Governor Abbott Announces Phase Two of Opening and Expanding Business Operations
Governor Greg Abbott, on May 18, announced phase two of Texas’ plan to continue opening the economic sector, while still working to minimize the spread of COVID-19.
Most of the state’s retail and restaurant sector, as well as business offices and even barber shops, were already allowed to open with certain restrictions on occupancy under the Governor’s recent orders. The May 18 order expanded capacity for some of those businesses and set dates for the opening of some other industries that had remained closed.
Restaurants will be allowed to increase the capacity of patrons to 50% of an establishment’s occupancy beginning May 22. Bars, including wine tasting rooms, craft breweries, and similar establishments may open at 25 percent of occupancy on that same date. Non-CISA retailers remain on 25 percent occupancy. Businesses located in office buildings may open but must limit occupancy to the greater of 10 employees or 25 percent of their workforce.
Other industries that were opened on May 18 include child-care centers and personal care centers. Equestrian events, bowling alleys and similar venues will open on May 22. Youth camps and sports can begin operation on May 31.
While the Governor stated that Texas has seen a reduction in positive COVID tests (The most recent cycles are running about 5 percent of those tested), he also offered that certain counties experiencing surges in COVID cases will have their beginning dates for Phase 2 delayed until May 29. Counties experiencing surges include El Paso, Randall, Potter, Moore and Deaf Smith. The state has Surge Response Teams that are actively working in those areas and they can be deployed for any other future hot spots that could arise.
Further information regarding business sectors that have been opened, a long with checklists for their respective safety operations, can be found at the following link:
https://gov.texas.gov/organization/opentexas
Locally, and across the state, residential construction has remained open for operation thanks to the efforts of Dallas Builders Association and the Texas Association of Builders. Builders are expected to continue the COVID-19 safety measures until further notification.
Information regarding safety and other employer resources can be found at the Dallas BA’s COVID-19 Response webpage at the following link:
https://dallasbuilders.org/covid19/