GOV. ABBOTT TO LIFT RESTRICTIONS ON BARBER SHOPS, SALONS, GYMS, NON-ESSENTIAL MANUFACTURERS

  

Governor Greg Abbott has expanded the list of businesses and locations that can reopen to the public in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abbott announced at a news conference this (Tuesday) afternoon that, effective Friday, barber shops, hair salons, nail salons and tanning salons will be allowed to reopen.  The shops’ employees and customers should wear masks and remain six feet from other customers, if possible.  Employees will only be allowed to serve one customer at a time, so other customers should try to stay in their vehicles.

Abbott also lifted the restrictions on gyms and exercise facilities, which can now open on Monday, May 18^th to 25 percent occupancy.  Showers and locker rooms must remain closed, equipment must be disinfected after each use, and clients need to maintain six feet distance from others and wear gloves when working out.  Non-essential manufacturers and office-based businesses can now also open up on May 18^th to limited capacity.

Bars are not yet being reopened, with Abbott saying the state is still looking at ways to maintain safe distancing and reaching out to owners to share best practices.

As with Abbott’s previous order for retail businesses and restaurants, this order merely allows these new locations to open, and is not a requirement.  Abbott said the owners of these businesses and facilities to use their own judgement on whether or not to reopen.

Abbott said testing numbers have shown non-essential businesses can operate as long as people continue to adhere to guidelines.  He said there are possibilities of flare-ups, but assured the state is ready for them with newly created “Surge Response Teams” consisting of health officials that will provide testing supplies and additional personal protective equipment (PPE) for areas in need.

Abbott also clarified previously outlined rules for church services, saying those do apply to funerals, burials, memorial services, and weddings.  Rules include seating in alternate rows with at least six feet separating families and households from each other.  He strongly encouraged at-risk populations to participate at those services remotely if at all possible.

In addition, Abbott clarified that the rules and guidelines in place for visiting state parks extend to beaches, lakes, and rivers.

Texas Education Agency (TEA) Commissioner Mike Morath also spoke at the conference, announcing the TEA is publishing guidance for schools to hold graduation ceremonies.  Morath said outdoor graduation ceremonies, along with hybrid and vehicle ceremonies, are approved, provided they adhere to “certain logistical constraints” to keep people safe.