AUSTIN – Gov. Greg Abbott has announced the reopening of the Texas economy in phases, beginning with various businesses on Friday, May 1.
Retail stores, restaurants, movie theaters, and malls may reopen at a limited capacity of 25 percent. Food courts, play areas, and interactive displays will remain closed in malls.
Restaurants may begin dine-in service, but only six people are allowed per table. Parties must be seated at least six feet apart from each other.
Counties that had five or fewer COVID-19 cases may reopen these establishments at 50 percent capacity.
Museums and libraries may reopen under the same guidelines, but public venues such as pools, bars, gyms, amusement parks, bowling alleys, and video arcades will remain closed throughout Phase I.
Nursing homes, assisted-living facilities, and similar senior-living establishments must remain closed to visitors.
A second phase is slated to begin as soon as May 18, as long as the state sees two weeks of data confirming no flare-up of COVID-19. The second phase would allow businesses to operate at 50 percent capacity.
The Real Estate Center has more COVID-19 information online for free.
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