
Retailers Will Be First to Reopen as Texas Begins Phased Plan
Gov. Greg Abbott said Monday that retail businesses could begin reopening across Texas starting on Friday, May 1. Stores, restaurants, movie theaters and malls may open their doors again under the first phase of Abbott’s plan, but will be limited to 25% of listed occupancy.
“We’re not just going to open up and hope for the best,” Abbott said at a news conference Monday. “Opening Texas must occur in phases.”
Under the first phase of Abbott’s plan, “vulnerable populations,” like seniors, should remain home as much as possible, he said. The plan also allows all licensed healthcare professionals to reopen, but licensed hospitals must reserve 15% capacity for COVID-19 patients.
Counties with five or fewer cases can reopen at 50% capacity on Friday if certain conditions are met.
The state would move to phase two of Abbott’s plan starting May 18 if there’s no secondary “flare-up” of COVID-19 cases.
Pictured: Gov. Greg Abbott.
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- ◦Economy