April 27, 2020 5:11 PM

Governor Abbott Announces Phase One To Open Texas

Governor Greg Abbott today signed Executive Order GA-18 that explains the first phase of the State of Texas’ ongoing plan to safely and strategically open Texas while minimizing the spread of COVID-19. Phase one will begin Friday May 1 and continue until at least May 18. The Governor will continue to evaluate next steps for the state.

The Executive Order allows retail stores, restaurants, movie theaters, malls, museums and libraries to reopen beginning May 1 with a limited occupancy of no more than 25%. Barbershops, beauty salons, bars and gyms must remain closed until at least May 18.

On Monday, May 18, more businesses will be able to open at 50% capacity if data shows that coronavirus spread is contained during the first two weeks implementing these new safety measures.

The Governor’s announcement is accompanied by Texans Helping Texans: The Governor’s Report to Open Texas. This detailed report helps Texans understand phase one by outlining the new protocols, guidance, and recommendations.

To read Governor Abbott’s press release please visit:
https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-announces-phase-one-to-open-texas-establishes-statewide-minimum-standard-health-protocols

To read Executive Order GA-18 please visit: https://www.clearlakeshores-tx.gov/DocumentCenter/View/840/Executive-Order-GA-18

To download the Governor’s Report to Open Texas, please visit:
https://www.clearlakeshores-tx.gov/DocumentCenter/View/841/Open-Texas-Report

In providing or obtaining essential services or reopened services, people and businesses should follow the minimum standard health protocols recommended by DSHS, found at www.dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus, and should implement social distancing, work from home if possible, and practice good hygiene, environmental cleanliness, and sanitation.

Governor Abbott today also relaxed certain restrictions related to health care professionals and issued amended requirements related to hospital capacity.
Read Executive Order G-19 here: https://www.clearlakeshores-tx.gov/DocumentCenter/View/843/Executive-Order-GA-19

Additionally, the Governor issued Executive Order GA-20 to eliminate the mandatory 14-day quarantine period for individuals traveling from Louisiana.
Read Executive Order G-20 here: https://www.clearlakeshores-tx.gov/DocumentCenter/View/844/Executive-Order-GA-20

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced that he will allow his statewide “stay-at-home” order to expire on April 30.