Governor Abbott Expands List of Businesses That Can Re-Open
Governor Greg Abbott on Tuesday, May 5, announced additions to the list of businesses that can re-open per his April 27th executive order. Beginning Friday, May 8, barber shops, hair and nail salons, and tanning facilities can welcome customers provided they abide by prescribed distancing measures. Gyms and other fitness facilities will be allowed to open on Monday, May 18, but are limited to 25% of their listed occupancy and are required to follow stringent sanitation rules for equipment.
Governor Greg Abbott first announced that executive order on April 27th to begin the process of re-opening the state. The order, which became effective May 1, allowed many businesses and venues to re-open, and expanded operations of others that had been allowed to operate under previous issued orders since March.
On May 1, business operations including in-store retail services, dine-in restaurant services and shopping malls resumed operations at up to 25 percent of the total listed occupancy of the establishments. Museums and libraries began operating at that same 25% occupancy however, local public museums and local public libraries can only operate if permitted by the local government. And any components of museums or libraries that have interactive functions or exhibits, including child play areas, must remain closed. Movie theaters can operate at up to 25 percent of the total listed occupancy of any individual theater for any screening. The order also includes directives for single-person offices.
The Governor’s April 27th order can be viewed HERE.
To aid businesses and the public, the Governor has issued guidance on required protocols via his Report to Open Texas, which can be viewed at the following web address:
https://gov.texas.gov/uploads/files/organization/opentexas/OpenTexas-Report.pdf
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.