Certain Texas Businesses Set To Reopen Friday

Governor Greg Abbott’s stay at home order ends Thursday, and he announced stores, malls, restaurants and movie theaters may start to reopen with 25 percent occupancy Friday. 

The governor also cleared the way for non-interactive museums and public libraries to open but specified cities do not have to open these places. Sports like golf and tennis can start up again too, with no more than four participants at a time. 

Although Abbott is allowing these businesses to start reopening, he stated barber shops, salons and gyms must wait until mid May to reopen due to the close nature of the services.

While the governor strongly recommends citizens wear masks when they go outside, his new orders say people are not legally required to wear them while out in public, and fines will not be issued. However, people still need to follow social distancing guidelines.

“Opening Texas must occur in phases,” Abbott said. “Obviously, not all businesses can open all at once. A more strategic approach is required to ensure that we don’t reopen only to have to close down again.”