.
Monday, Abbott said the virus is “spreading at an unacceptable rate”, but also said that “closing down Texas again will always be the last option”.